Jeremiah 50:27
Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come--the time of their punishment.
Put all her young bulls to the sword
The phrase "young bulls" in this context symbolizes the strength and pride of Babylon. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, bulls were often associated with power and virility. The Hebrew word for "bulls" is "par," which can also refer to leaders or warriors. The command to "put...to the sword" indicates a divine judgment against these symbols of strength. Historically, this reflects the impending doom of Babylon, a once mighty empire, now facing God's retribution. The imagery of the sword is a common biblical metaphor for divine judgment and warfare, emphasizing the totality of the destruction decreed by God.

let them go down to the slaughter
The phrase "go down to the slaughter" evokes the imagery of animals being led to their inevitable death. In Hebrew, "slaughter" is "tebach," which often refers to a sacrificial or violent death. This phrase underscores the certainty and inescapability of Babylon's fate. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God. The historical context here is the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, a fulfillment of prophetic warnings. This serves as a sobering reminder of the sovereignty of God over nations and empires.

Woe to them
"Woe" is a term of lament and impending doom. In Hebrew, "hoi" is an expression of grief and warning. It is often used by prophets to announce divine judgment. This word conveys both sorrow for the coming destruction and a stern warning of its inevitability. Theologically, it reflects God's justice and the seriousness of sin. The use of "woe" here is a call to repentance and acknowledgment of God's righteous standards.

for their day has come
The phrase "their day has come" signifies the appointed time of judgment. In biblical terms, "day" often refers to a specific time of divine intervention or reckoning. The Hebrew word "yom" can denote a period of time marked by significant events. This phrase emphasizes the certainty and timeliness of God's judgment. Historically, it points to the precise fulfillment of prophecy concerning Babylon's fall. It serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect and His plans are unthwarted.

the time of their punishment
"Punishment" in this context is the Hebrew word "peqadah," which implies a visitation or reckoning. It denotes the execution of justice and the consequences of sin. This phrase highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of God's judgment. Theologically, it underscores the principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions. The historical fall of Babylon serves as a testament to the truth of God's word and the certainty of His justice. This serves as a warning to all nations and individuals to live in accordance with God's righteous standards.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Babylon
The empire being addressed in this passage, known for its power and oppression of Israel and other nations.

2. Young Bulls
Symbolic of the strong and mighty men of Babylon, representing the nation's military strength and leadership.

3. Slaughter
Refers to the impending judgment and destruction that God is pronouncing upon Babylon.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet through whom God delivers this message of judgment against Babylon.

5. The Day of Punishment
A specific time appointed by God for executing judgment on Babylon for its sins and transgressions.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of the rise and fall of nations. His judgments are just and timely.

The Consequences of Pride and Oppression
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and the oppression of others. Nations and individuals must humble themselves before God.

The Certainty of God's Promises
Just as God promised judgment on Babylon and fulfilled it, His promises of both judgment and salvation are sure.

The Call to Repentance
Understanding God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a right relationship with Him.

Hope for the Oppressed
God's judgment on Babylon is also a message of hope for those who have been oppressed, showing that God will ultimately bring justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of "young bulls" in Jeremiah 50:27 help us understand the nature of Babylon's strength and its downfall?

2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals?

3. How can we see God's justice and mercy working together in the judgment of Babylon?

4. What lessons can we learn from Babylon's pride and subsequent punishment that apply to our personal lives?

5. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50 relate to the ultimate victory of God over evil as described in Revelation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty in executing judgment.

Revelation 18
Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," drawing a parallel to the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah.

Daniel 5
The account of the fall of Babylon under King Belshazzar, illustrating the fulfillment of prophetic judgment.

Nahum 3
Speaks of the downfall of Nineveh, another powerful city, showing a pattern of divine justice against oppressive nations.
The Hammer BrokenA.F. Muir
People
Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, Zion
Topics
Bullocks, Bulls, Death, Inspection, Kill, Kine, Oxen, Punished, Punishment, Slaughter, Slay, Sorrow, Sword, Theirs, Visitation, Wo, Woe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 50:27

     4615   bull

Library
The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24),
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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