Jeremiah 35:11
New International Version
But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded this land, we said, ‘Come, we must go to Jerusalem to escape the Babylonian and Aramean armies.’ So we have remained in Jerusalem.”

New Living Translation
But when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked this country, we were afraid of the Babylonian and Syrian armies. So we decided to move to Jerusalem. That is why we are here.”

English Standard Version
But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Syrians.’ So we are living in Jerusalem.”

Berean Standard Bible
So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: ‘Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the armies of the Chaldeans and the Arameans.’ So we have remained in Jerusalem.”

King James Bible
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

New King James Version
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, ‘Come, let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and for fear of the army of the Syrians.’ So we dwell at Jerusalem.”

New American Standard Bible
However, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let’s go to Jerusalem away from the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Arameans.’ So we have lived in Jerusalem.”

NASB 1995
“But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come and let us go to Jerusalem before the army of the Chaldeans and before the army of the Arameans.’ So we have dwelt in Jerusalem.”

NASB 1977
“But it came about, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, that we said, ‘Come and let us go to Jerusalem before the army of the Chaldeans and before the army of the Arameans.’ So we have dwelt in Jerusalem.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But it happened that when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, let us come to Jerusalem before the military force of the Chaldeans and before the military force of the Arameans.’ So we have inhabited Jerusalem.”

Amplified Bible
But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans [who rule Babylon] and for fear of the army of the Arameans.’ So we have lived in Jerusalem.”

Christian Standard Bible
However, when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon marched into the land, we said, ‘Come, let’s go into Jerusalem to get away from the Chaldean and Aramean armies.’ So we have been living in Jerusalem.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: Come, let’s go into Jerusalem to get away from the Chaldean and Aramean armies. So we have been living in Jerusalem.”

American Standard Version
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians; so we dwell at Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
except now we have to live inside Jerusalem because Nebuchadnezzar has taken over the countryside with his army from Babylonia and Syria.

English Revised Version
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians; so we dwell at Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded this land, we said, 'Let's go to Jerusalem [to escape] the Babylonian and Aramean armies.' That's why we are living in Jerusalem."

Good News Translation
But when King Nebuchadnezzar invaded the country, we decided to come to Jerusalem to get away from the Babylonian and Syrian armies. That is why we are living in Jerusalem."

International Standard Version
Now when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, 'Come on! Let's go to Jerusalem because of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of Aram. And now we're living in Jerusalem.'"

Majority Standard Bible
So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: ?Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the armies of the Chaldeans and the Arameans.? So we have remained in Jerusalem.?

NET Bible
But when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded the land we said, 'Let's get up and go to Jerusalem to get away from the Babylonian and Aramean armies.' That is why we are staying here in Jerusalem."

New Heart English Bible
But it happened, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, 'Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Arameans'; so we dwell at Jerusalem."

Webster's Bible Translation
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

World English Bible
But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, we said, ‘Come! Let’s go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians; so we will dwell at Jerusalem.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, in the coming up of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to the land, that we say, Come, and we enter Jerusalem, because of the force of the Chaldeans, and because of the force of Aram—and we dwell in Jerusalem.”

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass, in the coming up of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon unto the land, that we say, Come, and we enter Jerusalem, because of the force of the Chaldeans, and because of the force of Aram -- and we dwell in Jerusalem.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in the coming up of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babel, to the land, and we shall say, Come, and we will go to Jerusalem from the face of the army of the Chaldean, and from the face of the army of Aram, and we will dwell in Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But when Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon came up to our land, we said: Come, let us go into Jerusalem from the face of the army of the Chaldeans, and from the face of the army of Syria: and we have remained in Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But when Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had ascended to our land, we said: ‘Come and let us enter into Jerusalem, before the face of the army of the Chaldeans, and before the face of the army of Syria.’ And we have remained in Jerusalem.”

New American Bible
But when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invaded this land, we said, ‘Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Arameans.’ That is why we are now living in Jerusalem.”

New Revised Standard Version
But when King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Arameans.’ That is why we are living in Jerusalem.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But it came to pass when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, Come and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and for fear of the army of Edom; so we dwell in Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Nebukadnetsar, King of Babel, went up against the land, we said: ‘We shall enter Jerusalem in the presence of the army of the Chaldeans and in the presence of the army of Edum’, and we dwelt in Jerusalem"
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, that we said: Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Arameans; so we dwell at Jerusalem.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass, when Nabuchodonosor came up against the land, that we said we would come in; and wee entered into Jerusalem, for fear of the host of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the host of the Assyrians: and we dwelt there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Obedience of the Rechabites
10But we have lived in tents and have obeyed and done exactly as our forefather Jonadab commanded us. 11So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: ‘Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the armies of the Chaldeans and the Arameans.’ So we have remained in Jerusalem.”

