2 Kings 25 19

2 Kings 25:19 kjv

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:

2 Kings 25:19 nkjv

He also took out of the city an officer who had charge of the men of war, five men of the king's close associates who were found in the city, the chief recruiting officer of the army, who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the city.

2 Kings 25:19 niv

Of those still in the city, he took the officer in charge of the fighting men, and five royal advisers. He also took the secretary who was chief officer in charge of conscripting the people of the land and sixty of the conscripts who were found in the city.

2 Kings 25:19 esv

and from the city he took an officer who had been in command of the men of war, and five men of the king's council who were found in the city; and the secretary of the commander of the army, who mustered the people of the land; and sixty men of the people of the land, who were found in the city.

2 Kings 25:19 nlt

And from among the people still hiding in the city, he took an officer who had been in charge of the Judean army; five of the king's personal advisers; the army commander's chief secretary, who was in charge of recruitment; and sixty other citizens.

2 Kings 25 verses

2 Kings 25 19 Meaning

2 Kings 25:19 meticulously details a segment of the influential individuals captured from Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, commander of the Babylonian guard. These figures represent the comprehensive collapse of Judah's governmental, military, and social leadership during the fall of Jerusalem. The list includes a military chief responsible for the army, top royal advisors, a key military administrator, and a group representing the general populace or landholders, all destined for judgment outside the city walls. This selective capture highlights the Babylonians' strategic intent to dismantle Judah's organized resistance and any remaining structure of its monarchy, sealing the nation's defeat.

2 Kings 25 19 Context

2 Kings chapter 25 details the final events leading to the destruction of the Kingdom of Judah. It opens with Nebuchadnezzar's third and final siege of Jerusalem, which lasted about eighteen months (2 Ki 25:1-3), culminating in famine and the city's breach. King Zedekiah and his forces attempted to flee but were captured (2 Ki 25:4-7), with Zedekiah enduring a horrific punishment: witnessing his sons' execution before his eyes were put out. Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain of the guard, arrived in Jerusalem a month later and executed a thorough destruction, burning the temple, the king's palace, and all the great houses, and breaking down the city walls (2 Ki 25:8-10). The remaining inhabitants, except for the poorest, were taken into exile (2 Ki 25:11). Verses 13-17 catalog the extensive plundering of Temple treasures, while verses 18-21 detail the capture and execution of key officials. Verse 19, specifically, itemizes those taken from the city, underscoring the completeness of Babylon's control and the utter demise of Judah's state apparatus. This systematic removal of leadership sealed the fate of the Davidic monarchy and inaugurated the seventy-year Babylonian Exile.

2 Kings 25 19 Word analysis

• And from the city he took: This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the devastated capital after the siege. "He took" indicates Nebuzaradan, commander of the guard. The emphasis is on the direct capture from the heart of the fallen nation.
• An officer: Hebrew: sā·rîs (סָרִיס). This term often translates to "eunuch," referring to a court official, frequently holding high administrative or military positions. In ancient Near Eastern courts, eunuchs could wield significant power and responsibility, overseeing king's personal matters or leading segments of the army. This individual was a high-ranking military leader, crucial for wartime command.
• Who had charge of the men of war: This phrase specifies the saris's role, highlighting his military authority. He was responsible for commanding a significant portion of Judah's fighting force, meaning his capture represented the incapacitation of Judah's military hierarchy.
• And five men of the king’s most trusted advisors: Hebrew: rō·’ê pə·nê ham·me·leḵ (רֹאֵי פְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ). Literally, "those who see the face of the king," implying intimate access to the king, direct counsel, and high levels of influence. These were members of the king's inner circle, entrusted with critical decision-making, showing the targeting of the political and administrative core. The "five" suggests a select, powerful group.
• Who were found in the city: Reinforces that these significant figures were present during the final collapse, rather than having escaped. This detail adds to the picture of total capture and helplessness.
• And the scribe of the commander of the army: Hebrew: sō·p̄êr śar haṣ·ṣā·ḇā (סוֹפֵר שַׂר הַצָּבָא). The "scribe" (sopher) was not merely a copyist but often a high-ranking official, equivalent to a secretary of state, skilled in administration, diplomacy, and record-keeping. The "scribe of the commander of the army" indicates a pivotal role in military logistics, planning, and communication. Their capture meant the disorganization and functional breakdown of any potential military resistance.
• Who mustered the people of the land: This clause specifies the scribe's crucial function. He was responsible for conscription, maintaining army records, and coordinating military strength, embodying the administrative control over Judah's human resources for defense.
• And sixty men of the people of the land: Hebrew: śiš·šîm ’îš mê·‘am hā·’ā·reṣ (שִׁשִּׁים אִישׁ מֵעַם הָאָרֶץ). The term "‘am hā’āreṣ" ("people of the land") can refer to the general populace, the landowners, or a specific social class that exercised some political power (sometimes involved in popular acclamations for kings). In this context, it likely signifies a substantial cross-section of influential or notable citizens, not just the lowest class. Their capture shows a broader reach of Babylonian control beyond the immediate government, signaling the collective downfall of Judah's structured society.
• Who were found in the city: Repeats the earlier phrase, emphasizing the thoroughness of the Babylonian roundup within Jerusalem itself, ensuring that a representative body of the city's key players was captured.

2 Kings 25 19 Bonus section

The number "five" for the king's advisors, contrasting with the "seven" frequently mentioned in other Near Eastern courts, might be a precise count in this dire circumstance, or a specific representation of the highest tier. The "people of the land" (ʿam hā’āreṣ) had historically played a significant role in major national decisions, sometimes involved in royal successions. Their inclusion here indicates a sweep beyond mere governmental and military staff, showing that even broader influential segments of the populace were targeted, ensuring no remaining leadership was left to stir rebellion. This verse's specificity regarding individuals stands in stark contrast to the general descriptions of the exile elsewhere, lending it a profound, chilling realism and underscoring the personal tragedy intertwined with the national catastrophe. The capture and subsequent execution of these leaders demonstrate the complete triumph of Nebuchadnezzar, as predicted by the prophets (e.g., Jer 20:5-6; 21:7; 32:4-5), removing any last vestiges of the nation’s independence.

2 Kings 25 19 Commentary

2 Kings 25:19 provides a precise enumeration of the key individuals singled out by Nebuzaradan from the captured city of Jerusalem for execution. Far from a random selection, this list illustrates the meticulousness of Babylonian conquest in neutralizing Judah's potential for recovery. The presence of an officer over the men of war highlights the complete collapse of Judah's military capacity; the king's most trusted advisors signify the dismantling of political and strategic counsel; the army commander's scribe represents the eradication of military administration and logistics; and the "sixty men of the people of the land" symbolize a wider suppression of influential societal members. Together, these captives represent the brain, sinew, and backbone of Judah. Their seizure marks the finality of divine judgment against Judah for its prolonged rebellion against God, despite numerous prophetic warnings. The list anticipates their swift and decisive execution (2 Ki 25:20-21) at Riblah, cementing the end of the Davidic kingdom and initiating the long period of Babylonian exile, a somber fulfillment of warnings against disobedience in the Mosaic Law and the words of prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah. This detailed account emphasizes the completeness of Judah’s downfall, orchestrated by God’s sovereign hand, even through a foreign king, to purify and reshape His people.