2 Kings 25:6

Authorized King James Version

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So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂוּ֙ So they took H8610
וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂוּ֙ So they took
Strong's: H8610
Word #: 1 of 12
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֶ֥לֶךְ the king H4428
מֶ֥לֶךְ the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 3 of 12
a king
וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ and brought him up H5927
וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ and brought him up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 4 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֹת֛וֹ H853
אֹת֛וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 6 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
מֶ֥לֶךְ the king H4428
מֶ֥לֶךְ the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 7 of 12
a king
בָּבֶ֖ל of Babylon H894
בָּבֶ֖ל of Babylon
Strong's: H894
Word #: 8 of 12
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
רִבְלָ֑תָה to Riblah H7247
רִבְלָ֑תָה to Riblah
Strong's: H7247
Word #: 9 of 12
riblah, a place in syria
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ and they gave H1696
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ and they gave
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 10 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִתּ֖וֹ H854
אִתּ֖וֹ
Strong's: H854
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ judgment H4941
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

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.

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