Jeremiah 52:12
On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem.
On the tenth day of the fifth month
This phrase marks a specific point in time, emphasizing the precision and historical accuracy of the biblical narrative. The "fifth month" corresponds to the Hebrew month of Av, which typically falls around July or August in the Gregorian calendar. The "tenth day" is significant in Jewish history as it marks the day when the destruction of the First Temple began. This date is remembered in Jewish tradition as a day of mourning and fasting, known as Tisha B'Av, commemorating various tragedies in Jewish history, including the destruction of both the First and Second Temples.

in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
This phrase situates the event within the broader historical context of the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar II was one of the most powerful and influential kings of Babylon, reigning from 605 to 562 BC. The "nineteenth year" of his reign would be around 586 BC, a pivotal year in biblical history as it marks the fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. This period was a time of great trial and transformation for the people of Israel, as they were forced to confront the consequences of their disobedience to God and the loss of their homeland.

Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard
Nebuzaradan is identified as the "captain of the guard," a high-ranking official in the Babylonian military hierarchy. His role was crucial in executing the orders of Nebuchadnezzar, particularly in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "captain of the guard" (רַב־טַבָּחִים, rab-tabachim) can be translated as "chief of the executioners" or "chief butcher," indicating his authority and the severity of his mission. Nebuzaradan's actions fulfilled the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets about the impending judgment on Jerusalem due to the people's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God.

who served the king of Babylon
This phrase underscores Nebuzaradan's loyalty and duty to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. It highlights the hierarchical structure of the Babylonian empire, where officials like Nebuzaradan were entrusted with significant responsibilities. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God, who, despite the apparent dominance of earthly kings, orchestrates events according to His divine plan. The Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem was not merely a political or military event but a fulfillment of God's judgment as prophesied by Jeremiah.

entered Jerusalem
The entry of Nebuzaradan into Jerusalem signifies the culmination of the Babylonian siege and the beginning of the city's destruction. This moment is a turning point in the history of Israel, marking the end of the Davidic kingdom and the start of the Babylonian exile. Theologically, it represents the consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. Yet, even in this moment of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope, as the prophets also spoke of future restoration and redemption for God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his conquests and the destruction of Jerusalem. His reign is marked by significant events in Jewish history, including the Babylonian exile.

2. Nebuzaradan
The captain of the guard serving under Nebuchadnezzar. He played a crucial role in the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to Jewish identity and worship. Its destruction marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, symbolizing judgment and the consequences of disobedience to God.

4. The Fifth Month
Refers to the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar, a time of mourning for the Jewish people due to the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

5. The Nineteenth Year
This marks the specific year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign when Jerusalem was destroyed, highlighting the historical accuracy and fulfillment of prophetic warnings.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience and to seek repentance.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Despite the devastation, God's sovereignty is evident. He uses nations and leaders to fulfill His purposes, reminding us that He is in control even in times of chaos.

The Importance of Historical Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of Scripture and its application to our lives today.

Hope Amidst Desolation
While Jeremiah 52:12 depicts destruction, it also sets the stage for eventual restoration. Believers can find hope in God's promises of redemption and renewal.

The Role of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies demonstrates the reliability of God's word. It encourages believers to trust in the Scriptures and God's faithfulness to His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the destruction of Jerusalem in Jeremiah 52:12 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? Reflect on areas in your life where you might need to seek repentance.

2. In what ways does the historical context of Jeremiah 52:12 enhance your understanding of God's sovereignty and His plans for His people?

3. How can the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of Nebuchadnezzar and Nebuzaradan in God's plan, and how can these lessons apply to our understanding of leadership and authority today?

5. How does the hope of restoration, hinted at in the broader account of Jeremiah, encourage you in your personal walk with God amidst challenges and trials?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 25:8-9
This passage parallels Jeremiah 52:12, providing additional details about the destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple.

Lamentations 1:1-3
Describes the desolation and sorrow of Jerusalem after its destruction, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual impact on the Jewish people.

Jeremiah 25:11-12
Prophesies the Babylonian captivity and the seventy years of desolation, underscoring the fulfillment of God's word through Jeremiah.

Daniel 1:1-2
Chronicles the beginning of the Babylonian exile, connecting the events of Jerusalem's fall to the broader account of God's plan for His people.
Days Whose Duties are IndelibleS. Conway Jeremiah 52:4, 6, 12
The March of DoomS. Conway Jeremiah 52:4-34
A Great BurningD. Young Jeremiah 52:12, 13
People
Babylonians, Evilmerodach, Hamutal, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuzaradan, Seraiah, Solomon, Zedekiah, Zephaniah
Places
Arabah, Babylon, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Libnah, Riblah
Topics
Armed, Babylon, Bodyguard, Body-guard, Captain, Chief, Commander, Entered, Executioners, Fifth, Guard, Imperial, Jerusalem, Month, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuchadrez'zar, Nebuzaradan, Nebu'zarad'an, Nebuzar-adan, Nineteenth, Servant, Served, Service, Stood, Tenth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 52:1-16

     7240   Jerusalem, history

Jeremiah 52:4-15

     5529   sieges

Jeremiah 52:4-27

     4215   Babylon

Jeremiah 52:4-30

     7217   exile, in Babylon

Jeremiah 52:12-15

     5607   warfare, examples

Jeremiah 52:12-16

     1035   God, faithfulness
     5272   craftsmen
     7135   Israel, people of God

Jeremiah 52:12-19

     5508   ruins

Library
'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 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

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 Scripture

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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