Jeremiah 52:25

“He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war, etc.] The master-master-general of the army: and seven men of them which were near the king’s person which were found in the city; or, “saw the face of the king”: or rather, “made to see [his] face”f1113; these were ministers of state, who were always at court, and assisted in councils of state, and introduced persons into the king’s presence; in (<122519>2 Kings 25:19); they are said to be but “five”; but Josephusf1114 has seven, as here; perhaps two of them were of less note, and so not reckoned, as Jarchi observes: some will have it, that the two scribes of the judges are left out; but others, more probably,…”

“seven men--but in Kg2 25:19 it is "five." Perhaps two were less illustrious persons and are therefore omitted. principal scribe of the host-- (Isa 33:18). His office was to preside over the levy and enroll recruits. RAWLINSON observes that the Assyrian records are free from the exaggerated expressions found in the Egyptian. A minute account was taken of the spoil. Two "scribes of the host" are seen in every bas-relief, writing down the various objects brought to them: the heads of the slain, the prisoners, cattle, sheep, &c.”

“An eunuch ... men of war - Or, who had charge of men of war. The King James Version makes him commander-in-chief; he was second in command, i. e., a lieutenant, possibly one among many others of equal rank. return to 'Top of Page'”

“52:25 seven: The parallel in 2 Kgs 25:18 reads “five.””

“an eunuch: Kg2 25:19 were near the king's person: Heb. saw the face of the king, Est 1:14; Mat 18:10 principal scribe of the host: or, scribe of the captain of the host Jeremiah 52:27”