Jeremiah 39:1-2

The Fall of Jerusalem

1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to it.
2 And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city wall was broken through.

Jeremiah 39:1-2 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. S Jeremiah 25:29
  • 2. S 2 Chronicles 36:11
  • 3. S 2 Kings 24:1; S Jeremiah 28:14
  • 4. S 2 Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 52:4; Ezekiel 4:3; Ezekiel 24:2
  • 5. Zechariah 8:19
  • 6. S 2 Kings 14:13
  • 7. Ezekiel 33:21
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