2 Kings Chapter 24 · Verse 10
At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 11
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֔יא
H1931
הַהִ֔יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָל֗הּ
came up
H5927
עָל֗הּ
came up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
נְבֻֽכַדְנֶאצַּ֥ר
of Nebuchadnezzar
H5019
נְבֻֽכַדְנֶאצַּ֥ר
of Nebuchadnezzar
Strong's:
H5019
Word #:
5 of 11
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
7 of 11
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
against Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
against Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
8 of 11
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וַתָּבֹ֥א
was besieged
H935
וַתָּבֹ֥א
was besieged
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 24 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Beginning of Babylonian Captivity) 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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 24 regarding judgment unfolds progressively?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 24: Judgment unfolds progressively. 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.