A Prophecy against Babylon 1This is the word that the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans:a 2“Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ 3For a nation from the north will come against her; it will make her land a desolation. No one will live in it; both man and beast will flee.” Hope for Israel and Judah 4“In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God. 5They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant 6My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. 7All who found them devoured them, and their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’ 8Flee from the midst of Babylon; depart from the land of the Chaldeans; be like the he-goats that lead the flock. 9For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. all who plunder her will have their fill,” Babylon’s Fall Is Certain 11“Because you rejoice, because you sing in triumph— you who plunder My inheritance— because you frolic like a heifer treading grain 12your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who bore you will be disgraced. Behold, she will be the least of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert. 13Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds. 14Line up in formation around Babylon, all you who draw the bow! Shoot at her! Spare no arrows! For she has sinned against the LORD. 15Raise a war cry against her on every side! She has thrown up her hands in surrender; her towers have fallen; her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take out your vengeance upon her; as she has done, 16Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time. In the face of the oppressor’s sword, each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land. Redemption for God’s People 17Israel is a scattered flock, chased away by lions. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.” 18Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “I will punish the king of Babylon and his land as I punished the king of Assyria. 19I will return Israel to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan; his soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead. 20In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, a search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for Judah’s sins, but they will not be found; for I will forgive The Destruction of Babylon 21Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Kill themc and devote them to destruction.d Do all that I have commanded you,” 22“The noise of battle is in the land— the noise of great destruction. 23How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become 24I laid a snare for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it. You were found and captured because you challenged the LORD. 25The LORD has opened His armory and brought out His weapons of wrath, for this is the work of the Lord GOD of Hosts 26Come against her from the farthest border. Break open her granaries; pile her up like mounds of grain. Devote her to destruction; 27Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— 28Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, 29Summon the archers against Babylon, all who string the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, 30Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets, and all her warriors will be silenced in that day,” 31“Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, “for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. 32The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities to consume all those around him.” 33This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, 34Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon. 35A sword is against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, against those who live in Babylon, and against her officials and wise men. 36A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror. 37A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, 38A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.e 39So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there and ostrichesf will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. 40As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; 41Behold, an army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are stirred up 42They grasp the bow and spear;g they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon. 43The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. 44Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” 45Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies He has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them. 46At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will quake; a cry will be heard among the nations. Footnotes: 1 a That is, the Babylonians; also in verses 8, 25, 35, and 45 10 b Or Babylonia 21 c LXX Avenge, O sword, 21 d Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; also in verse 26. 38 e Or go mad with fear 39 f Literally daughters of an ostrich or daughters of an owl 42 g Or javelin Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Jeremiah 50 Summary A Prophecy against BabylonVerses 1–3 – Announcement of Babylon’s Defeat 4–7 – Weeping Return to Zion 8–10 – Call to Flee and Northern Alliance 11–16 – Proud Babylon Condemned 17–20 – Shepherd Restores Israel 21–28 – Day of Vengeance 29–32 – Fall of the Arrogant One 33–34 – Strong Redeemer 35–38 – Sword and Drought 39–46 – Everlasting Desolation Jeremiah 50 is a potent chapter in the Book of Jeremiah, where the prophet, inspired by God, delivers a prophecy about the impending doom of Babylon and the consequential redemption of Israel. This chapter is a profound reflection on divine justice, power, and faithfulness to His people. Historical Setting • Jeremiah prophesied during Judah’s final decades before the 586 BC fall of Jerusalem. • Babylon, once a vassal of Assyria, rose sharply under Nabopolassar and his famous son Nebuchadnezzar II. • Jeremiah 50–51 collect oracles delivered over years, probably read publicly after Babylon sacked Jerusalem but before Babylon itself fell (539 