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Historical event dossier · Political, Migration

Gedaliah governs from Mizpah and is assassinated (2 Kgs 25:22–26)

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Biblical references

Text: World English Bible (public domain). The ESV and NKJV are the preferred study translations and are referenced, not reproduced.

2 Kings 25:22–26Narration
22 As for the people who were left in the land of Judah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor. 23 Now when all the captains of the forces, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, Johanan the son of Kareah, Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men. 24 Gedaliah swore to them and to their men, and said to them, “Don’t be afraid because of the servants of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.” 25 But in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal offspring came, and ten men with him, and struck Gedaliah so that he died, with the Jews and the Chaldeans that were with him at Mizpah. 26 All the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces arose and came to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.
Jeremiah 40:5–41:18Parallel account
5 Now while he had not yet gone back, “Go back then,” he said, “to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him food and a present, and let him go. 6 Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land. 7 Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, women, children, and of the poorest of the land, of those who were not carried away captive to Babylon, 8 then Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men came to Gedaliah to Mizpah. 9 Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, “Don’t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you. 10 As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to stand before the Chaldeans who will come to us; but you, gather wine and summer fruits and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken.” 11 Likewise when all the Jews who were in Moab, and among the children of Ammon, and in Edom, and who were in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, 12 then all the Jews returned out of all places where they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, to Mizpah, and gathered very much wine and summer fruits. 13 Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, 14 and said to him, “Do you know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam didn’t believe them. 15 Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, “Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man will know it. Why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?” 16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely of Ishmael.” 1 Now in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal offspring and one of the chief officers of the king, and ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they ate bread together in Mizpah. 2 Then Ishmael the son of Nethaniah arose, and the ten men who were with him, and struck Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword and killed him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. 3 Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean men of war who were found there. 4 The second day after he had killed Gedaliah, and no man knew it, 5 men came from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even eighty men, having their beards shaved and their clothes torn, and having cut themselves, with meal offerings and frankincense in their hand, to bring them to the LORD’s house. 6 Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went, and as he met them, he said to them, “Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.” 7 It was so, when they came into the middle of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah killed them, and cast them into the middle of the pit, he, and the men who were with him. 8 But ten men were found among those who said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey.” So he stopped, and didn’t kill them among their brothers. 9 Now the pit in which Ishmael cast all the dead bodies of the men whom he had killed, by the side of Gedaliah (this was that which Asa the king had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel), Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with those who were killed. 10 Then Ishmael carried away captive all of the people who were left in Mizpah, even the king’s daughters, and all the people who remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the children of Ammon. 11 But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done, 12 then they took all the men, and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and found him by the great waters that are in Gibeon. 13 Now when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, then they were glad. 14 So all the people who Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah turned about and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah. 15 But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the children of Ammon. 16 Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces who were with him took all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah, after he had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam—the men of war, with the women, the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon. 17 They departed and lived in Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt 18 because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

Biblical account

Layer: Biblical text

Gedaliah son of Ahikam, appointed over those left in Judah, assured the remaining captains at Mizpah; in the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah of the royal line killed him with Jews and Chaldeans; all the people fled to Egypt.

Historical overview

Layer: Historical reconstruction · Period: After the destruction (year not stated)

Jeremiah 40–43 gives the fuller account. The seventh-month fast of Zech 7:5; 8:19 is traditionally connected with Gedaliah's murder (not researched here).[1]

Kingdoms: Neo-Babylonian Empire, Kingdom of Judah

Date and chronology derivation

Ranges are computed by the project's deterministic chronology engine from the biblical statements and each model's reign anchors. They are reconstructions, not independent dates.

589 BC – ?

Model-independent (applies under every chronology model) · precision: undated

How this range was derived

Earliest bound

  1. reign of Zedekiah began between 15 Mar 597 BC and 30 Apr 597 BC (model-independent) (2 Kings 24:18)[2, 3]Assumption: ABC 5: after capturing the city on 2 Adar year 7 (15/16 Mar 597) Nebuchadnezzar "appointed there a king of his own choice"; 2 Kgs 24:17. Upper bound (end of April 597) is an operator margin covering Nisan 597. End in summer 587 or 586 BC depending on reckoning (see the two chronology models).
  2. “In the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month” — The final siege of Jerusalem begins (10/X of Zedekiah's ninth year) years later reign of Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:1)Assumption: Zedekiah's ninth year counted from his installation in spring 597 by either Nisan or Tishri reckoning; margin 7–9 years after the start (operator).
  3. “So the city was besieged until the eleventh year … On the ninth day of the fourth month” — The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year) months later The final siege of Jerusalem begins (10/X of Zedekiah's ninth year) (2 Kings 25:2–3)[3]Assumption: From 10/X of year 9 to 9/IV of year 11 is about 18 months with Nisan years and about 30 months with Tishri years; both are allowed (Young 2004 discusses the options).
  4. “Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month” — Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year) days later The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year) (2 Kings 25:8)Assumption: From 9/IV to 7/V (Kings) or 10/V (Jer 52:12): 27–31 days with 29/30-day months.
  5. “But in the seventh month, Ishmael … struck Gedaliah” — Gedaliah governs from Mizpah and is assassinated (2 Kgs 25:22–26) after Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year) (2 Kings 25:25)Assumption: The year is not stated; most readers take the same year as the destruction, but that is not modelled.

