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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 39:1-10

We were told, in the close of the foregoing chapter, that Jeremiah abode patiently in the court of the prison, until the day that Jerusalem was taken. He gave the princes no further disturbance by his prophesying, nor they him by their persecutions; for he had no more to say than what he had said, and, the siege being carried on briskly, God found them other work to do. See here what it came to. I. The city is at length taken by storm; for how could it hold out when God himself fought against... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 39:5

But the Chaldean army pursued after them ,.... Being informed of the flight of them, by those who surrendered to them, as Josephus says; or not finding the king, his family, nobles, and guards, at the palace, where they expected them; and, knowing which way they must take, pursued after them; not the whole army, only a part of it; for some must remain at Jerusalem to demolish the city, and take the spoil of it: and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho ; not far from it, as Josephus... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 39:6

Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes ,.... Not with his own hands, but gave orders to do it: these must be very young, at least some of them; since Zedekiah at this time was but thirty two years of age. This must be a dreadful spectacle for him to behold; and the consideration must be cutting, that it was owing to his own obstinacy in not taking the advice of the Prophet Jeremiah to surrender to the Chaldeans, whereby he and his family would have been... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 39:5

To Riblah - This city was situated on the northern frontier of Palestine, and Hamath was a large city belonging also to Syria. See Genesis 10:18 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 39:5

Verse 5 The Chaldeans pursued the fugitive king, no doubt, through a hidden impulse from above. It is, indeed, probable that he was betrayed by his own people; and this often happens in a disturbed state of things; but however, he might have escaped, had he not been given up by the hand of God. These things are therefore narrated, that we may know that the ungodly, by their evasions, gain no other thing than really to acknowledge that God is true ill his threatenings as well as in his promises.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 39:6

Verse 6 It is probable that Nebuchadnezzar continued in that pleasant city while Jerusalem was attacked, for he would not endure the weariness of a long siege, and he also wished to be far away from danger. It was enough for him that his generals, of whom mention is made, fought under his banner. Nebuchadnezzar then was beyond the reach of danger, and yet he filled the Jews with terror, because he did not return home, or to the principal seat of government, but remained in the neighborhood; for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 39:1-8

The retribution of God. What an accumulation of woe do the eight verses with which this chapter opens present! Let thought dwell on the several statements made here, and let imagination seek to realize what they must have meant to those upon whom the calamities they speak of came; and it will be seen, in vivid lurid light, that the retribution of God upon sin and sinners has been in the past no mere empty threat, and it will lead to the salutary suggestion, so questioned now, that his like... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 39:1-8

Siege and savagery. I. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM IS RELATED . Just enough is told to certify to us the complete and exact fulfilment of prophecy. There is a long siege, a great destruction, and great humiliation and suffering for the captured king. It is no part of the province of Scripture writers to dwell on war, battle, siege, and pillage for the sake of making striking narratives. But behind this very brevity what room there is for imagination!... read more

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