Jeremiah 39:8-12

8 1The Chaldeans burned the king's house and the house of the people, 2and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
9 Then 3Nebuzaradan, the 4captain of the guard, carried into exile to Babylon the rest of the people who were left in the city, 5those who had deserted to him, and the people who remained.
10 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, 6left in the land of Judah some of the poor people who owned nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

The Lord Delivers Jeremiah

11 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying,
12 7"Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but deal with him as he tells you."

Jeremiah 39:8-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 39

This chapter gives an account of the taking of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, according to the several prophecies of Jeremiah concerning it. The time of taking it, and by whom, after a siege of eighteen months, Jer 39:1-3; several things relating to King Zedekiah; his flight; the taking of him; the bringing him to the king of Babylon, and his sentence on him; the execution of that sentence, slaying his sons and nobles, putting out his eyes, and carrying him in chains to Babylon, Jer 39:4-7; the destruction of the city is described, by burning the houses in it, breaking down its walls, carrying the people captive, all, except a few poor persons left in the land, Jer 39:8-10; the preservation of Jeremiah, according to the king of Babylon's orders by his princes; and the committing him to the care of Gedaliah, the governor of the poor Jews, Jer 39:11-14; and the chapter is concluded with a promise of the protection of Ebedmelech, made by the Lord before the taking of the city, while the prophet was in prison; and which, no doubt, had its accomplishment, Jer 39:15-18.

Cross References 7

  • 1. See Jeremiah 21:10
  • 2. Nehemiah 1:3; [Psalms 80:12; Isaiah 5:5]
  • 3. Jeremiah 40:1; Jeremiah 52:12; 2 Kings 25:8
  • 4. Genesis 37:36
  • 5. See Jeremiah 37:13
  • 6. Jeremiah 40:7; 2 Kings 25:12
  • 7. Jeremiah 40:4
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.