Latest bound

    586 BC – ?

    Fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC (accession-year count of Nebuchadnezzar's years) · precision: undated

    How this range was derived

    Earliest bound

    1. “which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar” — Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year) in regnal year reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (year 19) [reckoned accession, nisan new year] (2 Kings 25:8)[3, 4]Assumption: Babylonian accession-year counting: year 19 = Nisan 586 – Nisan 585.
    2. “But in the seventh month, Ishmael … struck Gedaliah” — Gedaliah governs from Mizpah and is assassinated (2 Kgs 25:22–26) after Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year) (2 Kings 25:25)Assumption: The year is not stated; most readers take the same year as the destruction, but that is not modelled.

    Latest bound

      587 BC – ?

      Fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC (non-accession count of Nebuchadnezzar's years in 2 Kings) · precision: undated

      How this range was derived

      Earliest bound

      1. “which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar” — Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year) in regnal year reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (year 19) [reckoned non-accession, nisan new year] (2 Kings 25:8)[3]Assumption: Non-accession counting in 2 Kings (Young 2004): year 19 = Nisan 587 – Nisan 586.
      2. “But in the seventh month, Ishmael … struck Gedaliah” — Gedaliah governs from Mizpah and is assassinated (2 Kgs 25:22–26) after Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year) (2 Kings 25:25)Assumption: The year is not stated; most readers take the same year as the destruction, but that is not modelled.

      Latest bound

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        What else was happening? (model-independent)

