Jeremiah 50:28-38

28 The voice of those who flee and escape out of the land of Bavel, to declare in Tziyon the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

29 Call together the archers against Bavel, all those who bend the bow; encamp against her round about; let none of it escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she has done, do to her; for she has been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Yisra'el.

30 Therefore shall her young men fall in her streets, and all her men of war shall be brought to silence in that day, says the LORD.

31 Behold, I am against you, you proud one, says the Lord, the LORD of Hosts; for your day is come, the time that I will visit you.

32 The proud one shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up; and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all who are round about him.

33 Thus says the LORD of hosts: The children of Yisra'el and the children of Yehudah are oppressed together; and all who took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go.

34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is his name: he will thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the eretz, and disquiet the inhabitants of Bavel.

35 A sword is on the Kasdim, says the LORD, and on the inhabitants of Bavel, and on her princes, and on her wise men.

36 A sword is on the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is on her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.

37 A sword is on their horses, and on their chariots, and on all the mixed people who are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is on her treasures, and they shall be robbed.

38 A drought is on her waters, and they shall be dried up; for it is a land of engraved images, and they are mad over idols.

Jeremiah 50:28-38 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.