2 Kings 25:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 25:26 mean?

2 Kings 25:26 describes how all the remaining people of Judah, from the least to the greatest, along with the military leaders, fled to Egypt because they were afraid of the Chaldeans (Babylonians). This verse shows the total collapse of Judah’s society after Jerusalem’s destruction.

After Babylon conquered Jerusalem, the people left behind—including leaders and ordinary citizens—feared further violence or retribution from the Chaldeans. Instead of staying under Babylonian rule, they chose to escape to Egypt for safety, marking the end of Judah’s presence in their own land at that time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 25:26

• The word for "people" is עָם (ʿam), which often means the whole community or nation. Here, it emphasizes that this was a collective movement, not just a few individuals.
• "Small" קָטֹן (qāṭōn) and "great" גָּדוֹל (gādōl) stress that everyone, regardless of status or age, was involved in the flight.
• "Captains" שַׂר (śar) refers to leaders or commanders, showing that even those with authority were afraid and fled.
• "Afraid" יָרֵא (yārēʾ) means to fear or be terrified, highlighting the deep anxiety the people felt about the Chaldeans.

Why 2 Kings 25:26 matters

• This verse clarifies that the fear of the Chaldeans was so great that it united all social classes and leaders in their decision to flee, showing the depth of the crisis.
• It connects to the wider story of Judah’s downfall, showing the final scattering of the people after Jerusalem’s destruction.
• The mention of Egypt is significant, as it recalls earlier times in Israel’s history when Egypt was both a place of refuge and a symbol of dependence outside God’s land.