        • Daniel's refusal of the king's food and the ten-day test (Dan 1:8–16): 606 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar II (reign): 605 BC – 562 BC
        • Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7): 603 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar's decree honouring the God of the three Judeans (Dan 3:28–30): 603 BC – ?
        • The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (Dan 3:8–27): 603 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 4:4–27): 605 BC – 563 BC
        • Nebuchadnezzar's boast, madness and restoration (Dan 4:28–37): 604 BC – 562 BC
        • Belshazzar slain; Darius the Mede receives the kingdom (Dan 5:30–31): 539 BC
        • Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall (Dan 5:1–29): 539 BC
        • Fall of Babylon to Cyrus (October 539 BC): 539 BC
        • Daniel continues until the first year of King Cyrus (Dan 1:21): 538 BC – 537 BC
        • Cyrus II (the Great) (reign): 539 BC – 530 BC
        • Nabonidus (reign): 556 BC – 539 BC
        • The thirty-day decree and Daniel in the lions' den (Dan 6:4–23): 539 BC – ?
        • Darius appoints 120 satraps and three chief officials (Dan 6:1–3, 28): 539 BC – ?
        • The accusers punished; Darius's decree honouring the God of Daniel (Dan 6:24–27): 539 BC – ?
        • Daniel's night vision of the four beasts and its interpretation (Dan 7): ? – 539 BC
        • Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat at Susa (Dan 8): ? – 539 BC
        • Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, Nisan of his twentieth year (Neh 2:1–8): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) (reign): 465 BC – 423 BC
        • Hanani's report at Susa and Nehemiah's prayer (Chislev, Artaxerxes's 20th year): 447 BC – 445 BC
        • Cyrus's proclamation permitting the return and the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1; 6:3–5): 538 BC – 537 BC
        • The rebuilt Temple completed on 3 Adar of Darius's sixth year (Ezra 6:15): 516 BC – 515 BC
        • Darius I (the Great) (reign): 522 BC – 486 BC
        • Darius I confirms Cyrus's decree and orders the Temple completed (Ezra 6:1–12): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • Gabriel comes at the evening offering with the word of the seventy weeks (Dan 9:20–27): 539 BC – 536 BC
        • Daniel reads Jeremiah's seventy years and prays (Dan 9:1–19): 539 BC – 536 BC
        • Artaxerxes' decree to Ezra in his seventh year (Ezra 7): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • Daniel's vision by the Tigris in the third year of Cyrus (Dan 10:1–11:1): 536 BC – 535 BC
        • Desecration of the Temple: the "abomination of desolation" (15 Chislev 145 SE, 168/167 BC): 168 BC – 166 BC
        • Popillius Laenas orders Antiochus IV out of Egypt at Eleusis (168 BC): 168 BC
        • Rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus (25 Chislev 148 SE, 165/164 BC): 165 BC – 163 BC
        • The closing dialogue by the river: the oath, the numbers and Daniel's dismissal (Dan 12:5–13): 536 BC – 535 BC
        • Evil-merodach (Amēl-Marduk) releases Jehoiachin (561 BC): 562 BC – 561 BC
        • Amēl-Marduk (Evil-merodach) (reign): 562 BC – 560 BC
        • Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year): 589 BC – 584 BC
        • The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year): 589 BC – 585 BC
        • The final siege of Jerusalem begins (10/X of Zedekiah's ninth year): 590 BC – 587 BC
        • Zedekiah (reign): 597 BC – 586 BC
        • The deportation of Nebuchadnezzar's twenty-third year (Jer 52:30): 582 BC – 581 BC
        • Cyrus returns the Temple vessels to Sheshbazzar; the first return (Ezra 1:5–11): 538 BC – 530 BC
        • The altar rebuilt in Jerusalem and the Feast of Booths kept (Ezra 3:1–7): 538 BC – 530 BC
        • The return of the exiles with Zerubbabel and Jeshua; the list of returnees (Ezra 2): 538 BC – 531 BC
        • The foundation of the Second Temple laid (Ezra 3:8–13): 537 BC – 530 BC
        • Tattenai governor of Beyond the River inquires and writes to Darius (Ezra 5:3–17): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • Haggai and Zechariah stir the people; the Temple work resumes (Darius's second year, 520 BC): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Opposition from the people of the land; the Temple work ceases until Darius's second year (Ezra 4:1–5, 24): 537 BC – 519 BC
        • Accusations to Ahasuerus and the Rehum–Shimshai letter to Artaxerxes; the city's rebuilding stopped (Ezra 4:6–23): 537 BC – ?
        • The returned exiles keep the Passover after the Temple's dedication (Ezra 6:19–22): 516 BC – 515 BC
