Old Testament
Jeremiah 52:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the city wall was breached, and all the soldiers fled at night through the gate between the two walls near the king's garden, even though the Chaldeans surrounded the city. They escaped by way of the plain.
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 52:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a critical moment during the siege of Jerusalem. The city wall has been breached, indicating that the defenses have failed. The soldiers, realizing their situation is dire, decide to flee under the cover of night. They escape through a specific gate located between two walls, near the king's garden, which suggests they had a planned route to avoid detection by the Chaldeans, who had surrounded the city. This act of fleeing highlights the desperation and fear among the defenders as they abandon their posts to save their lives. The mention of the plain indicates they sought a path that would lead them away from the city and into open territory, possibly hoping to regroup or find safety. This moment captures the chaos and turmoil of a city under siege, emphasizing the consequences of conflict and the instinct for survival.
How to apply Jeremiah 52:7 to your life
This verse reminds us that in times of crisis, we may feel compelled to make difficult choices for our safety. It encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance in our decisions, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges. Trusting in God can provide clarity in chaotic situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 52:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 52:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 52:7 describe about the fall of Jerusalem?
Jeremiah 52:7 describes a pivotal moment during the siege of Jerusalem when the city wall was breached. This breach signifies the collapse of the city's defenses, prompting the soldiers to flee under the cover of night. They escape through a gate located between two walls near the king's garden, indicating a desperate attempt to evade the Chaldeans who had surrounded the city.
Why did the soldiers flee at night in Jeremiah 52:7?
The soldiers fled at night to avoid detection by the Chaldeans, who were surrounding the city. The cover of darkness provided them with a strategic advantage, allowing them to escape through a specific gate between two walls. This decision highlights their desperation and the urgency of their situation as they sought to save their lives amidst the chaos of the siege.
What can we learn from the actions of the soldiers in Jeremiah 52:7?
The actions of the soldiers in Jeremiah 52:7 teach us about the instinct for survival in dire circumstances. It reminds us that in times of crisis, we may need to make tough decisions to protect ourselves. This verse encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from God when facing overwhelming challenges, emphasizing the importance of trust and clarity in chaotic situations.
What does the mention of the plain signify in Jeremiah 52:7?
The mention of the plain in Jeremiah 52:7 signifies the soldiers' desire to escape the confines of the besieged city and find safety in open territory. It suggests that they were not only fleeing for their lives but also seeking a route that might allow them to regroup or find refuge away from the immediate danger posed by the Chaldeans.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.