2 Kings 25 30

2 Kings 25:30 kjv

And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.

2 Kings 25:30 nkjv

And as for his provisions, there was a regular ration given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.

2 Kings 25:30 niv

Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.

2 Kings 25:30 esv

and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, according to his daily needs, as long as he lived.

2 Kings 25:30 nlt

So the king gave him a regular food allowance as long as he lived.

2 Kings 25 verses

2 Kings 25 30 Meaning

This verse signifies a pivotal shift in the fortunes of Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, who had been imprisoned in Babylon for thirty-seven years. It states that from the day of his release until his death, he received a continuous, daily provision from the king of Babylon, consistent with the allowance given to other kings at the Babylonian court. This marks the preservation and elevated status of a descendant of David, even amidst the desolation of Judah, providing a glimmer of hope and continuity for the Davidic lineage at the end of the Book of Kings.

2 Kings 25 30 Context

2 Kings chapter 25 describes the final, devastating period of the Kingdom of Judah. It recounts the siege of Jerusalem, its ultimate fall, the destruction of the Temple and the city, the execution of Zedekiah's sons, and the exiling of the remaining populace to Babylon. It is a chronicle of judgment for persistent unfaithfulness. However, verse 30, which concludes the entire book, presents a surprising turn. After nearly four decades of imprisonment, Jehoiachin, a legitimate king in the Davidic line (succeeding his father Jehoiakim), is released by Evil-Merodach, who had just ascended the Babylonian throne (562 BC). Not only is he freed, but his status is elevated above other exiled kings, receiving regular, royal provisions from the Babylonian king's table. This singular act of unexpected grace stands as the very last word of 2 Kings, offering a stark contrast to the destruction preceding it and hinting at God's sovereign hand in preserving the covenant line of David, despite the apparent complete ruin of His people.

2 Kings 25 30 Word analysis

• And for his allowance (וְאֲרֻחָתוֹ):
  • וְ (ve-) is "and," connecting this event to Jehoiachin's release in the previous verse (v.29). It signifies continuation.
  • אֲרֻחָה (aruchah) refers to a "fixed portion," "ration," "meal," or "provision." It highlights a scheduled and regular sustenance, not merely occasional charity. The term is also found in Jeremiah (52:34) in the parallel account, underscoring its precise nature.
• there was a continual allowance (אֲרֻחַת תָּמִיד):
  • אֲרֻחָה (aruchah) again, confirming the established provision.
  • תָּמִיד (tamid) means "continuously," "perpetually," "always." This emphasizes the unending nature of the provision, distinct from temporary relief. It indicates an assured supply throughout the rest of his life. This concept is seen elsewhere for offerings (Exo 29:42) and the showbread (Exo 25:30), pointing to a ritualistic or consistent practice.
• given him of the king (נִתְּנָה לוֹ מֵאֵת הַמֶּלֶךְ):
  • נִתְּנָה (nittənah) is the passive form of "given." The allowance was provided to him, not something he had to work for. It denotes an act of royal benevolence.
  • מֵאֵת הַמֶּלֶךְ (me'et hammélekh) "from the king," specifically Evil-Merodach. This highlights the source of the provision and Jehoiachin's esteemed status within the Babylonian court, recognized by the supreme authority.
• a daily rate (דְּבַר יֹום בְּיֹומֹו):
  • דְּבַר (dǝvar) can mean "word" or "thing/matter of." Here, it signifies "matter of the day" or "that which pertains to each day."
  • יֹום בְּיֹומֹו (yom bəyomo) means "day in its day" or "daily." It underlines the regular, day-by-day provision. This reinforces the idea of consistent care and foresight, not haphazard handouts. This phrasing implies methodical and organized support.
• all the days of his life (כֹּל יְמֵי חַיָּיו):
  • כֹּל (kol) means "all," "every."
  • יְמֵי (yəmei) is "days of."
  • חַיָּיו (chayav) is "his life." This phrase ensures the continuity of the allowance until Jehoiachin's death, emphasizing the long-term commitment of the Babylonian king, which ultimately serves God's eternal purpose for the Davidic covenant.

2 Kings 25 30 Bonus section

This final verse in 2 Kings provides a stark contrast to the previous treatment of Jehoiachin's uncle and predecessor, Zedekiah, whose eyes were put out before he was carried away to Babylon to die in prison (2 Ki 25:7). Jehoiachin's story offers a different outcome, emphasizing God's prerogative to show mercy. The inclusion of Jehoiachin's release at the very end of the Books of Kings serves as a deliberate literary device, a slight uplift that suggests hope beyond the tragedy. It implicitly foreshadows the eventual return from exile, an event not fully described in Kings but picking up directly in Ezra. It bridges the period of destruction to the time of eventual restoration and sets the stage for God's continuing work with His people.

2 Kings 25 30 Commentary

2 Kings 25:30, the closing verse of the Book of Kings, serves as a poignant epilogue to the devastating judgment recounted in the preceding verses. After chronicling the complete downfall of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the exile of its people, the narrative ends not with utter despair, but with a subtle yet powerful testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness. Jehoiachin, a captive king, whose very existence symbolized Judah's humiliation, experiences an unexpected and permanent elevation. He receives a "continual allowance," a "daily rate," directly "from the king" of Babylon, ensuring his well-being "all the days of his life." This signifies more than just a prisoner's reprieve; it's a recognition of his royal status and dignity even in exile.

This seemingly minor detail carries profound theological weight. First, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to move the hearts of even pagan rulers like Evil-Merodach (Prov 21:1) to fulfill His divine purposes. Even when Israel faces judgment for their disobedience, God remains true to His covenant with David, ensuring a descendant of the royal line survives and is maintained. Second, it offers a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. While the kingdom has fallen, the seed of David is not extinguished (2 Sam 7:16; Jer 33:17). This enduring line is critical for the future arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in whose genealogy Jehoiachin is recorded (Matt 1:12). Third, the "continual allowance" can be seen as an illustration of God's faithful provision for His people, even in their brokenness and foreign captivity (Phil 4:19). It signals that Judah’s story is not over, and that divine favor, though seemingly delayed, is not eternally withdrawn.