Jeremiah 50:41-46

The Conquest of Babylon

41 Look! A people comes from the north. A great nation and many kings will be stirred up from the remote regions of the earth.^[a]

42 They grasp bow and javelin. They are cruel and show no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea,^[b] and they ride on horses, lined up like men in battle formation against you, Daughter of Babylon.

43 The king of Babylon has heard reports about them, and his hands fall helpless. Distress has seized him- pain, like a woman in labor.^[c]

44 "Look, it will be like a lion coming up from the thickets^[d] of the Jordan to the perennially watered grazing land. