Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 36 - Verse 20

36:20
And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

Meaning

During the time of the Israelites, Babylon was a powerful empire that conquered many nations, including the kingdom of Judah. This verse from the book of Chronicles recounts how those who had survived the Babylonian conquest were taken as captives to Babylon. They were forced to serve the king of Babylon and his descendants until the Persian Empire conquered Babylon, bringing an end to their servitude. This period of servitude was a dark time for the Israelites, as they were separated from their homeland and forced to work for their captors. However, it also served as a time of reflection and repentance for the Israelites, as they sought to understand the reasons for their downfall and how they could return to God's favor. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of staying faithful to God's commands.

Theological Overview

One significant theological interpretation of this verse is the concept of exile and punishment. The Israelites were carried away to Babylon as a form of punishment for their disobedience to God. This event served as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and breaking the covenant with Him. It also highlights the sovereignty of God over the nations, as He allowed the Babylonians to defeat the Israelites and take them into captivity. This period in Babylon was a time of testing and refining for the Israelites, as they were forced to serve the Babylonian king and his sons until the rise of the kingdom of Persia. This verse emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and the serious consequences of straying from His commands.

American Standard Version

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:
Previous VerseNext Verse