        • Haggai's oracles of 24/IX, Darius year 2: "from this day I will bless you"; Zerubbabel the signet: 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Haggai's oracle on the latter glory of the house (21/VII, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Zechariah's first oracle: the call to return (8th month, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Zechariah's night visions (24 Shebat, Darius year 2; Zech 1:7–6:8): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Crowns made from the exiles' gifts and set on Joshua; the oracle of the Branch (Zech 6:9–15): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • The Bethel delegation and the question of fasting; Zechariah's answer (4/IX, Darius year 4): 518 BC – 517 BC
        • Ezra's caravan from the Ahava to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:7–10; 8): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • The mixed-marriages crisis: Ezra's confession, the assembly in the rain (20/IX) and the commission (Ezra 9–10): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • Nehemiah arrives, inspects the walls by night and calls for rebuilding (Neh 2:9–20): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall and gates, section by section (Neh 3): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Mockery, threats and the armed builders (Neh 4): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The debt crisis and the remission of pledges (Neh 5:1–13): 446 BC – 423 BC
        • Plots against Nehemiah: Ono, the open letter, Shemaiah (Neh 6:1–14): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The wall completed on 25 Elul after fifty-two days (Neh 6:15–19): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Nehemiah's first governorship: twelve years, 20th–32nd year of Artaxerxes (445–433 BC): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Jerusalem guarded under Hanani and Hananiah; the registry of the first returnees found (Neh 7:1–5): 446 BC – ?
        • Ezra reads the Law on the first day of the seventh month (Neh 7:73b–8:12): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The Feast of Booths kept "as it is written" (Neh 8:13–18): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The sealed covenant to keep the law and support the temple (Neh 9:38–10:39): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The fast of the twenty-fourth day and the Levites' confession (Neh 9): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Nehemiah's return and second-term reforms (Neh 13:4–31): 434 BC – 423 BC
        • Jerusalem repopulated: one in ten by lot (Neh 11): 446 BC – ?
        • The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 12:27–13:3): 446 BC – 423 BC
        • The priestly and Levitical registers to the days of Jaddua (Neh 12:1–26): 446 BC – ?
        • The first "burden" of Zechariah 9–11 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
        • The second "burden" of Zechariah 12–14 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
        • Malachi's disputations with priests and people (Mal 1–4; undated, mid-fifth century BC): 465 BC – 423 BC
        • Mordecai uncovers the plot of Bigthan and Teresh (Esth 2:19–23): 479 BC – 464 BC
        • Esther made queen in Tebeth of Xerxes's seventh year (Esth 2:1–18; winter 479/478 BC): 479 BC – 478 BC
        • Xerxes I (reign): 486 BC – 464 BC
        • Ahasuerus's third-year feast at Susa and the deposing of Vashti (Esth 1; 483/482 BC): 483 BC – 482 BC
        • Mordecai mourns; Esther resolves to go to the king (Esth 4): 474 BC
        • Haman casts pur and the decree against the Jews (Esth 3; Nisan 474 BC): 474 BC
        • Esther before the king; the first banquet; Haman's gallows (Esth 5): 474 BC
        • The sleepless king; Mordecai honoured by Haman (Esth 6): 474 BC
        • The institution of Purim; Mordecai second to the king (Esth 9:20–10:3): 474 BC – ?
        • The Jews defend themselves on 13–14 Adar (Esth 9:1–19; 473 BC): 474 BC – 473 BC
        • Mordecai's counter-decree of 23 Sivan (Esth 8; June 474 BC): 474 BC
        • The second banquet; Haman hanged (Esth 7): 474 BC
        • Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reign): 175 BC – 164 BC
        • Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV defeats Antiochus III (217 BC): 217 BC
        • Battle of Panium: Antiochus III defeats Scopas (c. 200–198 BC): 200 BC – 198 BC
        • Battle of Magnesia: Rome defeats Antiochus III (190 BC): 190 BC
        • Assassination of Seleucus IV and accession of Antiochus IV (175 BC): 175 BC
        • Death of Antiochus IV at Tabae in Persia (164 BC): 164 BC

