2 Kings 25:7

Authorized King James Version

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And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵי֙ the sons H1121
בְּנֵי֙ the sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
צִדְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙ of Zedekiah H6667
צִדְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙ of Zedekiah
Strong's: H6667
Word #: 3 of 13
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
שָֽׁחֲט֖וּ And they slew H7819
שָֽׁחֲט֖וּ And they slew
Strong's: H7819
Word #: 4 of 13
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
עֵינֵ֤י before his eyes H5869
עֵינֵ֤י before his eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 5 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֵ֤י before his eyes H5869
עֵינֵ֤י before his eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 7 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
צִדְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙ of Zedekiah H6667
צִדְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙ of Zedekiah
Strong's: H6667
Word #: 8 of 13
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
עִוֵּ֔ר and put out H5786
עִוֵּ֔ר and put out
Strong's: H5786
Word #: 9 of 13
to blind
וַיַּֽאַסְרֵ֙הוּ֙ and bound H631
וַיַּֽאַסְרֵ֙הוּ֙ and bound
Strong's: H631
Word #: 10 of 13
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
בַֽנְחֻשְׁתַּ֔יִם him with fetters H5178
בַֽנְחֻשְׁתַּ֔יִם him with fetters
Strong's: H5178
Word #: 11 of 13
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ and carried H935
וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ and carried
Strong's: H935
Word #: 12 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בָּבֶֽל׃ him to Babylon H894
בָּבֶֽל׃ him to Babylon
Strong's: H894
Word #: 13 of 13
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Analysis & Commentary

And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

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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