8. Jews Deported to Babylon from Ramah

Jer 31:15 "Thus says the LORD: 'A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.'"

Nebuchadnezzar established his headquarters on the plain of Hamath, at Riblah (Jer 39:5) far in the north, and from there he sat as commander in chief. He gave his generals orders and they took Jerusalem.

It was in Ramah that the Jewish captives were assembled in chains, among whom was Jeremiah himself (39:8-12; 40:1).

Jer 40:1 "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him bound in chains among all who were carried away captive from Jerusalem and Judah, who were carried away captive to Babylon."

Here many were slaughtered including those who, from weakness, age, or poverty, were not believed worthwhile to transport to Babylon, thus fulfilling part of the prophecy:

Jer 31:15 "Thus says the LORD: "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more." (also see Matt 2:18).

Three distinct deportations are mentioned in Scripture:

Jer 24:14 (10,000 persons) and 25:11, 2 Chron 36:20, Jer 52:28-30 (4,600 persons), and Dan 1:3.

(See the Timeline)