Bible Commentaries

Nebuchadnezzar. Or, Nebuchadrezzar (Jeremiah 21:2, Jeremiah 21:7; Jeremiah 22:25), or Nebuchadonosor in Josephus and Berosus, Septuagint, and Vulgate. This is the first occurrence of his name in Scripture.

came up. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 25:1; Jeremiah 46:2). Daniel says in third year (2 Kings 1:1); but he writes from Babylon, whence Nebuchadnezzar set out, and here (compare Jeremiah 46:2), it refers to the actual coming. The Babylonian Servitude begins here (496 to 426 BC).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

bands = marauding bands.

children = sons.

by = through. Hebrew by the hand of "Hand" put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is effected by it.

commandment. Hebrew mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is spoken by it.

according to all. A special reading called Sevir (App-34) reads "in all". So some codices.

blood. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), for murder, and the guilt of it.

the rest. See 2 Chronicles 36:6-8.

are they not . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.

slept with his fathers. Only the fact referred to here. Not the manner of his death and burial, for which see Jeremiah 22:18, Jeremiah 22:19; Jeremiah 36:29, Jeremiah 36:30 It was as foretold. The expression "slept with his fathers" is used even of Ahab; and every king of Judah whose death is recorded is said also to have been buried, except Jehoiakim. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16.

Jehoiachin. Called also Coniah and Jeconiah (Jeremiah 22:24; Jeremiah 24:1).

eighteen. This was his age. In 2 Chronicles 36:9 he is said to be eight. See note there.

three months. Is put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), for three months and ten days. Compare 2 Chronicles 36:9.

the servants Of. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint and Syriac, omit these words, and read "came up".

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) 2Kings 11-16 to emphasize every detail.

did besiege = were besieging.

officers: i.e. eunuchs or chamberlains.

the eighth year. Computed from the time that his father entrusted him with regal authority. This was the 4th year of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 25:1, Compare 2 Kings 32:1).

as = according as.

had said. Compare 2 Kings 20:17.

carried away. This deportation was eleven years before that of Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:18). Mordecai was in this deportation. See note on 2 Chronicles 36:6. The Captivity begun in 489.

craftsmen = artificers.

the People of the land. Compare 2 Kings 23:6.

Jehoiachin to Babylon. Where he was captive for thirty-seven years.

the mighty of the land. Princes and potentates, priests and prophets (Jeremiah 29:1). Among them Ezekiel (2 Kings 1:12), Daniel, and Nehemiah.

men. Hebrew. "enosh. App-14.

smiths = armourers.

changed his name. See note on 2 Kings 23:34.

Hamutal. Therefore only half-brother to Jehoiakim, but full brother to Jehoahaz.

did that which was evil. See 2 Chronicles 36:12-16. Jeremiah 24:8; Jeremiah 37:2; Jeremiah 38:2, Jeremiah 38:5.

rebelled. Though bound by oath (2 Chronicles 36:13. Ezekiel 17:13).