Jeremiah 39:11
Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard, saying,
Original Language Analysis
נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֥ר
Now Nebuchadrezzar
H5019
נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֥ר
Now Nebuchadrezzar
Strong's:
H5019
Word #:
2 of 11
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
4 of 11
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִרְמְיָ֑הוּ
concerning Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֑הוּ
concerning Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
6 of 11
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
בְּיַ֛ד
to
H3027
בְּיַ֛ד
to
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 11
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
רַב
the captain
H7227
רַב
the captain
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
9 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar's awareness of Jeremiah likely came from multiple sources: intelligence reports about Jerusalem's internal politics, testimonies from earlier deportees (597 BC), and possibly Jeremiah's letter to the exiles (chapter 29). The king would have valued a voice advocating cooperation with Babylon. Nebuzar-adan served as Nebuchadnezzar's chief enforcer, overseeing both military operations and the administration of conquered territories.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's protection of Jeremiah through pagan authorities demonstrate His absolute sovereignty?
- When has God used unexpected or unlikely people to preserve and provide for you?
- What does this passage teach about the difference between earthly political success and divine approval?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah (צִוָּה, tzivvah)—The verb tzavah means to command, give orders. The pagan emperor issued protective orders for God's prophet while the covenant king languished in chains—stunning reversal. God had promised Jeremiah, 'I will make you... a fortified city, an iron pillar' (1:18), and even Babylon's king became unwittingly God's instrument to preserve His servant.
To Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard (רַב־טַבָּחִים, rav-tabachim)—Literally 'chief of the executioners/butchers,' this title emphasizes the irony: the man responsible for slaughter is charged with Jeremiah's safety. God's providence operates through the most unlikely instruments. Nebuchadnezzar had somehow heard of Jeremiah (perhaps through earlier Babylonian intelligence or Jewish informants), recognizing that this prophet had consistently counseled submission to Babylon as God's appointed judgment.