It's easy to focus on the dire circumstances of the city's fall, but notice that the text says the Chaldeans were "around the city," implying a strategic encirclement. Yet, the fleeing men of war escape through a "gate between the two walls," suggesting a vulnerability or a specific, albeit desperate, route that wasn't fully secured, highlighting how even overwhelming forces can have blind spots.
Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled and went out from the city by night by the way of a gate between the two walls, by the king’s garden, and the Chaldeans were around the city. And they went in the direction of the Arabah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As the Babylonian army breaches Jerusalem's defenses, the city's defenders panic and attempt a desperate nighttime escape through a gate near the king's garden. Surrounded by enemy forces, their flight leads them towards the desolate plain known as the Arabah. This scene marks the final moments of Jerusalem's resistance before its complete fall and the exile of its people.
Jerusalem, the holy city, the heart of Judah, is finally broken. What does this physical breach symbolize for God's people?
This verse paints a grim picture of Jerusalem's fall. The phrase 'the city was broken up' signifies not just a military defeat, but the shattering of security and hope for Judah. The walls, once a symbol of protection, are now breached, allowing the enemy entry. This moment marks the end of an era and the devastating consequence of generations of unfaithfulness.
The Fall of the Unthinkable
Jerusalem was more than just a city; it was God's chosen dwelling place, protected by His promises. Its fall was, in human terms, unthinkable. Yet, Jeremiah has prophesied this very outcome. The breach is a stark, physical manifestation of God's judgment finally coming to pass.
In the dead of night, the last defenders attempt to slip away. Why is this escape destined for failure?
The description of the men of war fleeing 'by night by the way of a gate between the two walls' reveals a desperate, last-ditch effort to escape the inevitable. This was not an orderly retreat but a panicked flight through a specific, likely less-guarded, exit near the king's garden.
Caught in the Net
Despite their stealth and choice of route, the Chaldeans were 'around the city.' There was no real escape. Their flight by night only highlights their fear and the overwhelming presence of the enemy. The direction they took, 'toward the Arabah' (the Jordan Rift Valley), was a known geographical route, but in this context, it led them further into the grip of their pursuers.
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Understand the original words
beqia' · Hebrew Noun
A break, gap, or opening, often resulting from a collapse or military siege; biblically, it can symbolize the vulnerability that comes when God's protective hedge is removed due to persistent sin.
Kasdim · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the Neo-Babylonian people; in the prophetic context, they serve as the instruments of God's sovereign judgment upon Judah for their refusal to repent.
'Arabah · Hebrew Noun
A geological term for the deep rift valley of the Jordan River; biblically, it is a place of transit but also a place where the glory of the land is contrasted with the desolation brought by judgment.
This verse vividly captures the desperate moments of Jerusalem's final fall, highlighting the failed escape attempt of King Zedekiah and his army amidst the surrounding Chaldean forces. It underscores the futility of resisting God's judgment when His people turn away from Him.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Jerusalem and deports a significant portion of its population, including King Jehoiachin and many craftsmen, to Babylon. This event marks a major turning point in Judah's relationship with Babylon.
589 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Rebellious against Babylonian rule, King Zedekiah allies with Egypt, prompting Nebuchadnezzar to lay siege to Jerusalem. This prolonged siege would last for over a year and a half, causing immense suffering within the city.
July 587/586 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar Breaches Jerusalem's Walls
After a relentless siege, the Babylonian army breaches the walls of Jerusalem. The city is thrown into chaos as the defenders attempt a desperate nighttime escape.
July 587/586 BC
Zedekiah Captured
King Zedekiah and his remaining forces attempt to flee Jerusalem but are captured by the Chaldeans near Jericho. His sons are executed before his eyes, and Zedekiah himself is blinded and taken to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians systematically destroy Jerusalem, including the Temple and the city walls. This event signifies the end of the kingdom of Judah and a profound spiritual crisis for the Jewish people.
586 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following the city's destruction, a final wave of Judean captives are deported to Babylon, leaving only the poorest to tend the land. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
This passage describes the same event of Jerusalem's fall and Zedekiah's flight, providing further detail about the Chaldeans surrounding the city and their movements.
2 Kings 25:4This parallel account in Kings highlights the escape route through the king's garden and the surrounding Chaldean forces, emphasizing the desperate nature of the flight.
Deuteronomy 1:1The mention of 'the Arabah' (the plain) echoes Deuteronomy, where this geographical area is described as the starting point of Israel's journey into the Promised Land, creating a stark contrast with this final, failed escape.
Psalm 51:11This verse, a plea not to be cast away from God's presence, resonates with the ultimate consequence of Zedekiah's actions – exile and separation from the promised land and God's direct presence in Jerusalem.
barnesJeremiah 52:7: "Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans were by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain."
Broken up ... the plain - Or, "broken into ... the Arabah" Deuteronomy 1:1 .
pooleJeremiah 52:7: "Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans were by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain."
No text from Poole on this verse.
It's easy to focus on the dire circumstances of the city's fall, but notice that the text says the Chaldeans were "around the city," implying a strategic encirclement. Yet, the fleeing men of war escape through a "gate between the two walls," suggesting a vulnerability or a specific, albeit desperate, route that wasn't fully secured, highlighting how even overwhelming forces can have blind spots.
As the Babylonian army breaches Jerusalem's defenses, the city's defenders panic and attempt a desperate nighttime escape through a gate near the king's garden. Surrounded by enemy forces, their flight leads them towards the desolate plain known as the Arabah. This scene marks the final moments of Jerusalem's resistance before its complete fall and the exile of its people.
As the Babylonian army breaches Jerusalem's defenses, the city's defenders panic and attempt a desperate nighttime escape through a gate near the king's garden. Surrounded by enemy forces, their flight leads them towards the desolate plain known as the Arabah. This scene marks the final moments of Jerusalem's resistance before its complete fall and the exile of its people.
"Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled and went out from the city by night by the way of a gate between the two walls, by the king’s garden, and the Chaldeans were around the city. And they went in the direction of…" — It's easy to focus on the dire circumstances of the city's fall, but notice that the text says the Chaldeans were "around the city," implying a strategic encirclement. Yet, the fleeing men of war esc…
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Last reviewed October 2026
