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Jeremiah 39:5

But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

Jeremiah 39:5 · King James Version

Meaning

After the fall of Jerusalem, King Zedekiah attempted to flee from the pursuing Chaldean army. However, he was ultimately captured in the plains of Jericho. The Chaldeans then brought Zedekiah before Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, at Riblah in the land of Hamath. This event marked the culmination of Zedekiah's reign, as Nebuchadnezzar passed judgment upon him for his rebellion. The capture and subsequent judgment of Zedekiah demonstrated the overwhelming power of the Babylonian empire and the consequences of defying its authority. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences that can arise from disobedience. Ultimately, the fall of Zedekiah and Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecies of judgment against the kingdom of Judah for their disobedience and idolatry.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the theme of divine judgment and consequences for disobedience. Zedekiah, the king of Judah, had rebelled against the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, leading to the eventual capture and judgment by the Chaldeans. The pursuit, capture, and judgment of Zedekiah highlight the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as Zedekiah's actions against Nebuchadnezzar led to his own downfall. The word "judgment" used in this verse underscores the idea that justice will ultimately be served, even if it means facing the consequences of one's sins. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the ramifications of turning away from His will.

Jeremiah 39:5 in other translations

American Standard Version

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he [ gave judgment upon him.

World English Bible

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he gave judgment on him.

Douay-Rheims

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them: and they took Sedecias in the plain of the desert of Jericho, and when they had taken him, they brought him to Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon to Reblatha, which is in the land of Emath: and he gave judgment upon him.

Geneva Bible (1599)

But the Caldeans hoste pursued after them, and ouertooke Zedekiah in the desart of Iericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him to Nebuchad-nezzar King of Babel vnto Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gaue iudgement vpon him.