That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.
That the kingdom might be base - i:e., low as to national elevation, by being Nebuchadnezzar's dependent; but, at the same time, safe and prosperous if faithful to the "oath." Nebuchadnezzar dealt sincerely and openly in proposing conditions, and these moderate ones; therefore Zedekiah's treachery was the baser, and was a counterpart to his and the Jews' treachery toward God.