BC). Archaeological Glimpses of Babylon • Excavations reveal massive double walls, Processional Way, and the Ishtar Gate—fitting Jeremiah’s image of “high walls.” • Cuneiform records list the gods Bel (Bēl) and Marduk, also singled out in verse 2. • Cyrus’s conquest in 539 BC came “from the north” relative to Babylon (entering from the northwestern sector) with armies of Medes, Persians, and allied peoples, echoing verses 3, 9, 41. Idolatry Called Out Verses 2 and 38 mock Babylon’s statues. Compare: • Isaiah 46:1–2—Bel and Nebo stoop. • 1 Samuel 5:1–5—Dagon falls before the ark. The Lord alone stands; carved gods topple. Israel’s Return in View • Verse 5 anticipates an “everlasting covenant,” picked up in Jeremiah 31:31–34. • Ezra 1 records Cyrus’s decree allowing exiles to return—partial fulfillment. • Ultimate completion awaits a worldwide turning to Messiah (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26-27). The Nations from the North • Historically, Medo-Persia led the coalition (Isaiah 13:17). • Prophetic echoes reach farther: Revelation 17–18 portrays a final Babylon falling to a ten-king alliance before Christ’s return. Divine Payback Principle Verse 15: “do to her as she has done.” See also Obadiah 15 and Revelation 18:6. God’s justice uses plain measure-for-measure fairness. Images and Figures • “Hammer of the whole earth” (v 23) – Babylon’s iron-fisted dominance (cf. Isaiah 14:4-6). • “Young bulls” (v 27) – the city’s prime warriors, strong yet doomed. • “Lion from the thickets” (v 44) – an unstoppable attacker, as Babylon once was against Judah (Jeremiah 4:7). Timeline of Fulfillment 1. 586 BC – Babylon levels Jerusalem. 2. 539 BC – Cyrus enters Babylon without major battle; Belshazzar slain (Daniel 5). 3. Subsequent centuries – city declines; by the 2nd century AD only a village remains. 4. Future – Scripture hints at a revived Babylonian system receiving final judgment (Revelation 17–18). Other Scripture Connections • Isaiah 13–14: companion prophecy of Babylon’s fall, including the taunt song. • Jeremiah 25:12-14: earlier summary of 70-year servitude ending with Babylon’s judgment. • 2 Chronicles 36:17-23: records punishment of Judah, then Cyrus’s decree. • Psalm 137:8-9: grieving exiles cried for justice; Jeremiah 50 answers. Practical Takeaways • God sees national arrogance and will bring it low. • Idols—ancient or modern—cannot rescue in the day of reckoning. • The Lord keeps covenant promises; centuries never blur His memory. • Judgment and mercy run together: the same word that topples Babylon lifts Israel. • Believers can flee from “Babylon” today by rejecting the world’s pride and clinging to the Redeemer who is strong. Key Words Worth Noting “Redeemer” (v 34) – one who buys back relatives and land (cf. Ruth 4). “Everlasting covenant” (v 5) – unbreakable pledge of relationship. “Arrogant one” (v 31) – pride personified; God personally confronts it. Closing Thought Jeremiah 50 thunders against a superpower yet sings over scattered sheep. The downfall of mighty Babylon and the homecoming of humble exiles reveal the same truth: “For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me?” (v 44). Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 13:1-22Another prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon, reinforcing God's judgment against prideful nations. Revelation 18:1-24 The fall of Babylon the Great, symbolizing God's ultimate victory over evil and the vindication of His people. 2 Chronicles 7:14 A call to repentance and God's promise to heal the land, echoing the themes of restoration found in Jeremiah 50. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsJeremiah 50:1-3 declares God's judgment against Babylon, emphasizing that no nation is beyond His control. This is the word the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans. The Fall of Babylon Verses 9-10 describe the gathering of nations against Babylon, illustrating that God can raise up other nations to execute His judgment. For behold, I will stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. Restoration of Israel In verses 4-5, God promises the return of Israel and Judah to their land, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant people. In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God. The Justice of God Verses 29-31 emphasize that Babylon's destruction is due to its arrogance and sins against the Lord. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. The Role of Prophecy Jeremiah's prophecy serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding God's warnings and the certainty of His word being fulfilled. Practical Applications Trust in God's SovereigntyIn times of national or global turmoil, remember that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. Repentance and Restoration Just as God promised restoration for Israel, He offers us forgiveness and a path to return to Him when we stray. Heed God's Warnings Be attentive to the warnings in Scripture and allow them to guide your actions and decisions. Avoid Arrogance Recognize the dangers of pride and self-reliance, and instead, cultivate humility and dependence on God. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in the prophecy, Yahweh is the one delivering the message against Babylon. The chapter begins with "This is the word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon" (Jeremiah 50:1). Yahweh is portrayed as the sovereign God who judges nations. 2. The King of Babylon While not named specifically in this chapter, the king represents the leadership of Babylon, which is the target of God's judgment. The prophecy speaks of Babylon's downfall and the king's inability to save the nation (Jeremiah 50:18). 3. Israel and Judah These are personified as the people of God who have been oppressed by Babylon. The chapter speaks of their eventual redemption and return to their land (Jeremiah 50:4). 4. The Chaldeans This term refers to the people of Babylon. They are the recipients of the judgment pronounced by God through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 50:10). 