And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
All the strong warriors, seven thousand of them, plus a thousand skilled craftsmen and metalworkers, everyone who was strong and capable of fighting, the king of Babylon took as prisoners to Babylon.
The writer is describing how the Babylonian king captured and deported all of Jerusalem's strongest people, warriors and skilled workers, to prevent any future rebellion.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the historical account in 2 Kings, describing the Babylonian conquest of Judah around 597 BC under King Nebuchadnezzar, who deported skilled workers, soldiers, and strong men to weaken the defeated nation. This deportation was a fulfillment of God's warnings through prophets like Jeremiah, as Judah's kings and people had repeatedly turned to idolatry and ignored divine commands, leading to their exile. It reflects the broader pattern of judgment and exile in Israel's history due to covenant unfaithfulness.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.