Jeremiah 50:41-43

41 "Behold, a people is coming 1from the north, And a great nation and many kings Will be aroused from the remote parts of the earth.
42 "They 2seize their bow and javelin; They are 3cruel and have no mercy. Their 4voice roars like the sea; And they ride on 5horses, 6Marshalled like a man for the battle Against you, O daughter of Babylon.
43 "The 7king of Babylon has heard the report about them, And his hands hang limp; 8Distress has gripped him, Agony like a woman in childbirth.

Jeremiah 50:41-43 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 8

  • 1. Isaiah 13:2-5; Jeremiah 6:22; Jeremiah 50:3, 9; Jeremiah 51:27, 28
  • 2. Jeremiah 6:23
  • 3. Isaiah 13:17, 18; Isaiah 47:6
  • 4. Isaiah 5:30
  • 5. Jeremiah 8:16; Jeremiah 47:3; Habakkuk 1:8
  • 6. Jeremiah 50:9, 14; Joel 2:5
  • 7. Jeremiah 51:31
  • 8. Jeremiah 30:6; Jeremiah 49:24
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