2 Kings 25:4
2 Kings 25:4 in Multiple Translations
Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah,
¶ And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king’s garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.
Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king’s garden (now the Chaldeans were against the city round about); and the king went by the way of the Arabah.
So an opening was made in the wall of the town, and all the men of war went in flight by night through the doorway between the two walls which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldaeans were stationed round the town:) and the king went by the way of the Arabah.
Then the city wall was broken through, and all the soldiers escaped at night through the gate between the two walls by the king's garden, even though the Babylonians had the city surrounded. They ran away in the direction of the Arabah,
Then the citie was broken vp, and all the men of warre fled by night, by the way of the gate, which is betweene two walles that was by the Kings garden: nowe the Caldees were by the citie round about: and the King went by the way of the wildernesse.
then the city is broken up, and all the men of war [go] by night the way of the gate, between the two walls that [are] by the garden of the king, and the Chaldeans [are] against the city round about, and [the king] goeth the way of the plain.
Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king’s garden (now the Chaldeans were against the city around it); and the king went by the way of the Arabah.
And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city on all sides:) and the king went the way towards the plain.
And a breach was made into the city: and all the men of war fled in the night between the two walls by the king’s garden, (now the Chaldees besieged the city round about,) and Sedecias fled by the way that leadeth to the plains of the wilderness.
On July 18 of that year, the Babylonian soldiers broke through part of the city wall, and that enabled them to enter the city. All the soldiers of Judah wanted to escape. But the Babylonian soldiers surrounded the city, so the king and the soldiers of Judah waited until it was nighttime. Then they fled through the gate that was between the two walls near the king’s park. They ran across the fields and started to go down to the Jordan River Valley.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 25:4
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 25:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּבָּקַ֣ע
הָ/עִ֗יר
וְ/כָל
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֤ה
הַ/לַּ֨יְלָה֙
דֶּ֜רֶךְ
שַׁ֣עַר
בֵּ֣ין
הַ/חֹמֹתַ֗יִם
אֲשֶׁר֙
עַל
גַּ֣ן
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וְ/כַשְׂדִּ֥ים
עַל
הָ/עִ֖יר
סָבִ֑יב
וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
הָ/עֲרָבָֽה
וַ/תִּבָּקַ֣ע
bâqaʻ
H1234
to break up/open
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/עִ֗יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֤ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
הַ/לַּ֨יְלָה֙
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
דֶּ֜רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/חֹמֹתַ֗יִם
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Art | N-fd
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גַּ֣ן
gan
H1588
garden
N-cs
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/כַשְׂדִּ֥ים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
Conj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
סָבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הָ/עֲרָבָֽה
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 25:4
וַ/תִּבָּקַ֣ע
bâqaʻ
H1234
"to break up/open"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.
הָ/עִ֗יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אַנְשֵׁ֨י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
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.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֤ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
הַ/לַּ֨יְלָה֙
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
דֶּ֜רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/חֹמֹתַ֗יִם
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Art | N-fd
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גַּ֣ן
gan
H1588
"garden"
N-cs
The word for garden refers to an enclosed area, like the Garden of Eden. It can also symbolize a bride or a place for plants.
Definition: 1) garden, enclosure 1a) enclosed garden 1a1) (fig. of a bride) 1b) garden (of plants) 1c) Garden of Eden
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: garden. See also: Genesis 2:8; 2 Kings 25:4; Isaiah 51:3.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | 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.
וְ/כַשְׂדִּ֥ים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
Conj | 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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
סָבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָ/עֲרָבָֽה
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
Art | N-fs
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 25:4
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Context — Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem
2And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year.
3By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food.
4Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah,
5but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. 6The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:21 | In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and reported, “The city has been taken!” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 25:5 | but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 39:2–7 | And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city was breached. Then all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah. But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 12:12 | And at dusk the prince among them will lift his bags to his shoulder and go out. They will dig through the wall to bring him out. He will cover his face so he cannot see the land. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 28:25 | The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:24–25 | They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust. Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man. |
| 7 | Leviticus 26:36 | As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 3:15 | The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 32:30 | How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? |
| 10 | Leviticus 26:17 | And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you. |
2 Kings 25:4 Summary
The city of Jerusalem was surrounded by the Chaldeans, and the men of war knew they had to escape, so they fled by night through a secret gate near the king's garden, as stated in 2 Kings 25:4. This event shows how God's people can face difficult circumstances and feel trapped, but they can still trust in God's plan and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. Just like the men of war headed toward the Arabah, we can seek safety and protection in God, who is our rock and refuge, as described in Psalm 16:1 and Psalm 46:1. By trusting in God, we can find peace and comfort, even in the midst of challenging situations, and remember that God is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of war flee by night in 2 Kings 25:4?
The men of war fled by night because they were trying to escape the siege of the city by the Chaldeans, as stated in 2 Kings 25:4, and they likely knew that the city was about to fall, as prophesied in Jeremiah 34:2-3 and Ezekiel 24:2.
What is the significance of the gate between the two walls near the king's garden in 2 Kings 25:4?
The gate between the two walls near the king's garden was a strategic location that allowed the men of war to escape the city without being detected by the Chaldeans, as mentioned in 2 Kings 25:4, and it may have been a secret exit that was not well-known to the enemy, similar to the escape route used by David in 1 Samuel 19:12.
Why did the men of war head toward the Arabah in 2 Kings 25:4?
The men of war headed toward the Arabah, which is a desert region, in an attempt to escape the Chaldeans and potentially find safety or join other Israelite forces, as seen in other biblical accounts of escape and exile, such as in Deuteronomy 1:7 and 2 Samuel 15:23.
How does this event in 2 Kings 25:4 relate to the larger story of Israel's history?
The event in 2 Kings 25:4 marks the beginning of the end of the kingdom of Judah, as the city of Jerusalem is breached and the men of war flee, fulfilling prophecies of judgment and exile, such as in Leviticus 26:33 and Deuteronomy 28:64, and setting the stage for the Babylonian exile and the eventual return of the Israelites to their homeland, as described in Ezra 1:1-4 and Nehemiah 1:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt trapped or besieged, and how did I respond to those situations?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and protection in times of crisis, as seen in Psalm 32:7 and Proverbs 18:10?
- What are some ways that I can prepare myself for unexpected challenges or setbacks, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28?
- How can I learn from the example of the men of war in 2 Kings 25:4, who fled by night, and apply that to my own life in terms of seeking safety and protection in God, as seen in Psalm 16:1 and Matthew 11:28?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:4
[See comments on 2 Kings 25:1]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:4
And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:4
The city was broken up by the Chaldeans, who broke and entered the gate, . The men of war fled; which word is fitly supplied out of the parallel place, , or out of the following verb, went away. Between two walls; between the outward and inward wall of the city, by a private way, having the advantage of the darkness of the night, and possibly of some vault under the ground. The king: this word also is necessarily to be understood; partly by its singular, which agrees not with the men of war; and partly out of the next verse, where it is expressed. Toward the plain of Jericho, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:4
2 Kings 25:4 And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king’ s garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.Ver. 4. And the city was broken up] By the besiegers, who had seized upon the middle gate. Cajetan holdeth that it was broken up by the citizens, that by the breach they might escape. Hunger, we say, breaketh through stone walls. And all the men of war … fled.] This word "fled" is not in the text, but supplied from Jeremiah 39:4 ut intelligamus fugam fuisse praecipitem, saith Vatablus, to set forth the hastiness and headlongness of their flight: but in fleeing from death they fled to it. By night.] All this was foretold. By the way towards the plain.] By a way underground, say the Hebrews, into which the secret gate led them: by a deep valley between mountains, saith Josephus. Now the Chaldees.] See on 2 Kings 25:1. Crebris ictibus arietum. - Vat. φευδοθυρον.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:4
