2 Kings 25:26

Authorized King James Version

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And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.

Original Language Analysis

וַיָּקֻ֨מוּ arose H6965
וַיָּקֻ֨מוּ arose
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 1 of 14
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כָל H3605
כָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֜ם And all the people H5971
הָעָ֜ם And all the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 3 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִקָּטֹ֤ן both small H6996
מִקָּטֹ֤ן both small
Strong's: H6996
Word #: 4 of 14
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וְעַד H5704
וְעַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 5 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גָּדוֹל֙ and great H1419
גָּדוֹל֙ and great
Strong's: H1419
Word #: 6 of 14
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וְשָׂרֵ֣י and the captains H8269
וְשָׂרֵ֣י and the captains
Strong's: H8269
Word #: 7 of 14
a head person (of any rank or class)
הַֽחֲיָלִ֔ים of the armies H2428
הַֽחֲיָלִ֔ים of the armies
Strong's: H2428
Word #: 8 of 14
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ and came H935
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ and came
Strong's: H935
Word #: 9 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִצְרָ֑יִם to Egypt H4714
מִצְרָ֑יִם to Egypt
Strong's: H4714
Word #: 10 of 14
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 11 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָֽרְא֖וּ for they were afraid H3372
יָֽרְא֖וּ for they were afraid
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 12 of 14
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִפְּנֵ֥י of H6440
מִפְּנֵ֥י of
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 13 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כַשְׂדִּֽים׃ the Chaldees H3778
כַשְׂדִּֽים׃ the Chaldees
Strong's: H3778
Word #: 14 of 14
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

Analysis & Commentary

And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. 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.

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