        What else was happening? (Fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC (accession-year count of Nebuchadnezzar's years))

        • Daniel's refusal of the king's food and the ten-day test (Dan 1:8–16): 606 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar II (reign): 605 BC – 562 BC
        • Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7): 603 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar's decree honouring the God of the three Judeans (Dan 3:28–30): 603 BC – ?
        • The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (Dan 3:8–27): 603 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 4:4–27): 605 BC – 563 BC
        • Nebuchadnezzar's boast, madness and restoration (Dan 4:28–37): 604 BC – 562 BC
        • Belshazzar slain; Darius the Mede receives the kingdom (Dan 5:30–31): 539 BC
        • Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall (Dan 5:1–29): 539 BC
        • Fall of Babylon to Cyrus (October 539 BC): 539 BC
        • Daniel continues until the first year of King Cyrus (Dan 1:21): 538 BC – 537 BC
        • Cyrus II (the Great) (reign): 539 BC – 530 BC
        • Nabonidus (reign): 556 BC – 539 BC
        • The thirty-day decree and Daniel in the lions' den (Dan 6:4–23): 539 BC – ?
        • Darius appoints 120 satraps and three chief officials (Dan 6:1–3, 28): 539 BC – ?
        • The accusers punished; Darius's decree honouring the God of Daniel (Dan 6:24–27): 539 BC – ?
        • Daniel's night vision of the four beasts and its interpretation (Dan 7): ? – 539 BC
        • Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat at Susa (Dan 8): ? – 539 BC
        • Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, Nisan of his twentieth year (Neh 2:1–8): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) (reign): 465 BC – 423 BC
        • Hanani's report at Susa and Nehemiah's prayer (Chislev, Artaxerxes's 20th year): 447 BC – 445 BC
        • Cyrus's proclamation permitting the return and the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1; 6:3–5): 538 BC – 537 BC
        • The rebuilt Temple completed on 3 Adar of Darius's sixth year (Ezra 6:15): 516 BC – 515 BC
        • Darius I (the Great) (reign): 522 BC – 486 BC
        • Darius I confirms Cyrus's decree and orders the Temple completed (Ezra 6:1–12): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • Gabriel comes at the evening offering with the word of the seventy weeks (Dan 9:20–27): 539 BC – 536 BC
        • Daniel reads Jeremiah's seventy years and prays (Dan 9:1–19): 539 BC – 536 BC
        • Artaxerxes' decree to Ezra in his seventh year (Ezra 7): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • Daniel's vision by the Tigris in the third year of Cyrus (Dan 10:1–11:1): 536 BC – 535 BC
        • Desecration of the Temple: the "abomination of desolation" (15 Chislev 145 SE, 168/167 BC): 168 BC – 166 BC
        • Popillius Laenas orders Antiochus IV out of Egypt at Eleusis (168 BC): 168 BC
        • Rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus (25 Chislev 148 SE, 165/164 BC): 165 BC – 163 BC
        • The closing dialogue by the river: the oath, the numbers and Daniel's dismissal (Dan 12:5–13): 536 BC – 535 BC
        • Evil-merodach (Amēl-Marduk) releases Jehoiachin (561 BC): 562 BC – 561 BC
        • Amēl-Marduk (Evil-merodach) (reign): 562 BC – 560 BC
        • Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year): 586 BC – 585 BC
        • The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year): 586 BC – 585 BC
        • Zedekiah (reign): 597 BC – 586 BC
        • The deportation of Nebuchadnezzar's twenty-third year (Jer 52:30): 582 BC – 581 BC
        • Cyrus returns the Temple vessels to Sheshbazzar; the first return (Ezra 1:5–11): 538 BC – 530 BC
        • The altar rebuilt in Jerusalem and the Feast of Booths kept (Ezra 3:1–7): 538 BC – 530 BC
        • The return of the exiles with Zerubbabel and Jeshua; the list of returnees (Ezra 2): 538 BC – 531 BC
        • The foundation of the Second Temple laid (Ezra 3:8–13): 537 BC – 530 BC
        • Tattenai governor of Beyond the River inquires and writes to Darius (Ezra 5:3–17): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • Haggai and Zechariah stir the people; the Temple work resumes (Darius's second year, 520 BC): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Opposition from the people of the land; the Temple work ceases until Darius's second year (Ezra 4:1–5, 24): 537 BC – 519 BC
        • Accusations to Ahasuerus and the Rehum–Shimshai letter to Artaxerxes; the city's rebuilding stopped (Ezra 4:6–23): 537 BC – ?
        • The returned exiles keep the Passover after the Temple's dedication (Ezra 6:19–22): 516 BC – 515 BC
        • Haggai's oracles of 24/IX, Darius year 2: "from this day I will bless you"; Zerubbabel the signet: 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Haggai's oracle on the latter glory of the house (21/VII, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Zechariah's first oracle: the call to return (8th month, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Zechariah's night visions (24 Shebat, Darius year 2; Zech 1:7–6:8): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Crowns made from the exiles' gifts and set on Joshua; the oracle of the Branch (Zech 6:9–15): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • The Bethel delegation and the question of fasting; Zechariah's answer (4/IX, Darius year 4): 518 BC – 517 BC
        • Ezra's caravan from the Ahava to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:7–10; 8): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • The mixed-marriages crisis: Ezra's confession, the assembly in the rain (20/IX) and the commission (Ezra 9–10): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • Nehemiah arrives, inspects the walls by night and calls for rebuilding (Neh 2:9–20): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall and gates, section by section (Neh 3): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Mockery, threats and the armed builders (Neh 4): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The debt crisis and the remission of pledges (Neh 5:1–13): 446 BC – 423 BC
        • Plots against Nehemiah: Ono, the open letter, Shemaiah (Neh 6:1–14): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The wall completed on 25 Elul after fifty-two days (Neh 6:15–19): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Nehemiah's first governorship: twelve years, 20th–32nd year of Artaxerxes (445–433 BC): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Jerusalem guarded under Hanani and Hananiah; the registry of the first returnees found (Neh 7:1–5): 446 BC – ?
        • Ezra reads the Law on the first day of the seventh month (Neh 7:73b–8:12): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The Feast of Booths kept "as it is written" (Neh 8:13–18): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The sealed covenant to keep the law and support the temple (Neh 9:38–10:39): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The fast of the twenty-fourth day and the Levites' confession (Neh 9): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Nehemiah's return and second-term reforms (Neh 13:4–31): 434 BC – 423 BC
        • Jerusalem repopulated: one in ten by lot (Neh 11): 446 BC – ?
        • The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 12:27–13:3): 446 BC – 423 BC
        • The priestly and Levitical registers to the days of Jaddua (Neh 12:1–26): 446 BC – ?
        • The first "burden" of Zechariah 9–11 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
        • The second "burden" of Zechariah 12–14 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
        • Malachi's disputations with priests and people (Mal 1–4; undated, mid-fifth century BC): 465 BC – 423 BC
        • Mordecai uncovers the plot of Bigthan and Teresh (Esth 2:19–23): 479 BC – 464 BC
        • Esther made queen in Tebeth of Xerxes's seventh year (Esth 2:1–18; winter 479/478 BC): 479 BC – 478 BC
        • Xerxes I (reign): 486 BC – 464 BC
        • Ahasuerus's third-year feast at Susa and the deposing of Vashti (Esth 1; 483/482 BC): 483 BC – 482 BC
        • Mordecai mourns; Esther resolves to go to the king (Esth 4): 474 BC
        • Haman casts pur and the decree against the Jews (Esth 3; Nisan 474 BC): 474 BC
        • Esther before the king; the first banquet; Haman's gallows (Esth 5): 474 BC
        • The sleepless king; Mordecai honoured by Haman (Esth 6): 474 BC
        • The institution of Purim; Mordecai second to the king (Esth 9:20–10:3): 474 BC – ?
        • The Jews defend themselves on 13–14 Adar (Esth 9:1–19; 473 BC): 474 BC – 473 BC
        • Mordecai's counter-decree of 23 Sivan (Esth 8; June 474 BC): 474 BC
        • The second banquet; Haman hanged (Esth 7): 474 BC
        • Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reign): 175 BC – 164 BC
        • Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV defeats Antiochus III (217 BC): 217 BC
        • Battle of Panium: Antiochus III defeats Scopas (c. 200–198 BC): 200 BC – 198 BC
        • Battle of Magnesia: Rome defeats Antiochus III (190 BC): 190 BC
        • Assassination of Seleucus IV and accession of Antiochus IV (175 BC): 175 BC
        • Death of Antiochus IV at Tabae in Persia (164 BC): 164 BC