Cross References
2 Kings 24:1-2
During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. / And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets.

2 Kings 25:1-2
So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. / And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year.

2 Chronicles 36:5-6
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God. / Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jehoiakim and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 25:9
behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation.

Jeremiah 24:1
After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD.

Jeremiah 32:2
At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, which was in the palace of the king of Judah.

Jeremiah 39:1
In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army and laid siege to the city.

Jeremiah 52:4
So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it.

Ezekiel 17:12
“Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon.

Daniel 1:1-2
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god.

Matthew 24:15-16
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Luke 21:20-21
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.

Mark 13:14
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Acts 7:43
You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’

Acts 24:24-27
After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. / As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” / At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. ...


Treasury of Scripture

But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

when.

2 Kings 24:2
And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.

Daniel 1:1,2
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it…

come.

Jeremiah 4:5-7
Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities…

Jeremiah 8:14
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Mark 13:14
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

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Arameans Army Babylon Chaldeans Chalde'ans Dwell Dwelt Escape Fear Invaded Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadrezzar Nebuchadrez'zar Syrians
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Jeremiah 35
1. By the obedience of the Rechabites,
12. Jeremiah condemns the disobedience of the Jews.
18. God blesses the Rechabites for their obedience.














So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land
The phrase begins with a historical context, referencing Nebuchadnezzar, a significant figure in biblical history. Nebuchadnezzar II was the king of Babylon from 605 to 562 BC, known for his military conquests and the Babylonian Exile of the Jews. The Hebrew root for "invaded" (בּוֹא, bo) implies entering or coming into a place, often with force. This invasion marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment due to Israel's disobedience.

we said
This phrase indicates a collective decision or response from the Rechabites, a nomadic group known for their obedience to their ancestor Jonadab's command to live a simple, agrarian lifestyle. The Hebrew word for "said" (אָמַר, amar) often conveys not just speech but a declaration or resolution, highlighting the Rechabites' determination to adhere to their principles even in times of crisis.

Come, let us go to Jerusalem
The Rechabites' decision to go to Jerusalem reflects a strategic move for safety. Jerusalem, despite its impending doom, was a fortified city and a center of Jewish life and worship. The phrase "let us go" (נָבוֹא, navo) suggests a purposeful journey, indicating their trust in God's provision and protection, even as they sought refuge in a city under threat.

to escape the army of the Chaldeans and the Arameans
The Chaldeans, synonymous with the Babylonians, were known for their military prowess. The Arameans, another powerful group, often allied with or against Israel throughout history. The Hebrew root for "escape" (מָלַט, malat) implies deliverance or slipping away from danger. This highlights the Rechabites' desire to preserve their community and way of life amidst the chaos of war, trusting in God's guidance.

So we have remained in Jerusalem
The Rechabites' presence in Jerusalem during this tumultuous time underscores their adaptability and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "remained" (יָשַׁב, yashav) means to dwell or sit, indicating a settled presence. Despite their nomadic roots, they chose to stay in the city, demonstrating their commitment to their values and reliance on God's promises, even when circumstances forced them to adapt. This decision serves as a testament to their faith and resilience, offering a powerful example of steadfastness in the face of adversity.

(11) When Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land . . .--The statement has the character of an apologetic explanation. They had been driven, as the peasants of Judaea had been (Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 8:14), to take refuge from the invading armies, probably in the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar in the eighth year of Jehoiakim (2Kings 24:1-2), bringing their flocks and their herds, as far as they could, with them, but this was only a temporary casualty, and they intended, when the danger was over, to return to their former mode of life. The Syrians are joined with the Chaldees in the invasion, as in 2Kings 24:2.

Verse 11. - And for fear of the army of the Syrians. We are expressly told in 2 Kings 24:2 that, after the rebellion of Jehoiakim, "bands of Syrians" made incursions into Judah.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But when
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

Nebuchadnezzar
נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֥ר (nə·ḇū·ḵaḏ·reṣ·ṣar)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5019: Nebuchadnezzar -- 'Nebo, protect the boundary', a Babylonian king

king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Babylon
בָּבֶל֮ (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

marched
בַּעֲל֨וֹת (ba·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

into
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the land,
הָאָרֶץ֒ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

we said:
וַנֹּ֗אמֶר (wan·nō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Come,
בֹּ֚אוּ (bō·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

let us go into
וְנָב֣וֹא (wə·nā·ḇō·w)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

to escape
מִפְּנֵי֙ (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the armies
חֵ֣יל (ḥêl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

of the Chaldeans
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים (hak·kaś·dîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab

and the Arameans.
אֲרָ֑ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

So we have remained
וַנֵּ֖שֶׁב (wan·nê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem.”
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 35:11 But it happened when Nebuchadnezzar king (Jer.)
Jeremiah 35:10
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