2 Kings 25 Jerusalem is besieged: Zedekiah taken; his sons slain; and his eyes put out, 2 Kings 25:1–7. Nebuzar-adan burneth Jerusalem and the temple; breaketh down the wall of the city; carrieth the remnant, except a few poor labourers, into captivity, and much treasure, 2 Kings 25:8–17; slayeth…

To chastise Zedekiah for his rebellion and perjury, 2 Chron. 36:13. They built forts against it round about; partly to keep all supplies of men or provisions from entering into the city; and partly that from thence they might shoot darts, or arrows, or stones into the city. See Jer. 52:4, Ezek.

The fourth month; which word is easily understood, by comparing this and the first verse, and Jer. 39:2, Jer. 52:6, where it is expressed. For the people of the land, i.e.

The city was broken up by the Chaldeans, who broke and entered the gate, Jer. 39:3. The men of war fled; which word is fitly supplied out of the parallel place, Jer. 39:4, or out of the following verb, went away.

To Riblah; of which See Poole “2 Kings 23:33”, and See Poole “2 Kings 25:21”, where Nebuchadnezzar staid, that he might both supply the besiegers with more men, and military provisions, as their occasions required; and have an eye to Chaldea, to prevent or suppress any commotions which might happen…

Thus two prophecies were fulfilled, which seemed contrary one to the other, that he should go to Babylon, Jer. 32:5, Jer. 34:3, and that he should never see Babylon; which seeming contradiction, because Zedekiah the false prophet could not reconcile, he concluded both were false, and that Jeremiah…

On the seventh day of the month. Quest. How doth this agree with Jer. 52:12, where he is said to come thither on the tenth day? Answ. Either he came to Jerusalem on the seventh day, and burnt the temple on the tenth day; or this sacred writer speaks of the day of his departure from Riblah towards…

He burnt the house of the Lord, which had now stood about four hundred and fifty years.

The people that were left in the city, whom neither the sword nor famine had destroyed, who were eight hundred and thirty-two persons, Jer. 52:29, being members and traders of that city; for it is likely that there were very many more of the country people who were fled thither, who were left with…

The pillars of brass; the carriage whereof to Babylon was foretold, Jer. 27:19, Jer. 27:22.

The shovels; of these and the following words, See Poole “Ex. 27:1” See 1 Kings 6:0 1 Kings 7:0.

Seraiah the chief priest; the high priest, grandson of that Hilkiah, of whom 2 Kings 22:4, and father of Jehozadak, who, as it seems, was taken with his father; and when his father was slain, 2 Kings 25:21, he was carried away to Babylon, as it is noted, 1 Chron. 6:14–15.

Of them that were in the king’s presence, i.e. of them who constantly attended upon the king’s person: see 1 Kings 10:8, Est. 1:14. Object. These were seven, Jer. 52:25. Answ.

A righteous and good man, and a friend to the prophet Jeremiah, Jer. 26:24.

The captains of the armies, which escaped away when Zedekiah was taken. See Poole “2 Kings 25:4”, See Poole “2 Kings 25:5”.

Sware to them, and to their men; assured them by his promise and oath, that they, doing what he required, should be kept from the evils which they feared.

The seed royal; and therefore moved with envy, to see so mean a person advanced into their place. See this history more fully described, Jer. 41:0. Ten men, to wit, ten captains or officers, and under each of them many soldiers; otherwise the attempt was ridiculous.

On the seven and twentieth day; or, on the twenty-fifth day, as it is Jer. 52:31; for then the decree was made, which was executed upon the twenty-seventh day.

It seems, though the power of these kings was taken away, yet some honour and respect was given to them, even in the place of their captivity, and to Jehoiachin more than to any of the rest.

i.e. In his presence, and at his table, the following allowance being given to him for the maintenance of his family and royal dignity. Compare 2 Sam. 9:10.