Jeremiah 50:28-32

The Humiliation of Babylon

28 [There is] a voice of fugitives and escapees from the land of Babylon announcing in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God, the vengeance for His temple.[a]
29 Summon the archers to Babylon, all who string the bow; camp all around her; let none escape. Repay her according to her deeds;[b] just as she has done, do the same to her, for she has acted arrogantly against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel.[c]
30 Therefore, her young men will fall in her public squares; all the warriors will be silenced in that day. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration.[d]
31 Look, I am against you, you arrogant one- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the declaration of the Lord God of Hosts- because your day has come, the time when I will punish you.[e]
32 The arrogant will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. I will set fire to his cities, and it will consume everything around him."[f]

Jeremiah 50:28-32 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 6

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