2 Kings 25:24
2 Kings 25:24 in Multiple Translations
And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”
And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.
And Gedaliah sware to them and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not because of the servants of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
Then Gedaliah gave his oath to them and their men, saying, Have no fear because of the servants of the Chaldaeans; go on living in the land under the rule of the king of Babylon, and all will be well.
Gedaliah swore an oath to them and their men, telling them, “Don't be afraid of the Babylonian officials. Stay here in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and you'll be fine.”
And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and sayd vnto them, Feare not to be the seruants of the Caldees: dwell in the land, and serue the King of Babel, and ye shalbe well.
and Gedaliah sweareth to them, and to their men, and saith to them, 'Be not afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans, dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it is good for you.'
Gedaliah swore to them and to their men, and said to them, “Don’t be afraid because of the servants of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”
And Gedaliah swore to them, and to their men, and said to them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.
And Godolias swore to them and to their men, saying: Be not afraid to serve the Chaldees: stay in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
Gedaliah solemnly promised them that the officials from Babylon were not planning to harm them. He said, “You may live in this land without being afraid and serve the king of Babylon, and if you do, everything will go well for you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 25:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 25:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
לָ/הֶ֤ם
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙
וּ/לְ/אַנְשֵׁי/הֶ֔ם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָ/הֶ֔ם
אַל
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֣י
הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
שְׁב֣וּ
בָ/אָ֗רֶץ
וְ/עִבְד֛וּ
אֶת
מֶ֥לֶךְ
בָּבֶ֖ל
וְ/יִטַ֥ב
לָ/כֶֽם
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֤ם
Prep | Suff
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙
Gᵉdalyâh
H1436
Gedaliah
N-proper
וּ/לְ/אַנְשֵׁי/הֶ֔ם
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֣י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp
הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
Art | N-proper
שְׁב֣וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בָ/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
וְ/עִבְד֛וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
וְ/יִטַ֥ב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 25:24
וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לָ/הֶ֤ם
""
Prep | Suff
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙
Gᵉdalyâh
H1436
"Gedaliah"
N-proper
Gedaliah was the name of several Israelites, including a son of Jeduthun and a governor of Judea. One Gedaliah was the son of Pashur, a chief of Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah. His name means 'Jehovah is great'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; son of: Amariah (H0568O); father of: Cushi (H3569H) § Gedaliah = "Jehovah is great" 1) a son of Jeduthun in the time of David 2) governor of Judea 3) son of Pashur, one of the chiefs of Jerusalem in the time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Gedaliah. See also: 2 Kings 25:22; Jeremiah 40:12; Jeremiah 38:1.
וּ/לְ/אַנְשֵׁי/הֶ֔ם
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֣י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
Art | N-proper
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
שְׁב֣וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָ/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/עִבְד֛וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
וְ/יִטַ֥ב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Kings 25:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 25:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 25:24
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 25:24
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
Context — Gedaliah Governs in Judah
22Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah.
23When all the commanders of the armies and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, as well as their men.
24And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”
25In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. 26Then all the people small and great, together with the commanders of the army, arose and fled to Egypt for fear of the Chaldeans.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 40:9–10 | Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 43:6 | the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and everyone whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had allowed to remain with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as well as Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:23 | So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 33:24–29 | “Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, those in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to be devoured by wild animals, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague. I will make the land a desolate waste, and the pride of her strength will come to an end. The mountains of Israel will become desolate, so that no one will pass through. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the abominations they have committed.’ |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 14:11 | “Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” |
2 Kings 25:24 Summary
In 2 Kings 25:24, Gedaliah is trying to calm the fears of the people and encourage them to trust in the king of Babylon. He wants them to know that if they live in the land and serve the king, everything will be okay, much like the promise in Jeremiah 29:11. This verse teaches us about the importance of trust and obedience, and how these qualities can bring peace and stability to our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By putting our faith in God and following His guidance, we can experience a sense of calm and reassurance, even in difficult circumstances, as described in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of 2 Kings 25:24?
This verse occurs after the Babylonian conquest of Judah, and Gedaliah is trying to reassure the people that they can live in peace under the rule of the king of Babylon, as seen in 2 Kings 25:22-23, and this is in line with the prophecies of Jeremiah 27:12-22.
Why did Gedaliah take an oath before the commanders and their men?
Gedaliah took an oath to assure them that they would be safe and have a good life if they served the king of Babylon, as stated in 2 Kings 25:24, and this act of oath-taking is reminiscent of the covenant-making process described in Genesis 21:27-32 and 1 Samuel 20:16-17.
How does this verse relate to the concept of trust and obedience?
Gedaliah's message to the people is one of trust and obedience, encouraging them to put their faith in the king of Babylon and to live in accordance with his rule, much like the Israelites were called to trust and obey God in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:4-7.
What can we learn from Gedaliah's approach to leadership in this verse?
Gedaliah's approach to leadership in 2 Kings 25:24 demonstrates a desire to bring peace and stability to the people, and this can be seen as a reflection of the leadership principles outlined in Proverbs 11:10-11 and Jeremiah 22:3.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'live in the land and serve the king' in my own life, and how can I apply this principle to my relationship with God?
- How can I, like Gedaliah, be a source of reassurance and peace to those around me, especially in times of uncertainty?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate trust and obedience to God, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, as seen in the examples of Daniel 3:16-18 and Acts 5:29?
- In what ways can I, like the commanders and their men, be open to receiving guidance and direction from those in authority over me, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Peter 5:5?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:24
[See comments on 2 Kings 25:22]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:24
And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
Sware to them, and to their men; assured them by his promise and oath, that they, doing what he required, should be kept from the evils which they feared. This he might safely swear, because he had not only the king of Babylon’ s promise and interest too, but also God’ s promise, for their indemnity, delivered by Jeremiah.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
2 Kings 25:24 And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.Ver. 24. Dwell in the land, and serve.] The Arabians have a good proverb, Os quod in sorte tua cediderit, rodas, Be content with your condition; and if you cannot bring your estate to your mind, bring your mind to your estate.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
(24) fear not to be the servants.—Rather, Be not afraid of the servants. By “the servants of the Chaldees” Gedaliah probably means those who recognised the Chaldeans as their masters—that is to say, himself and those who adhere to him. He promises immunity for the past if only the captains and their men will settle down quietly as subjects of the conqueror.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
Verse 24. Gedaliah sware to them] He pledged himself in the most solemn manner to encourage and protect them.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 25:24
24. Gedaliah sware to them] He gave them a most solemn promise that they should enjoy the security which he expected under the rule of the Chaldæans. Fear not to be [R.V. because of] the servants of the Chaldees] R.V. Chaldæans. The alarm of the returning fugitives would be lest another Chaldæan force should come and do to Mizpah as they had done to Jerusalem.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 25:24
As rebels against the Babylonian king, their lives were forfeit. Gedaliah pledged himself to them by oath, that, if they gave no further cause of complaint, their past offences should be forgiven.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:24
24. Sware to them — Assured them upon oath that they had no reason to fear further trouble. They seem to have come to him to understand the situation of things, being yet in fear for their own lives.