Moreover, the Chaldeans broke up the bronze pillars and stands and the bronze Sea in the house of the LORD, and they carried the bronze to Babylon. Moreover, the ChaldeansThe term "Chaldeans" refers to the Babylonians, a powerful empire known for its military prowess and cultural achievements. Historically, the Chaldeans were a Semitic people who rose to prominence in the late 7th century BC. Their conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC marked a significant moment in biblical history, fulfilling prophetic warnings about the consequences of Israel's disobedience. The Chaldeans were instruments of God's judgment, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations. broke into pieces
This phrase signifies the thoroughness and intentionality of the destruction. The Hebrew root "שָׁבַר" (shabar) conveys a sense of shattering or breaking down completely. This act was not merely about looting but symbolized the dismantling of Israel's spiritual and national identity. The breaking of these sacred objects was a profound loss, representing the severing of the people's connection to their religious heritage and the presence of God in the temple. the bronze pillars
The bronze pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 7:15-22). These pillars were not only architectural marvels but also held spiritual significance, symbolizing strength and stability. Their destruction by the Chaldeans was a powerful image of the collapse of what was once a strong and stable kingdom under God's covenant. It served as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's statutes. the stands
The stands, or bases, were part of the temple furnishings used to support the lavers (basins) for washing (1 Kings 7:27-39). These were essential for the ritual purity required in temple worship. The removal and destruction of these stands indicated the cessation of proper worship practices and the defilement of the sacred space. It highlighted the loss of the means to maintain holiness before God, a critical aspect of Israel's covenant relationship. and the bronze Sea
The bronze Sea was a large basin used by the priests for ceremonial washing (1 Kings 7:23-26). Its destruction symbolized the removal of purification and cleansing, essential elements of the sacrificial system. The Sea's dismantling pointed to the broader spiritual impurity and the need for repentance and restoration. It foreshadowed the ultimate cleansing that would come through Christ, who offers living water and true purification. that were in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to Solomon's Temple, the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The temple's desecration was a devastating blow to the Israelites, as it represented the loss of divine favor and protection. This event underscored the seriousness of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, calling the people to return to wholehearted devotion to God. and they carried the bronze to Babylon
The act of carrying the bronze to Babylon was not just about plundering valuable materials but also symbolized the transfer of power and glory from Jerusalem to Babylon. It was a tangible representation of the exile, where the people of Judah were taken captive. This event fulfilled the prophecies of judgment and exile, yet it also set the stage for future hope and restoration, as God promised to bring His people back and renew His covenant with them. Persons / Places / Events 1. ChaldeansA people from southern Babylonia, known for their military prowess and as the ruling class of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. They were instrumental in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. 2. Bronze Pillars, Stands, and SeaThese were significant elements of Solomon's Temple, representing the glory and craftsmanship of Israel's worship center. The bronze Sea was a large basin used by priests for ceremonial washing. 3. House of the LORDRefers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. 4. BabylonThe capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which conquered Judah and led the people into exile. It symbolizes both a place of judgment and a tool in God's sovereign plan. 5. Destruction of JerusalemThis event marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the city and the Temple were destroyed, leading to the Babylonian exile. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe destruction of the Temple and the loss of its treasures serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Israel's idolatry and disobedience led to their downfall, illustrating the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentEven in judgment, God remains sovereign. The use of the Chaldeans as instruments of His judgment demonstrates that God can use even those who do not know Him to fulfill His purposes. The Temporary Nature of Earthly TreasuresThe bronze items, once symbols of Israel's glory, were taken and melted down. This reminds us that earthly treasures are temporary and should not be the focus of our lives. Our true treasure is found in our relationship with God. Hope in RestorationWhile this passage depicts destruction, it also sets the stage for future restoration. God's promises to restore His people and rebuild the Temple point to His faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the destruction of the Temple's bronze items reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events described in 2 Kings 25:13? 3. How can the temporary nature of the Temple's treasures inform our perspective on material possessions today? 4. What lessons can we learn from Israel's disobedience and the resulting consequences that apply to our personal walk with God? 5. How does the hope of restoration after the exile encourage us in times of personal or communal loss? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 52:17This passage parallels 2 Kings 25:13, providing additional details about the destruction and plundering of the Temple's bronze items. 1 Kings 7:15-23Describes the original construction and significance of the bronze pillars, stands, and Sea, highlighting their importance in Israel's worship and identity. Lamentations 1:10Reflects on the sorrow and loss felt by the Israelites as their sacred items were taken by foreign invaders. Daniel 1:1-2Chronicles the beginning of the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's sovereignty in allowing these events as a consequence of Israel's disobedience. People Ahikam, Babylonians, Careah, Elishama, Evilmerodach, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Jaazaniah, Jehoiachin, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Solomon, Tanhumeth, Zedekiah, ZephaniahPlaces Arabah, Babylon, Egypt, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mizpah, RiblahTopics Babylon, Bases, Bear, Brass, Brazen, Break, Broke, Broken, Bronze, Carried, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Chaldees, Movable, Pieces, Pillars, Stands, Temple, Thereof, Water-vessel, WheeledDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:13 4266 sea 2 Kings 25:1-21 4215 Babylon
7217 exile, in Babylon 2 Kings 25:8-15 5508 ruins 2 Kings 25:13-15 7467 temple, Solomon's 2 Kings 25:13-17 4312 bronze Library The End
'1. And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. 2. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 3. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. 4. And the city was broken up, and all the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Last Agony
'In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it. 2. And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. 3. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarse-chim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it Sparingly are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 20.) Differently to be admonished are the gluttonous and the abstinent. For superfluity of speech, levity of conduct, and lechery accompany the former; but the latter often the sin of impatience, and often that of pride. For were it not the case that immoderate loquacity carries away the gluttonous, that rich man who is said to have fared sumptuously every day would not burn more sorely than elsewhere in his tongue, saying, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 25:13 NIV2 Kings 25:13 NLT2 Kings 25:13 ESV2 Kings 25:13 NASB2 Kings 25:13 KJV
2 Kings 25:13 Commentaries
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