2 Kings 25:26

26 After he had killed Gedaliah, all of the people ran away to Egypt. Everyone from the least important of them to the most important ran away. The army officers went with them. All of them went to Egypt because they were afraid of the Babylonians.

2 Kings 25:26 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 25:26

And all the people, both small and great
High and low, rich and poor, among whom were the king's daughters, committed to the care of Gedaliah, and also the prophets Jeremiah and Baruch, see ( Jeremiah 41:16 ) ( 43:6 )

and the captains of the armies rose, and came to Egypt;
contrary to the express command of God; these were Johanan, and the captain of the forces with him, ( Jeremiah 43:4 Jeremiah 43:5 )

for they were afraid of the Chaldees;
lest they should come and avenge the death of Gedaliah, appointed governor of Judea, see ( Jeremiah 41:17 ) ( 43:3 ) .

2 Kings 25:26 In-Context

24 Gedaliah took an oath to give hope to all of those men. He spoke in a kind way to them. He said, "Don't be afraid of the officials from Babylonia. Settle down in the land of Judah. Serve the king of Babylonia. Then things will go well with you."

25 But in the seventh month Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, came with ten men. He killed Gedaliah. He also killed the people of Judah and Babylonia who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah. Nethaniah was the son of Elishama. Ishmael was a member of the royal family.

26 After he had killed Gedaliah, all of the people ran away to Egypt. Everyone from the least important of them to the most important ran away. The army officers went with them. All of them went to Egypt because they were afraid of the Babylonians.

27 Evil-Merodach set Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, free from prison. It was in the 37th year after Jehoiachin had been taken away to Babylon. It was also the year Evil-Merodach became king of Babylonia. It was on the 27th day of the 12th month.

28 Evil-Merodach spoke kindly to Jehoiachin. He gave him a place of honor. Other kings were with Jehoiachin in Babylon. But his place was more important than theirs.