2 Kings 25:19
And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:
Original Language Analysis
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
1 of 33
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
בָּעִֽיר׃
And out of the city
H5892
בָּעִֽיר׃
And out of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 33
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
סָרִ֨יס
officer
H5631
סָרִ֨יס
officer
Strong's:
H5631
Word #:
4 of 33
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
אֲֽשֶׁר
H834
אֲֽשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 33
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
פָקִ֣יד׀
that was set
H6496
פָקִ֣יד׀
that was set
Strong's:
H6496
Word #:
8 of 33
a superintendent (civil, military or religious)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 33
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲנָשִׁ֜ים
men
H582
אֲנָשִׁ֜ים
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
10 of 33
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה
of war
H4421
הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה
of war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
11 of 33
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
אֲנָשִׁ֜ים
men
H582
אֲנָשִׁ֜ים
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
13 of 33
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
מֵֽרֹאֵ֤י
of them that were
H7200
מֵֽרֹאֵ֤י
of them that were
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 33
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
פְנֵֽי
presence
H6440
פְנֵֽי
presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
15 of 33
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֖ים
that were found
H4672
הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֖ים
that were found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
18 of 33
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בָּעִֽיר׃
And out of the city
H5892
בָּעִֽיר׃
And out of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
19 of 33
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְאֵ֗ת
H853
וְאֵ֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַסֹּפֵר֙
scribe
H5608
הַסֹּפֵר֙
scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
21 of 33
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
הַצָּבָ֔א
of the host
H6635
הַצָּבָ֔א
of the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
23 of 33
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵעַ֣ם
of the people
H5971
מֵעַ֣ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
26 of 33
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִישׁ֙
men
H376
אִישׁ֙
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
29 of 33
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מֵעַ֣ם
of the people
H5971
מֵעַ֣ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
30 of 33
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 25 regarding covenant curses fulfilled completely?
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:
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.