2 Kings 25:4
And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.
2 Kings 25:4 · King James Version
Meaning
During the siege of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, the city was in chaos. The verse describes how the city was broken up, and the men of war fled by night through a gate located between two walls near the king's garden. This gate was likely a secret or secondary exit used to escape the enemy forces. The Chaldeans had surrounded the city, leaving the inhabitants with limited options for escape. Despite the difficult circumstances, the king of Judah made his way towards the plain, possibly in a last attempt to flee or strategize a defense. This verse portrays the desperation and fear experienced by the people of Jerusalem as they tried to evade capture and destruction by the enemy. It gives insight into the tense and precarious situation faced by the city during this tumultuous time.
Theological Overview
In this verse, there are several elements that can be gleaned from a theological interpretation and word study. The phrase "the city was broken up" suggests the fall and destruction of a fortified city, which can symbolize the consequences of sin and disobedience. The mention of men of war fleeing by night could signify the cowardice of those who are not willing to stand and fight for what is right. The gate between two walls could symbolize a narrow path or a point of decision where one must choose a direction. The king's garden may symbolize a place of peace and tranquility amidst chaos. The mention of the Chaldees being against the city round about could indicate the presence of enemies surrounding and threatening from all sides. The king going toward the plain may symbolize a leader's retreat or escape in the face of overwhelming odds. Overall, this verse can serve as a reminder of the consequences of sin, the importance of making courageous choices, and the need for faith in times of trouble.
2 Kings 25:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden (now the Chaldeans were against the city round about); and [the king] went by the way of the Arabah.
World English Bible
Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king’s garden (now the Chaldeans were against the city around it); and the king went by the way of the Arabah.
Douay-Rheims
And a breach was made into the city: and all the men of war fled in the night between the two walls by the king's garden (now the Chaldees besieged the city round about), and Sedecias fled by the way that leadeth to the plains of the wilderness.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the citie was broken vp, and all the men of warre fled by night, by the way of the gate, which is betweene two walles that was by the Kings garden: nowe the Caldees were by the citie round about: and the King went by the way of the wildernesse.