Jeremiah 52:26
So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.
Original Language Analysis
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רַב
the captain
H7227
רַב
the captain
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
טַבָּחִ֑ים
of the guard
H2876
טַבָּחִ֑ים
of the guard
Strong's:
H2876
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
וַיֹּ֧לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֹּ֧לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אוֹתָ֛ם
H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Riblah served as Pharaoh Neco's headquarters earlier (2 Kings 23:33) where he deposed Jehoahaz. Now Babylon uses the same location to judge Zedekiah, showing the transfer of regional power from Egypt to Babylon, exactly as Jeremiah prophesied.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Nebuzar-adan's dual role (executing leaders but protecting Jeremiah) reveal about God's sovereignty over pagan rulers?
- How does the 200-mile march to judgment symbolize the distance Judah had strayed from covenant faithfulness?
- In what ways does God providentially protect His faithful servants even in contexts of widespread judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard (נְבוּזַרְאֲדָן רַב־טַבָּחִים, literally 'chief of the executioners') brought the leaders to Riblah (רִבְלָה), Nebuchadnezzar's military headquarters in Syria, 200 miles north of Jerusalem. Riblah was strategically located on the Orontes River, controlling trade routes between Mesopotamia and Egypt.
The journey to Riblah would have been a brutal forced march, chains binding men who once walked in power. This same Nebuzar-adan had shown kindness to Jeremiah (39:11-14), demonstrating that God can move pagan hearts to preserve His prophets even while executing judgment on covenant-breakers.