2 Kings 25:20

Authorized King James Version

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And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֣ח took H3947
וַיִּקַּ֣ח took
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 1 of 11
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֹתָ֔ם H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן And Nebuzaradan H5018
נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן And Nebuzaradan
Strong's: H5018
Word #: 3 of 11
nebuzaradan, a babylonian general
רַב captain H7227
רַב captain
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 4 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
טַבָּחִ֑ים of the guard H2876
טַבָּחִ֑ים of the guard
Strong's: H2876
Word #: 5 of 11
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
וַיֹּ֧לֶךְ H1980
וַיֹּ֧לֶךְ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 6 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֹתָ֛ם H853
אֹתָ֛ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מֶ֥לֶךְ them to the king H4428
מֶ֥לֶךְ them to the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 9 of 11
a king
בָּבֶ֖ל of Babylon H894
בָּבֶ֖ל of Babylon
Strong's: H894
Word #: 10 of 11
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
רִבְלָֽתָה׃ to Riblah H7247
רִבְלָֽתָה׃ to Riblah
Strong's: H7247
Word #: 11 of 11
riblah, a place in syria

Analysis & Commentary

And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 25 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection

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