2 Kings 25:26

26 Then all the people, from the youngest to the oldest, and the commanders of the army, left and went to Egypt, for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.[a]

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 swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, "Don't be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well for you."
25 In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, of the royal family, came with 10 men and struck down Gedaliah, and he died. Also, [they killed] the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah.
26 Then all the people, from the youngest to the oldest, and the commanders of the army, left and went to Egypt, for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.
27 On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah's King Jehoiachin, Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year he became king, pardoned King Jehoiachin of Judah [and released him] from prison.
28 He spoke kindly to him and set his throne over the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon.

Footnotes 1

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