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◄ Jeremiah 52:8►

New International Version
but the Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his soldiers were separated from him and scattered,

New Living Translation
But the Babylonian troops chased King Zedekiah and overtook him on the plains of Jericho, for his men had all deserted him and scattered.

English Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.

Berean Standard Bible
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.

King James Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

New King James Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and they overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. All his army was scattered from him.

New American Standard Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the desert plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.

NASB 1995
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.

NASB 1977
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the military force of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his military force was scattered from him.

Amplified Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and his entire army was scattered from him.

Christian Standard Bible
The Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. Zedekiah’s entire army left him and scattered.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. Zedekiah’s entire army was scattered from him.

American Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Contemporary English Version
but the Babylonian troops caught up with them near Jericho. The Babylonians arrested Zedekiah, but his soldiers scattered in every direction.

English Revised Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah and caught up with him in the plain of Jericho. His entire army had deserted him.

Good News Translation
But the Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah, captured him in the plains near Jericho, and all his soldiers deserted him.

International Standard Version
The Chaldean army went after the king, overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his troops were scattered from him.

NET Bible
But the Babylonian army chased after the king. They caught up with Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and his entire army deserted him.

New Heart English Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.

World English Bible
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the forces of the Chaldeans pursue after the king, and overtake Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his forces have been scattered from him,

Young's Literal Translation
And the forces of the Chaldeans pursue after the king, and overtake Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his forces have been scattered from him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the army of the Chaldeans will pursue after the king, and they will overtake Zedekiah in the sterile regions of Jericho; and all his strength was scattered from him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king: and they overtook Sedecias in the desert which is near Jericho: and all his companions were scattered from him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king. And they overtook Zedekiah in the desert which is near Jericho. And all of his companions fled away from him.

New American Bible
But the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the wilderness near Jericho; his whole army fled from him.

New Revised Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered, deserting him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plain of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the King and they took Tsedeqia in the plain of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the host of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in thecountry beyond Jericho; and all his servants were dispersed fromabout him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted
…7Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled the city by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah,8but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho,and all his army was separated from him.9The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

2 Kings 25:5
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.

Jeremiah 39:4-5
When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah. / But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.

Lamentations 4:19
Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness.

2 Chronicles 36:17-20
So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, / who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. / Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. ...

Ezekiel 12:12-13
And at dusk the prince among them will lift his bags to his shoulder and go out. They will dig through the wall to bring him out. He will cover his face so he cannot see the land. / But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, and there he will die.

Jeremiah 38:23
All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.”

Jeremiah 21:7
‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’

Jeremiah 32:4
Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye.

Jeremiah 34:3
And you yourself will not escape his grasp, but will surely be captured and delivered into his hand. You will see the king of Babylon eye to eye and speak with him face to face; and you will go to Babylon.

Isaiah 39:6-7
The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. / And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

Matthew 24:16-18
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

Luke 21:20-24
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...

Mark 13:14-16
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

2 Kings 24:15-16
Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. / The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle.

2 Kings 25:6-7
The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. / And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.

Treasury of Scripture

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Jeremiah 21:7
And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Jeremiah 32:4
And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;

Jeremiah 34:21
And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

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Army Babylonian Chaldaean Chaldeans Chalde'ans Direction Flight Forces Jericho Overtake Overtook Plains Pursue Pursued Scattered Separated Side Soldiers Zedekiah Zedeki'ah

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Army Babylonian Chaldaean Chaldeans Chalde'ans Direction Flight Forces Jericho Overtake Overtook Plains Pursue Pursued Scattered Separated Side Soldiers Zedekiah Zedeki'ah

Jeremiah 52

1.Zedekiah rebels
4.Jerusalem is besieged and taken
8.Zedekiah's sons killed, and his own eyes put out,
12.Nebuzaradan burns and spoils the city
24.He carries away the captives
28.The number of Jews carried captive
31.Evil-Merodach advances Jehoiachin

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king
The Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians, were a dominant power in the ancient Near East during the time of Jeremiah. Their pursuit of King Zedekiah signifies the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 21:7). The Chaldeans were known for their military prowess and strategic conquests, which were part of God's judgment against Judah for their disobedience and idolatry.

and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho
The plains of Jericho are located near the Jordan River, a significant geographical area in biblical history. Jericho was one of the first cities conquered by the Israelites under Joshua (Joshua 6). The capture of Zedekiah here symbolizes the reversal of Israel's fortunes due to their unfaithfulness. This event marks the end of the Davidic reign in Jerusalem until the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

and his whole army deserted him
The desertion of Zedekiah's army highlights the complete collapse of Judah's defenses and the fulfillment of Jeremiah's warnings (Jeremiah 38:22). This abandonment can be seen as a consequence of the nation's spiritual apostasy, where reliance on human strength and alliances failed them. It also prefigures the ultimate betrayal and abandonment that Christ experienced, as His disciples fled during His arrest (Matthew 26:56).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned from 597 to 586 BC. He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, but later rebelled against him.

2.Chaldeans
Also known as Babylonians, they were the dominant power in the region during this period. They besieged Jerusalem and eventually destroyed it.

3.Plains of Jericho
A region near the city of Jericho, known for its fertile land. It is significant as the place where Zedekiah was captured.

4.Jeremiah
The prophet who warned Judah of the coming destruction due to their disobedience to God. His prophecies include the fall of Jerusalem.

