Jeremiah 52:15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's striking that the "deserters," those who defected to the enemy during the siege, are explicitly included among those taken captive. This isn't just about punishing resistance; it reveals a deliberate policy of the conquering king to remove everyone of any potential significance or even those who showed disloyalty to their own nation.
And Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive some of the poorest of the people and the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, together with the rest of the artisans.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse describes the final, systematic deportation of Jerusalem's population by Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain. Following the destruction of the city and its temple in chapter 52, this action further empties the land, taking not only the remaining citizens but also those who had defected to the Babylonians and skilled artisans. This event culminates the devastating judgment that has been unfolding throughout Jeremiah's prophecy.
Who exactly were the 'deserters' taken captive in Jerusalem's final days? This verse sheds light on those who switched sides and faced a harsh reality.
Jeremiah 52:15 lists specific groups taken captive after Jerusalem fell. One group is described as "those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon." This refers to individuals who defected from Jerusalem during the siege, likely hoping for better treatment or survival by joining the Babylonian forces.
A Risky Bet
However, the text doesn't suggest they found refuge. Instead, they were captured alongside the remaining citizens. This highlights the desperate measures people took during the siege and the often-unrewarding consequences of seeking security outside of God's covenant people, even when it seemed like a pragmatic choice.
Beyond the obvious suffering, the fall of Jerusalem meant the loss of skilled hands. Who was taken, and why?
This verse mentions "the rest of the multitude" being taken captive. Scholarly analysis suggests this likely refers to skilled craftsmen and artisans, not just a random mass of people.
A Strategy of Depletion
Nebuchadnezzar's aim wasn't simply to punish Jerusalem; it was to enrich his own empire. By deporting skilled workers – artisans, builders, metalworkers – he transferred valuable human capital to Babylon. This left Jerusalem with fewer resources and prevented any significant rebuilding or resurgence. It was a calculated move to ensure Babylon's dominance and Jerusalem's continued subjugation.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
golah · Hebrew Noun/Participle
A person taken by force during war, often relocated to a foreign land as a means of political control and national subjugation.
dal · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Individuals of low socioeconomic status; throughout the Bible, God expresses special concern for this group, and they are often the survivors of judgment or calamity.
amon · Hebrew Noun
Skilled workers or craftsmen; in the Bible, they are often associated with the construction and maintenance of significant structures, including the temple and royal buildings.
This verse details the final, devastating deportation following Jerusalem's fall. The Babylonians specifically targeted not only the remaining poor but also skilled workers and even defectors, stripping the land bare and consolidating power.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar carries away Judean nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Babylon's dominance over Judah and the first stage of the exile.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and many craftsmen. This further weakens the kingdom and strips it of valuable resources.
c. 588-586 BC
Siege of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's forces lay siege to Jerusalem after King Zedekiah rebels. The siege lasts for an extended period, causing immense suffering and starvation within the city.
July 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces breach Jerusalem's walls, capture King Zedekiah, and plunder the city. The Temple is destroyed, and much of the remaining population is killed or taken captive.
c. August 586 BC— this verse
Final Deportation by Nebuzaradan
Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, carries out a final wave of exiles. This group includes the poorest remaining citizens, defectors who had joined the Babylonians, and skilled artisans.
This passage describes the same event but omits the detail about 'the poorest of the people,' highlighting that the primary concern was the skilled laborers and those who had actively defected.
Jeremiah 39:10This verse directly relates to the individuals who had defected to the Babylonians during the siege, showing they were treated differently and integrated into Nebuchadnezzar's service.
Proverbs 8:30While seemingly unrelated, this verse speaks of wisdom being a 'master workman' with God, connecting to the idea that Nebuchadnezzar was specifically seeking out and taking skilled artisans to enhance his kingdom.
Deuteronomy 28:48This passage from the Law illustrates the curse of exile and servitude for disobedience, which is the grim reality fulfilled for the people deported by Nebuzaradan in Jeremiah 52:15.
Luke 21:24Jesus prophesies the fall of Jerusalem to the Gentiles and the scattering of its people, a future event that echoes the historical devastation and deportation described in Jeremiah's account.
barnesJeremiah 52:15: "Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive certain of the poor of the people, and the residue of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude."
Certain of the poor of the people, and - Omit (as in 2 Kings 25:11 ), being inserted through some confusion with Jeremiah 52:16 . Multitude - Possibly workmen. The object of Nebuchadnezzar was to people Babylon, not with paupers, but w…
clarkeJeremiah 52:15: "Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive certain of the poor of the people, and the residue of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude."
Those that fell away - The deserters to the Chaldeans during the siege.
It's striking that the "deserters," those who defected to the enemy during the siege, are explicitly included among those taken captive. This isn't just about punishing resistance; it reveals a deliberate policy of the conquering king to remove everyone of any potential significance or even those who showed disloyalty to their own nation.
This verse describes the final, systematic deportation of Jerusalem's population by Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain. Following the destruction of the city and its temple in chapter 52, this action further empties the land, taking not only the remaining citizens but also those who had defected to the Babylonians and skilled artisans. This event culminates the devastating judgment that has been unfolding throughout Jeremiah's prophecy.
This verse describes the final, systematic deportation of Jerusalem's population by Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain. Following the destruction of the city and its temple in chapter 52, this action further empties the land, taking not only the remaining citizens but also those who had defected to the Babylonians and skilled artisans. This event culminates the devastating judgment that has been unfolding throughout Jeremiah's prophecy.
"And Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive some of the poorest of the people and the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, together with the rest of the a…" — It's striking that the "deserters," those who defected to the enemy during the siege, are explicitly included among those taken captive. This isn't just about punishing resistance; it reveals a delib…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
