Jeremiah 52:28

These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews;

Study Bible

These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away:
This phrase introduces the list of exiles taken by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The deportation of the Jews was a significant event in biblical history, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile. This was a fulfillment of the prophecies given by Jeremiah and other prophets, warning of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The exile served as a period of purification and reflection for the Jewish people, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice.

in the seventh year,
The "seventh year" refers to the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, which is historically dated to around 598/597 BC. This was the first major deportation of Jews to Babylon, following Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem. The timing is significant as it aligns with the historical records of Babylonian campaigns and provides a chronological anchor for the events described in the Book of Jeremiah.

3,023 Jews;
The specific number of 3,023 Jews deported highlights the precision of the biblical record. This figure represents a portion of the population, likely including the leaders, skilled workers, and craftsmen, as mentioned in 2 Kings 24:14. The deportation was part of Nebuchadnezzar's strategy to weaken the political and economic structure of Judah, ensuring control over the region. This number also reflects the beginning of the Jewish community in Babylon, which would later play a crucial role in preserving Jewish identity and faith during the exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who led the conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. His actions were part of God's judgment on Judah for their disobedience.

2. Jews
The people of Judah who were taken into exile. This group represents the first wave of exiles taken to Babylon, highlighting the beginning of a significant period in Jewish history.

3. Seventh Year
This refers to the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, marking a specific time in the historical timeline of the Babylonian exile.

4. Exile
The forced removal of the Jewish people from their homeland to Babylon, a pivotal event in the Old Testament that fulfilled prophetic warnings and shaped the future of Israel.

5. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and Jerusalem, serving as the instrument of God's judgment and a place of refining and transformation for the Jewish people.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The exile was a direct result of Judah's disobedience, yet it was also under God's control. Believers can trust that God is sovereign even in times of discipline.

The Faithfulness of God
Despite the judgment, God promised restoration. This teaches us about His faithfulness and the hope we have in His promises.

The Importance of Obedience
The exile serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God. It encourages believers to live in accordance with His will.

God's Presence in Exile
Even in Babylon, God was with His people, guiding and protecting them. This reassures us that God is present in our own times of trial and displacement.

Historical Context and Its Lessons
Understanding the historical context of the exile helps us appreciate the depth of God's plan and the lessons He teaches through history.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the exile in Jeremiah 52:28 reflect God's justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the experience of the Jewish exiles in Babylon encourage us in our own times of trial?

3. How does the prophecy of the seventy-year exile in Jeremiah 25:11-12 demonstrate God's control over history?

4. What lessons can we learn from the obedience and faithfulness of figures like Daniel during the Babylonian exile?

5. How can understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile deepen our appreciation for God's redemptive plan throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24:12-16
This passage provides a parallel account of the exile, offering additional details about the deportation and the treasures taken from the temple.

Jeremiah 25:11-12
These verses prophesy the seventy-year exile in Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the eventual restoration of His people.

Daniel 1:1-7
Describes the experiences of some of the exiles, including Daniel, highlighting how God continued to work through His people even in a foreign land.