الملوك الثاني ٢٥:٢٣

Ever since David's time Jerusalem had been a celebrated place, beautiful for situation and the joy of the whole earth: while the book of psalms lasts that name will sound great. In the New Testament we read much of it, when it was, as here, ripening again for its ruin. In the close of the Bible we read of a new Jerusalem. Every thing therefore that concerns Jerusalem is worthy our regard. In this chapter we have, I. The utter destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, the city besieged and taken (Kg2 25:1-4), the houses burnt (Kg2 25:8, Kg2 25:9), and wall broken down (Kg2 25:10), and the inhabitants carried away into captivity (Kg2 25:11, Kg2 25:12). The glory of Jerusalem was, 1. That it was the royal city, where were set "the thrones of the house of David;" but that glory has now departed, for the prince is made a most miserable prisoner, the seed royal is destroyed (Kg2 25:5-7), and the principal officers are put to death (Kg2 25:18-21). 2. That it was the holy city, where was the testimony of Israel; but that glory has departed, for Solomon's temple is burnt to the ground (Kg2 25:9) and the sacred vessels that remained are carried away to Babylon (Kg2 25:13-17). Thus has Jerusalem become as a widow, Lam 1:1. Ichabod - Where is the glory? II. The distraction and dispersion of the remnant that was left in Judah under Gedaliah (Kg2 25:22-26). III. The countenance which, after thirty-seven years' imprisonment, was given to Jehoiachin the captive king of Judah (Kg2 25:27-30).

25:23-24 Because Gedaliah came from a family experienced in civic affairs, his governorship was initially well accepted (see also Jer 40:1-12). A seal impression recovered from Lachish confirms Gedaliah’s importance as the officer “over the house” (see study note on 1 Kgs 4:6). • In addition to the army commanders, the prophet Jeremiah also went to Mizpah to support Gedaliah (Jer 40:6). This Mizpah was a border town in Benjamin; it had been prominent in Israelite history as a place of religious assembly (1 Sam 7:5-6). • The men listed here held important posts. Ishmael was from a prominent family of royal lineage (2 Kgs 25:25; Jer 36:12). Johanan served Gedaliah faithfully (Jer 40:13-16). The name Jezaniah occurs on materials recovered from excavations at Tell-en-Nasbeh.