For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

JEREMIAH 52:3KJV
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Jeremiah 52:3 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 52:3 mean?

Jeremiah 52:3 explains that the downfall of Jerusalem and Judah happened because of the LORD’s anger, leading to their removal from His presence, and that Zedekiah’s rebellion against the king of Babylon was part of this process. The verse shows that these tragic events were not just political accidents but were connected to God’s judgment.

Jeremiah 52:3 is a historical note, summarizing why Jerusalem and Judah fell. The writer is describing how Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, rebelled against Babylon, which ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes that this was not random; it was allowed by God (the LORD) as a result of the people’s disobedience and His anger toward them.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 52:3

  • "Anger" (אַף, ʾaf): This word often refers to God’s intense displeasure or wrath. Here, it highlights that the events were driven by more than politics—they were a response to deep offense against God.
  • "Cast...out" (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): This verb means to throw or hurl away. The verse uses it to show the seriousness of being removed from God’s presence, not just a simple relocation but a forceful expulsion.
  • "Presence" (פָּנִים, panim): Literally meaning "face," this word often refers to being in someone’s favor or company. Being cast out from God’s "face" means losing His protection and blessing.

Why Jeremiah 52:3 matters

  • Jeremiah 52:3 clarifies that Zedekiah’s rebellion and the fall of Jerusalem were not just political missteps but were allowed by God as a consequence of persistent disobedience.
  • The verse connects the historical events to God’s larger purpose, showing that what happened to Judah was part of a divine response rather than just human failure.
  • This verse helps frame the rest of the chapter, reminding readers that the exile was not the end of the story but a turning point in the relationship between God and His people.

Where else these words appear

“rebelled” Hebrew H4775 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
  • 2 Kings 18:20 Thou sayest,(but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
  • Nehemiah 9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

“through” Hebrew H5921 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Genesis 31:50 If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

“Zedekiah” Hebrew H6667 · used in 62 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
  • Jeremiah 27:12 I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
  • Jeremiah 38:5 Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.

“out” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.
  • Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.