2 Kings 24

2 Kings 24:1

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).

2 Kings 24:2

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.

2 Kings 24:3

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.

2 Kings 24:4

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

2 Kings 24:5

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

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

2 Kings 24:6

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.

2 Kings 24:8

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.

2 Kings 24:10

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

2 Kings 24:11

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

did besiege = were besieging.

2 Kings 24:12

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).

2 Kings 24:13

as = according as.

had said. Compare 2 Kings 20:17.

2 Kings 24:14

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.

2 Kings 24:15

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.

2 Kings 24:16

men. Hebrew. ’enosh. App-14.

smiths = armourers.

2 Kings 24:17

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

2 Kings 24:18

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

2 Kings 24:19

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

2 Kings 24:20

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