Jeremiah 50:41-43

41 “Look! An army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are being stirred up from the ends of the earth.
42 They are armed with bows and spears; they are cruel and without mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, Daughter Babylon.
43 The king of Babylon has heard reports about them, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.

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 10

  • 1. S ver 26; S Isaiah 41:25; Jeremiah 6:22
  • 2. S Isaiah 13:17
  • 3. S Isaiah 13:4; Jeremiah 51:22-28
  • 4. S ver 14
  • 5. S Job 30:21
  • 6. S Isaiah 13:18
  • 7. S Isaiah 5:30
  • 8. S Isaiah 47:1; Jeremiah 6:23
  • 9. S Jeremiah 47:3
  • 10. Jeremiah 6:22-24
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