Jeremiah Chapter 50 — Prophecy Against Babylon
Jeremiah prophesies the total destruction of Babylon by a nation from the north and the subsequent restoration of Israel and Judah.
1The word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet.
2“Declare among the nations and publish,
3For a nation comes up out of the north against her,
4“In those days, and in that time,” says the LORD,
5They will inquire concerning Zion with their faces turned toward it,
6My people have been lost sheep.
7All who found them have devoured them.
8“Flee out of the middle of Babylon!
9For, behold, I will stir up
10Chaldea will be a prey.
11“Because you are glad,
12your mother will be utterly disappointed.
13Because of the LORD’s wrath she won’t be inhabited,
14Set yourselves in array against Babylon all around,
15Shout against her all around.
16Cut off the sower from Babylon,
17“Israel is a hunted sheep.
18Therefore the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says:
19I will bring Israel again to his pasture,
20In those days, and in that time,” says the LORD,
21“Go up against the land of Merathaim,
22A sound of battle is in the land,
23How the hammer of the whole earth is cut apart and broken!
24I have laid a snare for you,
25The LORD has opened his armory,
26Come against her from the farthest border.
27Kill all her bulls.
28Listen to those who flee and escape out of the land of Babylon,
29“Call together the archers against Babylon,
30Therefore her young men will fall in her streets.
31“Behold, I am against you, you proud one,” says the Lord, GOD of Armies;
32The proud one will stumble and fall,
33The LORD of Armies says: “The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together.
34Their Redeemer is strong.
35“A sword is on the Chaldeans,” says the LORD,
36A sword is on the boasters,
37A sword is on their horses,
38A drought is on her waters,
39Therefore the wild animals of the desert
40As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and its neighbor cities,” says the LORD,
41“Behold, a people comes from the north.
42They take up bow and spear.
43The king of Babylon has heard the news of them,
44Behold, the enemy will come up like a lion
45Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD
46The earth trembles at the noise of the taking of Babylon.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Jeremiah 50:6
“My people have been lost sheep.”
This verse uses a poignant metaphor to describe the vulnerability and wandering of the Israelites before their restoration.
Jeremiah 50:31
““Behold, I am against you, you proud one,” says the Lord, GOD of Armies;”
This direct declaration highlights that the root cause of Babylon's judgment is its arrogance against the Lord.
Jeremiah 50:34
“Their Redeemer is strong.”
This serves as a powerful reminder of God's role as a protector and advocate for His oppressed people.
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 50 details the impending fall of Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans as declared by the Lord. A nation from the north is summoned to make Babylon a desolation, a judgment prompted by its pride and its treatment of God's people. In contrast to Babylon's ruin, the chapter offers a message of hope for Israel and Judah. They are described as lost sheep who have been devoured by their enemies but will eventually return to seek the Lord with their faces turned toward Zion. The prophecy emphasizes that while Babylon was once the 'hammer of the whole earth,' it will be broken and made empty. The Lord of Armies acts as a strong Redeemer for His people, promising to bring them back to their own pastures and forgive their sins. The chapter concludes by describing the terror that will seize the king of Babylon when the northern army approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary focus of Jeremiah 50 is the prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon and the Chaldeans. It details the judgment that will come from the north and the concurrent restoration of the people of Israel and Judah.
Israel and Judah are described as returning together in tears to seek the Lord. They inquire about the way to Zion and resolve to join themselves to God in a perpetual, everlasting covenant.
The 'proud one' refers to Babylon. The Lord of Armies declares Himself to be against Babylon because of its arrogance and its joy in devouring the people of Israel.
Study Note
The chapter emphasizes the concept of God as 'Goel' or Redeemer, who legally and powerfully acts on behalf of His oppressed family.
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