5.Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem
A pivotal event in Jewish history where Jerusalem was besieged, leading to the destruction of the city and the temple, and the exile of many Jews to Babylon.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Zedekiah's capture illustrates the severe consequences of disobeying God's commands and ignoring prophetic warnings.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The fall of Jerusalem and the capture of Zedekiah demonstrate God's control over nations and leaders, fulfilling His prophetic word.

The Importance of Heeding Prophetic Warnings
Jeremiah's warnings were ignored, leading to disaster. This teaches the importance of listening to God's messengers.

The Reality of Divine Justice
The scattering of Zedekiah's troops and his capture highlight the reality of divine justice against sin and rebellion.

Hope Beyond Judgment
Despite the grim events, God's promises of restoration and hope for the future remain, as seen in later prophecies of return and renewal.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 52:8?

2.How does Jeremiah 52:8 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands?

3.What can we learn about leadership from Zedekiah's actions in Jeremiah 52:8?

4.How does Jeremiah 52:8 connect with Deuteronomy 28's warnings about disobedience?

5.How can we apply the lessons of Jeremiah 52:8 to modern Christian life?

6.What does Jeremiah 52:8 teach about the importance of seeking God's guidance?

7.Why did the Chaldeans pursue King Zedekiah according to Jeremiah 52:8?

8.How does Jeremiah 52:8 reflect God's judgment on Judah?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Jeremiah 52:8?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 52?

11.Jeremiah 23:1–2: How can God condemn “shepherds” who mislead the flock while, historically, many oppressive leaders seem to go unpunished?

12.In 2 Kings 25:8, the city falls on the seventh day of the fifth month, while Jeremiah 52:12 reports the tenth day--how can these differing dates be reconciled?

13.Ezekiel 12:13 foretells a ruler's capture, yet some historical accounts appear to conflict with the exact manner of King Zedekiah's downfall; how can these differences be reconciled?

14.Why does Jeremiah 52:12-14 seem to conflict with 2 Kings 25:8-10 regarding the exact timing of Jerusalem's destruction?

What Does Jeremiah 52:8 Mean

The army of the Chaldeans pursued the king

“but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king” (Jeremiah 52:8a)

• The Babylonian forces do not merely surround Jerusalem; they relentlessly chase the fleeing king.2 Kings 25:5 andJeremiah 39:5 echo the same pursuit, underlining God’s fulfillment of His warning inJeremiah 34:2–3 that Zedekiah would face Nebuchadnezzar “eye to eye.”

• The word pursued reminds us that human schemes cannot outrun divine judgment (cf.Psalm 139:7–12). Zedekiah broke covenant with Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:13) and, more gravely, with God Himself (Jeremiah 34:17). The Chaldeans become an instrument in God’s hand (Jeremiah 25:9), demonstrating the certainty of His word.

They overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho

“and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho” (Jeremiah 52:8b)

• Jericho’s plains lie about twenty miles east of Jerusalem—far enough to suggest desperate flight, yet close enough to show how quickly consequences catch up.2 Kings 25:5 cites the same setting.

• Jericho had once marked Israel’s great victory under Joshua (Joshua 6). Now it marks Judah’s humiliating capture. The reversal drives homeProverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

• God’s earlier promise inJeremiah 21:7 that Zedekiah would be “delivered into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar” comes to pass here, proving not only His foreknowledge but His active governance of history.

His whole army deserted him

“and his whole army deserted him” (Jeremiah 52:8c)

• Military strength evaporates when God withdraws His favor (cf.Deuteronomy 28:25).Jeremiah 37:5–10 had predicted that Judah’s troops would fail despite any alliance.

• Zedekiah’s soldiers scatter, illustratingPsalm 146:3: “Put not your trust in princes.” The king whose name means “Yahweh is righteousness” stands alone because he rejected the very righteousness his name proclaims (Jeremiah 32:4–5).

• The desertion fulfillsJeremiah 38:22, where the prophet warned that the women of the palace would lament, “Your friends have deceived and overcome you.” Human loyalty collapses under the weight of divine judgment.

summary

Jeremiah 52:8 captures the collapse of earthly defenses before the certainty of God’s word. Babylon’s pursuit, the capture at Jericho, and the army’s desertion all confirm that no plan, distance, or alliance can shield a rebellious heart from the consequences God has announced. The verse calls us to trust the Lord’s promises, heed His warnings, and stay faithful—lest we, like Zedekiah, discover too late that every refuge apart from God fails.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

but the army
חֵיל־(ḥêl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2428:A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

of the Chaldeans
כַּשְׂדִּים֙(kaś·dîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3778:Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab

pursued
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ(way·yir·də·p̄ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7291:To pursue, chase, persecute

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king

and overtook
וַיַּשִּׂ֥יגוּ(way·yaś·śî·ḡū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5381:To reach, overtake

Zedekiah
צִדְקִיָּ֖הוּ(ṣiḏ·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6667:Zedekiah -- 'Yah is righteousness', six Israelites

in the plains
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת(bə·‘ar·ḇōṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6160:Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galilee

of Jericho,
יְרֵח֑וֹ(yə·rê·ḥōw)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3405:Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua

and all
וְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

his army
חֵיל֔וֹ(ḥê·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2428:A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

was separated
נָפֹ֖צוּ(nā·p̄ō·ṣū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6327:To be dispersed or scattered

from him.
מֵעָלָֽיו׃(mê·‘ā·lāw)
Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 52:8 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued (Jer.)