Jeremiah 52:28: "These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews;"

Context and Background:

Jeremiah 52:28 is part of the concluding chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, which serves as a historical appendix detailing the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. This chapter parallels the account found in 2 Kings 24:18-25:30, providing a historical record of the events that led to the Babylonian captivity.

The verse specifically mentions the deportation of 3,023 Jews in the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. This deportation is one of several that occurred during the Babylonian conquest of Judah, marking a significant moment in Jewish history as it represents the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.

Historical Significance:

The deportation mentioned in Jeremiah 52:28 is part of a series of exiles that took place as Babylon asserted its dominance over Judah. The seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign is generally understood to be around 597 BC. This was a time of great turmoil and upheaval for the Jewish people, as they were forcibly removed from their homeland and taken to Babylon.

This particular deportation likely included members of the Jewish nobility, skilled craftsmen, and other influential figures, as the Babylonians sought to weaken Judah by removing its leaders and potential sources of rebellion. The exile was a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets, who had long cautioned that disobedience to God would result in judgment and exile.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the exile serves as a profound lesson on the consequences of turning away from God. The deportation of the Jews to Babylon is seen as a direct result of their persistent idolatry and failure to uphold the covenant with God. Despite numerous warnings, the people of Judah continued in their disobedience, leading to the fulfillment of God's judgment as foretold by the prophets.

However, the exile is not only a story of judgment but also one of hope and restoration. The prophets, including Jeremiah, also spoke of a future return and restoration for the people of Israel. This period of exile ultimately served to purify and refine the Jewish faith, leading to a renewed commitment to the covenant and the eventual return to Jerusalem under the leadership of figures like Ezra and Nehemiah.

Conclusion:

Jeremiah 52:28 is a brief yet significant verse that encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. It marks the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a period that would profoundly shape the identity and faith of the Jewish people. The verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of God's covenant and the hope of redemption and restoration that follows repentance and faithfulness.3023 (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 52:28
This is the people whom Nebuchadnezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand twenty-three Jews;
(See NAS NIV)

3023 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 3023 (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 52:28 This is the
people whom Nebuchadnezzar carried away captive: in the ...
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3000 (3 Occurrences)

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3200 (1 Occurrence)

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Exile (101 Occurrences)
... 1:2). In BC 598 (Jeremiah 52:28; 2 Kings 24:12), in the beginning of Jehoiachin's
reign (2 Kings 24:8), Nebuchadnezzar carried away captive 3,023 eminent Jews ...
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