        What else was happening? (Fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC (non-accession count of Nebuchadnezzar's years in 2 Kings))

        • Daniel's refusal of the king's food and the ten-day test (Dan 1:8–16): 606 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar II (reign): 605 BC – 562 BC
        • Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7): 603 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar's decree honouring the God of the three Judeans (Dan 3:28–30): 603 BC – ?
        • The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (Dan 3:8–27): 603 BC – ?
        • Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 4:4–27): 605 BC – 563 BC
        • Nebuchadnezzar's boast, madness and restoration (Dan 4:28–37): 604 BC – 562 BC
        • Belshazzar slain; Darius the Mede receives the kingdom (Dan 5:30–31): 539 BC
        • Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall (Dan 5:1–29): 539 BC
        • Fall of Babylon to Cyrus (October 539 BC): 539 BC
        • Daniel continues until the first year of King Cyrus (Dan 1:21): 538 BC – 537 BC
        • Cyrus II (the Great) (reign): 539 BC – 530 BC
        • Nabonidus (reign): 556 BC – 539 BC
        • The thirty-day decree and Daniel in the lions' den (Dan 6:4–23): 539 BC – ?
        • Darius appoints 120 satraps and three chief officials (Dan 6:1–3, 28): 539 BC – ?
        • The accusers punished; Darius's decree honouring the God of Daniel (Dan 6:24–27): 539 BC – ?
        • Daniel's night vision of the four beasts and its interpretation (Dan 7): ? – 539 BC
        • Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat at Susa (Dan 8): ? – 539 BC
        • Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, Nisan of his twentieth year (Neh 2:1–8): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) (reign): 465 BC – 423 BC
        • Hanani's report at Susa and Nehemiah's prayer (Chislev, Artaxerxes's 20th year): 447 BC – 445 BC
        • Cyrus's proclamation permitting the return and the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1; 6:3–5): 538 BC – 537 BC
        • The rebuilt Temple completed on 3 Adar of Darius's sixth year (Ezra 6:15): 516 BC – 515 BC
        • Darius I (the Great) (reign): 522 BC – 486 BC
        • Darius I confirms Cyrus's decree and orders the Temple completed (Ezra 6:1–12): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • Gabriel comes at the evening offering with the word of the seventy weeks (Dan 9:20–27): 539 BC – 536 BC
        • Daniel reads Jeremiah's seventy years and prays (Dan 9:1–19): 539 BC – 536 BC
        • Artaxerxes' decree to Ezra in his seventh year (Ezra 7): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • Daniel's vision by the Tigris in the third year of Cyrus (Dan 10:1–11:1): 536 BC – 535 BC
        • Desecration of the Temple: the "abomination of desolation" (15 Chislev 145 SE, 168/167 BC): 168 BC – 166 BC
        • Popillius Laenas orders Antiochus IV out of Egypt at Eleusis (168 BC): 168 BC
        • Rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus (25 Chislev 148 SE, 165/164 BC): 165 BC – 163 BC
        • The closing dialogue by the river: the oath, the numbers and Daniel's dismissal (Dan 12:5–13): 536 BC – 535 BC
        • Evil-merodach (Amēl-Marduk) releases Jehoiachin (561 BC): 562 BC – 561 BC
        • Amēl-Marduk (Evil-merodach) (reign): 562 BC – 560 BC
        • Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year): 587 BC – 586 BC
        • The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year): 587 BC – 586 BC
        • Zedekiah (reign): 597 BC – 586 BC
        • The deportation of Nebuchadnezzar's twenty-third year (Jer 52:30): 582 BC – 581 BC
        • Cyrus returns the Temple vessels to Sheshbazzar; the first return (Ezra 1:5–11): 538 BC – 530 BC
        • The altar rebuilt in Jerusalem and the Feast of Booths kept (Ezra 3:1–7): 538 BC – 530 BC
        • The return of the exiles with Zerubbabel and Jeshua; the list of returnees (Ezra 2): 538 BC – 531 BC
        • The foundation of the Second Temple laid (Ezra 3:8–13): 537 BC – 530 BC
        • Tattenai governor of Beyond the River inquires and writes to Darius (Ezra 5:3–17): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • Haggai and Zechariah stir the people; the Temple work resumes (Darius's second year, 520 BC): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Opposition from the people of the land; the Temple work ceases until Darius's second year (Ezra 4:1–5, 24): 537 BC – 519 BC
        • Accusations to Ahasuerus and the Rehum–Shimshai letter to Artaxerxes; the city's rebuilding stopped (Ezra 4:6–23): 537 BC – ?
        • The returned exiles keep the Passover after the Temple's dedication (Ezra 6:19–22): 516 BC – 515 BC