5. The Redeemer In Jeremiah 50:34, the Redeemer is mentioned as strong and able to defend Israel and Judah. From a Christian perspective, this can be seen as a reference to God Himself, who acts as the Redeemer of His people. Places 1. BabylonBabylon is the primary focus of Jeremiah 50, representing the empire that was a significant power in the ancient Near East. The chapter prophesies its downfall. In Hebrew, "Babylon" is "בָּבֶל" (Bavel), which is often associated with confusion or mixing, reflecting its role as a center of idolatry and opposition to God. 2. Chaldea Chaldea refers to the region in southern Mesopotamia where the Chaldeans lived, who were known for their influence in Babylon. The term "Chaldea" is used interchangeably with Babylon in the text. In Hebrew, it is "כַּשְׂדִּים" (Kasdim), indicating the ethnic group that played a significant role in Babylon's history. 3. Israel Although not a place in the geographical sense, Israel is mentioned as the people who will be redeemed from Babylon's oppression. The Hebrew term "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el) refers to the descendants of Jacob, representing God's chosen people. 4. Zion Zion is often used to refer to Jerusalem or the hill upon which the city is built. In Jeremiah 50, it symbolizes the spiritual center of Israel and the place to which the exiles will return. The Hebrew "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon) is rich with connotations of God's presence and promises. 5. Assyria Assyria is mentioned as a former oppressor of Israel, contrasting with Babylon's current role. In Hebrew, "אַשּׁוּר" (Ashur) was a major empire before Babylon's rise, known for its military might and conquests. Events 1. Proclamation Against BabylonThe chapter begins with a declaration against Babylon, announcing its impending capture and downfall. The prophecy states, "Declare and proclaim among the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it. Do not conceal it, but say: ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame, Marduk is shattered. Her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’" (Jeremiah 50:2). 2. The Rise of a Northern Nation A nation from the north is prophesied to attack and conquer Babylon. This is described as a divinely orchestrated event: "For out of the north a nation has come up against her, which will make her land desolate, and no one will dwell in it." (Jeremiah 50:3). 3. Israel and Judah's Return The prophecy includes a promise of restoration for Israel and Judah, who will seek the Lord and return to their land: "In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and they will seek the LORD their God." (Jeremiah 50:4). 4. The Guilt of Babylon Babylon is condemned for its sins against Israel, described as a "golden cup" that made the nations drunk. The text states, "Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore, the nations have gone mad." (Jeremiah 50:7). 5. Call to Flee Babylon The Israelites are urged to flee from Babylon to escape the coming destruction: "Flee from Babylon! Escape with your lives! Do not be destroyed in her punishment, for this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He will pay her what she deserves." (Jeremiah 50:8). 6. The Destruction of Babylon The prophecy vividly describes the complete destruction of Babylon, emphasizing its finality: "Babylon will suddenly fall and be broken. Wail for her; get balm for her pain—perhaps she can be healed." (Jeremiah 50:9). 7. The Lord's Vengeance The chapter underscores that the destruction of Babylon is an act of divine vengeance for its oppression of Israel: "Because you rejoice, because you exult, you who plunder My inheritance, because you frolic like a heifer treading grain and neigh like stallions." (Jeremiah 50:11). 8. The Humiliation of Babylon's Warriors Babylon's warriors are described as being terrified and unable to defend the city: "The warriors of Babylon have ceased fighting; they remain in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women." (Jeremiah 50:30). 9. The Fall of Babylon's Idols The idols of Babylon are prophesied to be shattered, signifying the end of its false religion: "Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will punish her idols, and throughout her land the wounded will groan." (Jeremiah 50:38). 10. The Everlasting Covenant The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's everlasting covenant with Israel, promising their ultimate redemption and restoration: "In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the iniquity of Israel will be sought, but there will be none, and the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive those I leave as a remnant." (Jeremiah 50:20). Topics 1. Prophecy Against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:1-3)The chapter opens with a declaration from the LORD concerning Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans. The prophecy foretells the fall of Babylon, emphasizing that a nation from the north will make her desolate. The Hebrew term "נְבוּאָה" (nevu'ah) is used for prophecy, indicating a divine message. 2. The Fall of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:4-10) This section describes the coming judgment on Babylon, where nations will rise against her. The LORD declares that Babylon will be captured and her idols shamed. The Hebrew word "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh) means to be ashamed or confounded, highlighting the disgrace of Babylon's false gods. 3. Israel and Judah's Return (Jeremiah 50:4-5) A promise of restoration for Israel and Judah is given, where they will seek the LORD and return to Zion. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or repent, signifying a spiritual and physical return to God and their homeland. 4. Vengeance on Babylon (Jeremiah 50:11-16) The LORD's vengeance is pronounced against Babylon for her arrogance and mistreatment of His people. The Hebrew word "נָקָם" (naqam) refers to divine retribution, underscoring God's justice. 