Jeremiah 50:44

44 "And now watch this: Like a lion coming up from the thick jungle of the Jordan, Looking for prey in the mountain pastures, I'll take over and pounce. I'll take my pick of the flock - and who's to stop me? All the so-called shepherds are helpless before me."

Jeremiah 50:44 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 50:44

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of
Jordan
What is said of Nebuchadnezzar coming up against Edom is here said of Cyrus coming up against Babylon; for of a king it is to be understood; as the Targum,

``behold, a king with his army shall come up against them, as a lion from the height of Jordan;''

see ( Jeremiah 49:19 ) ; unto the habitation of the strong;
to Babylon; where dwelt the king, his nobles, and his mighty men: but I will make them suddenly run away from her;
as they did from her king Belshazzar, when Gobrias and Gadates entered the royal palace, and seized upon him ^F1; and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her?
or, "a young man" ^F2? such an one Cyrus was, who, by divine appointment, became master and governor of Babylon: and who will appoint me the time?
to enter the lists with me, and litigate the point with me in a court of judicature, or contend with me in battle: and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?
or king? not Belshazzar, he could not stand before the Lord: so the Targum,

``there is no king that hath strength before me;''

that is, to withstand him, or hinder what he has appointed and ordered to be done; (See Gill on Jeremiah 49:19).

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 lbid.
F2 (rwxb ym) "quis juvenis?" Cocceius, Schmidt.

Jeremiah 50:44 In-Context

42 Flourishing deadly weapons, barbarians they are, cruel and pitiless. Roaring and relentless, like ocean breakers, they come riding fierce stallions, In battle formation, ready to fight you, Daughter Babylon!

43 Babylon's king hears them coming. He goes white as a ghost, limp as a dishrag. Terror-stricken, he doubles up in pain, helpless to fight, like a woman giving birth to a baby.

44 "And now watch this: Like a lion coming up from the thick jungle of the Jordan, Looking for prey in the mountain pastures, I'll take over and pounce. I'll take my pick of the flock - and who's to stop me? All the so-called shepherds are helpless before me."

45 So, listen to this plan that God has worked out against Babylon, the blueprint of what he's prepared for dealing with Chaldea: Believe it or not, the young, the vulnerable - mere lambs and kids - will be dragged off. Believe it or not, the flock in shock, helpless to help, watches it happen.

46 When the shout goes up, "Babylon's down!" the very earth will shudder at the sound. The news will be heard all over the world.