2 Kings 25:26

26 Then all the Israelites, rich and poor alike, together with the army officers, left and went to Egypt, because they were afraid of the Babylonians. ¹

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 said to them, "I give you my word that there is no need for you to be afraid of the Babylonian officials. Settle in this land, serve the king of Babylonia, and all will go well with you."

25 But in the seventh month of that year, Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah and grandson of Elishama, a member of the royal family, went to Mizpah with ten men, attacked Gedaliah, and killed him. He also killed the Israelites and Babylonians who were there with him.

26 Then all the Israelites, rich and poor alike, together with the army officers, left and went to Egypt, because they were afraid of the Babylonians.

27 In the year that Evilmerodach became king of Babylonia, he showed kindness to King Jehoiachin of Judah by releasing him from prison. This happened on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year after Jehoiachin had been taken away as prisoner.

28 Evilmerodach treated him kindly and gave him a position of greater honor than he gave the other kings who were exiles with him in Babylonia.

Cross References

• 1. 25.26Jeremiah 43.5-7.