Jeremiah 52:8

Authorized King James Version

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
חֵיל֔וֹ
But the army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#3
כַּשְׂדִּים֙
of the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#4
אַחֲרֵ֣י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#5
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
the king
a king
#6
וַיַּשִּׂ֥יגוּ
and overtook
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
צִדְקִיָּ֖הוּ
Zedekiah
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
#9
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
in the plains
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#10
יְרֵח֑וֹ
of Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#11
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
חֵיל֔וֹ
But the army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#13
נָפֹ֖צוּ
was scattered
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#14
מֵעָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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