(4) Broken up.—Comp. 2 Chronicles 32:1. A breach was made in the wall with battering-rams, such as are depicted in the Assyrian sculptures. The Chaldæans forced their entry on the north side of the city, i.e., they took the Lower City (2 Kings 22:14). This is clear from Jeremiah 39:3, where it is said that, after effecting an entrance, their generals proceeded to assault “the middle gate,” i.e., the gate in the north wall of Zion, which separated the upper from the lower city. (See also 2 Kings 14:13.) All the men of war fled.—The Hebrew here is defective, for it wants a verb, and mention of the king is implied by what follows. (See Jeremiah 39:4; Jeremiah 52:7.) A comparison of these parallels suggests the reading: “And Zedekiah king of Judah and all the men of war fled, and went out of the city by night,” &c. By the way of the gate between (the) two walls which is (was) by the king’s garden.—This gate lay at the south end of the Tyropœon, i.e., the glen between Ophel and Zion; and is the same as “the Gate of the Fountain” (Nehemiah 3:15). The two walls were necessary for the protection of the Pool of Siloam and the water supply; besides which the point was naturally weak for purposes of defence. Whether “the king’s garden” was within or without the double wall is not clear, probably the latter, as Thenius supposes. Now the Chaldees . . . round about.—An indication that even by this route the king and his warriors had to break through the enemy’s lines, as the city was completely invested.
(Corap. Ezekiel 12:12.) And the king went.— Some MSS. and the Syriac, and they went. (So Jeremiah 52:7; a correction, after the mention of the king had fallen out of the text.) The way toward the plain.—The Arabah, or valley of the Jordan (Joshua 11:2; 2 Samuel 2:29).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:4
Verse 4. 2Kg 25:2.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 25:4
4. And the city was broken up] R.V. Then a breach was made in the city. The old phrase ‘broken up’ was the same in sense as ‘broken through’. See 2 Chronicles 24:7; Jeremiah 39:7; Micah 2:13; Matthew 24:43; Mark 2:4. We have a more full account of the events here alluded to in Jeremiah 39:2-7. There we learn that when the breach had been made the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the middle gate, and when Zedekiah saw them he and his men of war fled. the men of war fled by night] The verb is supplied, but appears in the text of Jer 39:4; Jeremiah 52:7. The scribe in this passage has been much at fault. by the way of the gate between two [R.V. the two] walls] This was a definite locality. The A.V. translates as R.V. in Jeremiah 39 From its proximity to the king’s garden, this gate must be the same which is called in Nehemiah 2:14; Nehemiah 3:15, ‘the gate of the fountain’. It was close to the pool of Siloam, and so the way through it would lead down to the Kidron valley. which is [R.V. was] by the king’s garden] The past tense suits the narrative and its date better.
Whether the king’s garden was outside or within the walls does not appear. and the king went the way [R.V. by the way] toward the plain] R.V. of the Arabah. See note on 2 Kings 14:25. The whole valley from the sea of Galilee southward to the desert was called by this name. On the character of this flight compare the words of Eze 12:12.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 25:4
The city was broken up - Rather, “broken into,” i. e., A breach was made about midnight in the northern wall Ezekiel 9:2, and an entry effected into the second or lower city (see the 2 Kings 22:14
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:4
4. The city was broken up — Or, broken in. The breach was probably made in the northern wall, for, according to Jeremiah 39:3, “all the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the middle
Sermons on 2 Kings 25:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ezekiel - Valley of Dry Bones by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's people coming together and being united. He references the story of Ezekiel and how God appointed him as a watchman t |
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Interview - the Holocaust and the Jew by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the gospel is contrary to human understanding and intelligence, and can only be received through revelation. He shares his experience of |
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Christ and His Children by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the concept of timidity, exploring its various facets such as lack of mental or moral strength, reticence, cowardice, and shameful fear. Drawing from bibli |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.3 & 4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the enemy while remaining committed to God's work. The people in the story were wholeheartedly servi |
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Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w |
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America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin | Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's |
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"Stronger Than he." by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that Christ, the 'Stronger than he,' empowers believers to overcome sin and Satan through the Holy Spirit. He stresses the necessity of maintaining our posi |