4 When Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, they fled and went out of the city at night by way of the king's garden through the gate between the two walls ; and he went out toward the Arabah . 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho ; and they seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath , and he passed sentence on him. 6 Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes at Riblah ; the king of Babylon also slew all the nobles of Judah . 7 He then blinded Zedekiah's eyes and bound him in fetters of bronze to bring him to Babylon . 8 The Chaldeans also burned with fire the king's palace and the houses of the people , and they broke down the walls of Jerusalem . 9 As for the rest of the people who were left in the city , the deserters who had gone over to him and the rest of the people who remained , Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard carried them into exile in Babylon . 10 But some of the poorest people who had nothing e , Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard left behind in the land of Judah , and gave them vineyards and fields at that time .
11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard , saying , 12 "Take him and look e after him, and do nothing e harmful to him, but rather e deal with him just as he tells you." 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard sent word, along with Nebushazban the Rab-saris , and Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag , and all the leading officers of the king of Babylon ;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 39:4-13
Commentary on Jeremiah 39:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 39:1-10)
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
Commentary on Jeremiah 39:11-14
(Read Jeremiah 39:11-14)
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.