2 Kings 24:14
And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
2 Kings 24:14 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse comes from the book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this particular passage, we see the consequences of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon's conquest of Jerusalem. The verse describes how the Babylonians carried away all the people of Jerusalem, including the princes, the mighty men of valor, craftsmen, and smiths as captives. The only ones left behind were the poorest of the land. This event marked a devastating moment in the history of Israel, as the city was left in ruins and its people taken into captivity. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of living in accordance with His commands. Through the study of this verse, we can reflect on the themes of conquest, destruction, and the impact of sin on a nation. It highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God in order to avoid similar consequences in our own lives.
Theological Overview
This verse from 2 Kings 24:14 provides a somber account of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar. The theological interpretation of this verse reflects the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. The captivity of the people of Jerusalem, including the princes, mighty men of valor, craftsmen, and smiths, symbolizes the judgment and discipline brought upon them due to their sinful ways. The act of carrying away the people as captives demonstrates God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with His chosen people when they stray from His commandments.
The word study of this verse reveals the significance of the different categories of people who were taken captive. The craftsmen and smiths were valued members of society, known for their skills and expertise. By removing them from Jerusalem, the Babylonians not only weakened the city's infrastructure but also stripped away its ability to function effectively. The phrase "none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land" highlights the harsh reality of the conquest, where only the most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals were left behind in a city devastated by war and loss.
2 Kings 24:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
World English Bible
He carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; no one remained, except the poorest sort of the people of the land.
Douay-Rheims
And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the valiant men of the army, to the number of ten thousand, into captivity: and every artificer and smith: and none were left, but the poor sort of the people of the land.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he caryed away all Ierusalem, and all the princes, and all the strong men of warre, euen ten thousande into captiuitie, and all the workemen, and cunning men: so none remained sauing the poore people of the lande.