And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

2 KINGS 25:10KJV
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2 Kings 25:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 25:10 mean?

2 Kings 25:10 describes how the entire Babylonian army, under the command of their chief officer, tore down all the walls surrounding Jerusalem. This verse shows the complete destruction of Jerusalem’s defenses after the city was captured.

This event takes place during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, led by Nebuchadnezzar’s forces. The “Chaldees” refers to the Babylonians, and the “captain of the guard” was their top military official overseeing the destruction. Breaking down the walls meant Jerusalem was left vulnerable and symbolized the end of its independence and security.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 25:10

  • חֵיל (ḥayil, H2428) — “army”: This word often means strength or might, not just a group of soldiers. Here, it emphasizes the full force and power brought against Jerusalem.
  • כַּשְׂדִּים (Kasdim, H3778) — “Chaldees”: This term specifically points to the Babylonians, highlighting that this was a foreign, powerful empire carrying out the destruction.
  • פָּרַץ (parats, H6555, shown as H5422) — “brake down”: This verb means to break through or demolish, stressing the violent and thorough nature of the destruction.
  • חוֹמָה (ḥomah, H2346) — “walls”: This word refers to the city’s protective barriers, so their destruction marks the loss of safety and the city’s downfall.

Why 2 Kings 25:10 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jerusalem’s destruction was total, not just a defeat in battle but the removal of its ability to defend itself in the future.
  • The mention of the “Chaldees” connects this event to the broader story of Babylon’s rise and God’s warnings through the prophets about coming judgment.
  • Understanding that the entire army participated underlines the seriousness and completeness of the conquest, setting the stage for the exile that follows.

Where else these words appear

“guard” Hebrew H2876 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 2 Kings 25:12 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.
  • Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

“down” Hebrew H5422 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 10:27 And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
  • Psalms 52:5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

“Chaldees” Hebrew H3778 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 11:28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Jeremiah 32:5 And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.
  • Jeremiah 50:1 The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

“walls” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Nehemiah 2:8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.