Jeremiah 50:9-16

9 For I will stir up and bring against Babylon an alliance of great nations from the land of the north. They will take up their positions against her, and from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.
10 So Babylonia[a] will be plundered; all who plunder her will have their fill,” declares the LORD.
11 “Because you rejoice and are glad, you who pillage my inheritance, because you frolic like a heifer threshing grain and neigh like stallions,
12 your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who gave you birth will be disgraced. She will be the least of the nations— a wilderness, a dry land, a desert.
13 Because of the LORD’s anger she will not be inhabited but will be completely desolate. All who pass Babylon will be appalled; they will scoff because of all her wounds.
14 “Take up your positions around Babylon, all you who draw the bow. Shoot at her! Spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD.
15 Shout against her on every side! She surrenders, her towers fall, her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take vengeance on her; do to her as she has done to others.
16 Cut off from Babylon the sower, and the reaper with his sickle at harvest. Because of the sword of the oppressor let everyone return to their own people, let everyone flee to their own land.

Jeremiah 50:9-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 50

This and the following chapter contain a long prophecy concerning the destruction of Babylon; and which is expressed in such language, that it may be, and is to be, accommodated to the destruction of mystical Babylon; and several passages in the book of the Revelation are borrowed from hence; and it is intermixed with promises and prophecies of the deliverance of God's people from thence, and of the conversion of the Jews, and the restoration of them to their own which will be at that time; see Jer 50:4,5,8,19,20,33,34. The destruction of Babylon in general is proclaimed and declared, and the manner and cause of it, Jer 50:1-13; then the enemies of Babylon are stirred up and animated to proceed against her, and execute the judgments of God upon her, Jer 50:14-30. Next follows the Lord's controversy with her, because of her pride and oppression of his people; and threatens her with the sword, drought, and utter destruction, Jer 50:31-40; and then a description is given of her enemies, that should be the instruments of her destruction, Jer 50:41-44; and the chapter is closed with observing, that this is all according to the counsel and purpose of God, Jer 50:45,46.

Cross References 24

  • 1. S Isaiah 13:17
  • 2. S Jeremiah 25:14
  • 3. S Isaiah 41:25; S Jeremiah 25:26
  • 4. S ver 2
  • 5. S Isaiah 13:18
  • 6. Isaiah 47:11; S Jeremiah 30:16
  • 7. S Isaiah 47:6
  • 8. S Jeremiah 31:18
  • 9. Jeremiah 51:47
  • 10. ver 13; S Isaiah 21:1; Jeremiah 25:12; Jeremiah 51:26
  • 11. ver 3,S 12; S Jeremiah 9:11; Jeremiah 48:9; Jeremiah 51:62
  • 12. Jeremiah 51:41
  • 13. S Jeremiah 18:16; Jeremiah 51:37; Ezekiel 27:36; Habakkuk 2:6
  • 14. S Deuteronomy 29:22; Jeremiah 49:17
  • 15. ver 29,42
  • 16. S Isaiah 13:18
  • 17. Jeremiah 51:14
  • 18. S 2 Kings 25:4; S Jeremiah 51:44,58
  • 19. ver 28; S Isaiah 10:3; Isaiah 63:4; Jeremiah 51:6
  • 20. ver 29; Psalms 137:8; Revelation 18:6
  • 21. Jeremiah 51:24; Habakkuk 2:7-8
  • 22. S Jeremiah 25:38
  • 23. S Isaiah 13:14
  • 24. Jeremiah 51:9

Footnotes 1

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.