Jeremiah 50:41-46

41 1"Behold, a people comes from the north; a mighty nation and many kings are stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.
42 They lay hold of bow and spear; they are cruel and have no mercy. The sound of them is like the roaring of the sea; they ride on horses, arrayed as a man for battle against you, O daughter of Babylon!
43 "The king of Babylon heard the report of them, and his hands fell helpless; anguish seized him, pain as of a woman in labor.
44 2"Behold, like a lion coming up from the thicket of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly make them run away from her, and I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd 3can stand before me?
45 Therefore hear 4the plan that the LORD has made against Babylon, 5and the purposes that he has formed against the land of the Chaldeans: 6Surely the little ones of their flock shall be dragged away; surely their fold shall be appalled at their fate.
46 7At the sound of the capture of Babylon the earth shall tremble, and her cry shall be heard among the nations."

Jeremiah 50:41-46 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 7

  • 1. For ver. 41-43, see Jeremiah 6:22-24
  • 2. For ver. 44-46, see Jeremiah 49:19-21
  • 3. Job 41:10
  • 4. Jeremiah 51:11, 12, 29; Isaiah 14:24
  • 5. Jeremiah 51:11, 12, 29; Isaiah 14:24
  • 6. Jeremiah 49:20
  • 7. See Jeremiah 49:21
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.