        • Haggai's oracles of 24/IX, Darius year 2: "from this day I will bless you"; Zerubbabel the signet: 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Haggai's oracle on the latter glory of the house (21/VII, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Zechariah's first oracle: the call to return (8th month, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Zechariah's night visions (24 Shebat, Darius year 2; Zech 1:7–6:8): 520 BC – 519 BC
        • Crowns made from the exiles' gifts and set on Joshua; the oracle of the Branch (Zech 6:9–15): 520 BC – 515 BC
        • The Bethel delegation and the question of fasting; Zechariah's answer (4/IX, Darius year 4): 518 BC – 517 BC
        • Ezra's caravan from the Ahava to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:7–10; 8): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • The mixed-marriages crisis: Ezra's confession, the assembly in the rain (20/IX) and the commission (Ezra 9–10): 459 BC – 457 BC
        • Nehemiah arrives, inspects the walls by night and calls for rebuilding (Neh 2:9–20): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall and gates, section by section (Neh 3): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Mockery, threats and the armed builders (Neh 4): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The debt crisis and the remission of pledges (Neh 5:1–13): 446 BC – 423 BC
        • Plots against Nehemiah: Ono, the open letter, Shemaiah (Neh 6:1–14): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The wall completed on 25 Elul after fifty-two days (Neh 6:15–19): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Nehemiah's first governorship: twelve years, 20th–32nd year of Artaxerxes (445–433 BC): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Jerusalem guarded under Hanani and Hananiah; the registry of the first returnees found (Neh 7:1–5): 446 BC – ?
        • Ezra reads the Law on the first day of the seventh month (Neh 7:73b–8:12): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The Feast of Booths kept "as it is written" (Neh 8:13–18): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The sealed covenant to keep the law and support the temple (Neh 9:38–10:39): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • The fast of the twenty-fourth day and the Levites' confession (Neh 9): 446 BC – 444 BC
        • Nehemiah's return and second-term reforms (Neh 13:4–31): 434 BC – 423 BC
        • Jerusalem repopulated: one in ten by lot (Neh 11): 446 BC – ?
        • The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 12:27–13:3): 446 BC – 423 BC
        • The priestly and Levitical registers to the days of Jaddua (Neh 12:1–26): 446 BC – ?
        • The first "burden" of Zechariah 9–11 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
        • The second "burden" of Zechariah 12–14 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
        • Malachi's disputations with priests and people (Mal 1–4; undated, mid-fifth century BC): 465 BC – 423 BC
        • Mordecai uncovers the plot of Bigthan and Teresh (Esth 2:19–23): 479 BC – 464 BC
        • Esther made queen in Tebeth of Xerxes's seventh year (Esth 2:1–18; winter 479/478 BC): 479 BC – 478 BC
        • Xerxes I (reign): 486 BC – 464 BC
        • Ahasuerus's third-year feast at Susa and the deposing of Vashti (Esth 1; 483/482 BC): 483 BC – 482 BC
        • Mordecai mourns; Esther resolves to go to the king (Esth 4): 474 BC
        • Haman casts pur and the decree against the Jews (Esth 3; Nisan 474 BC): 474 BC
        • Esther before the king; the first banquet; Haman's gallows (Esth 5): 474 BC
        • The sleepless king; Mordecai honoured by Haman (Esth 6): 474 BC
        • The institution of Purim; Mordecai second to the king (Esth 9:20–10:3): 474 BC – ?
        • The Jews defend themselves on 13–14 Adar (Esth 9:1–19; 473 BC): 474 BC – 473 BC
        • Mordecai's counter-decree of 23 Sivan (Esth 8; June 474 BC): 474 BC
        • The second banquet; Haman hanged (Esth 7): 474 BC
        • Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reign): 175 BC – 164 BC
        • Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV defeats Antiochus III (217 BC): 217 BC
        • Battle of Panium: Antiochus III defeats Scopas (c. 200–198 BC): 200 BC – 198 BC
        • Battle of Magnesia: Rome defeats Antiochus III (190 BC): 190 BC
        • Assassination of Seleucus IV and accession of Antiochus IV (175 BC): 175 BC
        • Death of Antiochus IV at Tabae in Persia (164 BC): 164 BC

        Ancient and modern geography

        Location confidence assumes the event as described. Whether it occurred is assessed in the claims below.

