Jeremiah 52:15-16
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It's easy to overlook that the "multitude" taken captive here likely weren't just random people, but skilled artisans. This detail reveals Nebuchadnezzar's strategic aim: to not just conquer, but to enrich Babylon by deporting its most useful workers and craftsmen.
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. But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and plowmen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse details the final stages of Nebuzaradan's campaign after Jerusalem's fall, describing who was taken into exile. It follows the destruction of the city and its temple, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian conquest. The verse is part of a historical appendix that catalogues the fate of Jerusalem and its people, explaining the complete devastation and deportation that fulfilled God's judgment.
Jerusalem has fallen, and the Babylonians are rounding up people. But who exactly did Nebuzaradan take, and who was left behind?
This verse details a specific group of people taken captive by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard. It's important to note that the wording here is a bit complex and has been debated.
Amidst the siege, some people switched sides. What does their fate tell us about loyalty and consequence?
Jeremiah 52:15 specifically mentions 'the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon.' These were individuals who, during the siege, abandoned their own people and surrendered to the enemy.
Ask a follow-up
The Babylonians weren't just taking bodies; they were taking skills. What does deporting the artisans reveal about ancient warfare and economics?
The phrase 'the rest of the artisans' points to a crucial aspect of Nebuchadnezzar's strategy. He wasn't merely conquering; he was also depopulating Jerusalem of its skilled workforce to strengthen his own empire.
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.
rab tabbachim · Hebrew Noun Phrase
An officer of high rank, specifically the commander of the king's bodyguard, often serving as a key military agent in executing royal decrees and destruction.
kormim · Hebrew Noun
A person who labors in a vineyard or field; in the Bible, this often represents the remnant left behind in the land after a conquest or exile.
This verse captures a specific moment of exile, highlighting Nebuzaradan's calculated removal of skilled workers and potential rebels, aiming to weaken Jerusalem and strengthen Babylon.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conducts his first deportation of Judeans, including members of the royal family and skilled workers, to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin.
c. 588-586 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem after Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, rebels against Babylonian rule.
c. July 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's army breaches Jerusalem's walls, leading to widespread destruction and the end of the Kingdom of Judah.
c. August 586 BC— this verse
Nebuzaradan's Deportation
Nebuzaradan, captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, carries away the remaining population of Jerusalem, including artisans and deserters, leaving only the poorest to cultivate the land.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of the Temple
The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem is plundered and burned to the ground by the Babylonians, a devastating blow to Jewish faith and identity.
This passage, which describes the same event from 2 Kings, omits the phrase 'certain of the poorest of the people,' suggesting that the focus of the captivity was on those who could serve the Babylonian empire, not the truly destitute. This highlights the calculated nature of the Babylonian policy in deporting skilled workers and those who had defected.
Jeremiah 39:9This verse is referenced in the commentary, explaining that those who 'fell away' to the Babylonians during the siege were among those taken captive. It sheds light on the complex allegiances and survival strategies employed by people during wartime.
Proverbs 8:30The commentaries suggest 'multitude' might be better understood as 'artisans' or 'workmen.' Proverbs 8:30 speaks of wisdom being 'master craftsman' with God at creation, drawing a parallel to the value placed on skilled labor in the Babylonian deportations.
Jeremiah 24:1This chapter contrasts two baskets of figs, symbolizing the exiles taken to Babylon and those left behind. It provides a theological framework for understanding the differing fates of the people of Judah during this period of judgment and exile.
Lamentations 1:1The book of Lamentations powerfully expresses the sorrow and devastation following the destruction of Jerusalem. Reading it alongside Jeremiah 52 helps us feel the profound grief experienced by those left behind and the loss felt by the deported.
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 easy to overlook that the "multitude" taken captive here likely weren't just random people, but skilled artisans. This detail reveals Nebuchadnezzar's strategic aim: to not just conquer, but to enrich Babylon by deporting its most useful workers and craftsmen.
This verse details the final stages of Nebuzaradan's campaign after Jerusalem's fall, describing who was taken into exile. It follows the destruction of the city and its temple, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian conquest. The verse is part of a historical appendix that catalogues the fate of Jerusalem and its people, explaining the complete devastation and deportation that fulfilled God's judgment.
This verse details the final stages of Nebuzaradan's campaign after Jerusalem's fall, describing who was taken into exile. It follows the destruction of the city and its temple, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian conquest. The verse is part of a historical appendix that catalogues the fate of Jerusalem and its people, explaining the complete devastation and deportation that fulfilled God's judgment.
"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 easy to overlook that the "multitude" taken captive here likely weren't just random people, but skilled artisans. This detail reveals Nebuchadnezzar's strategic aim: to not just conquer, but to…
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Last reviewed October 2026