5. The Redeemer of Israel (Jeremiah 50:17-20) God promises to redeem Israel, likening them to scattered sheep. The Hebrew term "גָּאַל" (ga'al) means to redeem or buy back, reflecting God's covenant faithfulness. 6. Destruction of Babylon's Power (Jeremiah 50:21-32) Babylon's military and political power will be utterly destroyed. The LORD's declaration emphasizes that no one will be able to stand against His plans. The Hebrew word "חָרַב" (charav) means to lay waste or destroy. 7. The Pride of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:29-32) Babylon's pride is highlighted as a reason for her downfall. The Hebrew word "גָּאוֹן" (ga'on) refers to arrogance or pride, which is condemned by God. 8. The LORD's Purpose Against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:33-40) The LORD's purpose is to bring Babylon to ruin, ensuring that she will be uninhabited. The Hebrew word "עֵצָה" (etsah) means counsel or purpose, indicating God's sovereign plan. 9. The Fear of Babylon's Fall (Jeremiah 50:41-46) The chapter concludes with a vivid description of the fear and astonishment that will grip the nations at Babylon's fall. The Hebrew root "חָרַד" (charad) means to tremble or be afraid, capturing the terror of witnessing God's judgment. Themes 1. Judgment Against BabylonJeremiah 50 prophesies the impending judgment against Babylon. The chapter opens with a declaration against Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans, indicating that God will bring destruction upon them. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew word "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), meaning to judge or govern, highlighting God's sovereign authority to execute judgment. ^“This is the word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, through Jeremiah the prophet:”^ (Jeremiah 50:1). 2. The Fall of Idolatry The chapter emphasizes the downfall of Babylon's idols, symbolizing the futility of idolatry. The Hebrew term "אֱלִיל" (elil), meaning worthless or vain, underscores the emptiness of false gods. ^“Declare and proclaim among the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it. Do not conceal it; say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered. Her images are disgraced; her idols are broken in pieces.’”^ (Jeremiah 50:2). 3. Restoration of Israel A theme of hope and restoration for Israel is present, as God promises to bring His people back to their land. The Hebrew word "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning to return or restore, is central to this promise. ^“In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and they will seek the LORD their God.”^ (Jeremiah 50:4). 4. Divine Retribution The chapter highlights the concept of divine retribution, where Babylon will face consequences for its actions against Israel. The Hebrew root "נָקַם" (naqam), meaning to avenge or take vengeance, is significant in this context. ^“For it is a day of vengeance for the LORD, a time of retribution for His enemies. The sword will devour until it is satisfied; it will drink its fill of their blood.”^ (Jeremiah 50:15). 5. The Sovereignty of God God's sovereignty is a recurring theme, as He orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His divine plan. The Hebrew word "מֶלֶךְ" (melek), meaning king or ruler, reflects God's ultimate authority over earthly powers. ^“For the LORD of Hosts has purposed it, and who can thwart Him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”^ (Jeremiah 50:45). 6. Call to Flee from Babylon The chapter includes a call for God's people to flee from Babylon, symbolizing a call to separate from sin and corruption. The Hebrew verb "בָּרַח" (barach), meaning to flee or escape, is used to convey urgency. ^“Flee from Babylon! Escape with your lives! Do not be destroyed in her punishment. For this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He will pay her what she deserves.”^ (Jeremiah 50:8). Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 50:9 align with recorded history of Babylon’s overthrow by the Medes and Persians, given the text’s specific military descriptions? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 50 paint a picture of God's sovereignty? 2. Discuss the significance of the 'nation from the north' that is prophesied to invade Babylon. 3. How can we relate the prophecy of Babylon's downfall to modern societies? 4. What does the promised restoration of Israel signify about God's nature? 5. How does God's judgment on Babylon correlate with His promise of redemption for Israel? 6. How can the depiction of Babylon's destruction be a reminder for us today? 7. Reflect on God's mercy and justice as depicted in Jeremiah 50. How does this understanding influence your personal faith? 8. Discuss how the themes of divine judgment and redemption are interwoven in this chapter. 9. How can we interpret the idea of Israel as 'scattered sheep' in the context of our own spiritual journeys? 10. Reflect on the statement "Babylon has been a golden cup in the Lord's hand". What does this tell us about the rise and fall of nations? 11. How does Jeremiah 50 encourage you in your faith, particularly in times of suffering or struggle? 12. What lessons can modern societies learn from the fate of Babylon as described in Jeremiah 50? 13. Discuss how God's promise of Israel's redemption despite their past sins speaks to His character. 14. How might the prophecy of Babylon's desolation inform our understanding of divine retribution? 15. What personal application can you draw from the command to the Israelites to flee Babylon? 16. How can we apply the concept of returning to our own land in a spiritual context? 17. How does this chapter show the consequences of pride and arrogance, as exemplified by Babylon? 18. How can the metaphor of Babylon as a 'shattered vessel' resonate with experiences in your life? 19. How does Jeremiah 50 affirm the inevitability of God's justice? 20. Reflect on how this chapter influences your understanding of God's commitment to His people. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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