Jeremiah 50:1-6

Prophecy against Babylon

1 This is what the LORD said concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians through the prophet Jeremiah:

2 Tell the nations; proclaim it far and wide! Set up a flag; proclaim it far and wide! Hold nothing back; just shout it: "Babylon is captured; Bel is shamed; Marduk is panic-stricken. Her images are shamed; her idols are panic-stricken."

3 A nation from the north has risen up against her. It will decimate her land, and no one will live in it. Every living thing will flee.

4 In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the people of Israel and Judah will come out of Babylon together; with weeping they will leave as they seek the LORD their God.

5 They will search for Zion, turning their faces toward it. They will come and unite with the LORD, in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

6 My people were lost sheep; their shepherds led them astray; they deserted them on the mountains, where they wandered off among the hills, forgetting their resting place.

Jeremiah 50:1-6 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb lacks of Babylon.
• [b]. Heb uncertain