2 Kings 25:26

26 But then, afraid of what the Babylonians would do, they all took off for Egypt, leaders and people, small and great.

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 assured the officers and their men, giving them his word, "Don't be afraid of the Babylonian officials. Go back to your farms and families and respect the king of Babylon. Trust me, everything is going to be all right."

25 Some time later - it was in the seventh month - Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama (he had royal blood in him), came back with ten men and killed Gedaliah, the traitor Jews, and the Babylonian officials who were stationed at Mizpah - a bloody massacre.

26 But then, afraid of what the Babylonians would do, they all took off for Egypt, leaders and people, small and great.

27 When Jehoiachin king of Judah had been in exile for thirty-seven years, Evil-Merodach became king in Babylon and let Jehoiachin out of prison. This release took place on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month.

28 The king treated him most courteously and gave him preferential treatment beyond anything experienced by the other political prisoners held in Babylon.