        PlaceConnection to this eventLocation identification
        Mizpah (in Benjamin)Tell en-Nasbeh (proposed)Seat of GedaliahLocation confidence: probableTell en-Nasbeh (Pleiades 666067876): probable[5]

        View on the map →

        Claims, evidence and classifications

        Each claim is classified on its own. A classification describes the evidence for that specific claim, not for the event as a whole.

        Mizpah in Benjamin is Tell en-Nasbeh.

        Historically plausibleMachine-proposedExternal evidence

        Pleiades records the name "Mizpah in Benjamin" for Tell en-Nasbeh with "less-certain" association. Excavation reports were not read.

        Supporting

        • Mizpah in Benjamin (less-certain) attached to Tall al-Naṣbah.[5]Strength: indirect·names·Claim checked

        Limitations of this classification: Excavation reports not read.

        Research date 2026-10-13

        Evidence by type

        The same evidence regrouped by kind of source. Each item names the claims it bears on.

        Archaeological evidence

        None recorded for this event.

        Scientific findings

        None recorded for this event.

        Ancient documents

        None recorded for this event.

        Modern news and announcements

        None recorded for this event.

        Reference works and summaries

        Historical disputes and competing reconstructions

        • Same year as the destruction

          Common reading (Guzik implies continuity)

          The seventh month after the burning in the fifth.[1]

        • A later year

          Unattributed in the sources read

          The text gives no year; Jer 52:30's deportation in Nebuchadnezzar's 23rd year has been connected with the aftermath by some (not verified).

        Related passages and events

        FromRelationshipToBasis
        this eventSame eventhigh · Biblical textJeremiah 40:5–41:18Jeremiah's fuller account of Gedaliah and his murder.
        this eventThematic parallellow · InterpretationZechariah 7:5The fast of the seventh month, traditionally linked to Gedaliah's death (tradition not researched).

        Prophetic relationships

        No prophecy or proposed-fulfillment relationships have been recorded for this event.

        Commentary references

        Layer: Interpretation. This is commentary, not historical evidence.

        Guzik narrates Gedaliah's appointment, his assassination in the seventh month and the flight to Egypt.[1]

        Unanswered questions and research gaps

        • Seal impressions and inscriptions from Tell en-Nasbeh not researched.

        Research process

        2 logged searches
        DateQueryWhereUseful
        2026-10-13Enduring Word 2 Kings 25web fetch1
        2026-10-13Pleiades: Tell en-Nasbehpleiades1

        Sources

        1. 1.
          Guzik, David. 2 Kings 25 — Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Enduring Word. enduringword.comClaim checkedTheological commentaryInterpretive resource — not historical corroboration.Verification log
        2. 2.
          Lendering, Jona (ed.). ABC 5 (Jerusalem Chronicle / Chronicle of the early years of Nebuchadnezzar) — English translation on Livius.org. Livius.org. www.livius.orgClaim checkedAncient primary textFull translation page read (obverse 1–27, reverse 1′–13′). Cuneiform and the printed editions (Wiseman 1956; Grayson 1975; Glassner 2004) were not consulted directly. Julian equivalents on the page follow Parker & Dubberstein.Verification log
        3. 3.
          Young, Rodger C.. When Did Jerusalem Fall?. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 47/1 (2004) 21–38. etsjets.orgClaim checkedScholarly commentaryVerification log
        4. 4.
          Parker, Richard A., Dubberstein, Waldo H.. Babylonian Chronology 626 B.C.–A.D. 45 (SAOC 24). University of Chicago Press (Oriental Institute). archive.orgClaim checkedAcademic monographRead through the Internet Archive OCR text of the Oriental Institute PDF; OCR has digit errors (e.g. "589" for 539) checked against context. The 1956 revised edition was not consulted.Verification log
        5. 5.
          Pleiades contributors. Tell en-Nasbeh (Mizpah in Benjamin?) — Pleiades place 666067876. Pleiades (pleiades.stoa.org). pleiades.stoa.orgClaim checkedInstitutional databaseName "Mizpah in Benjamin" attached with association certainty "less-certain"; representative point lon 35.2165, lat 31.8854.Verification log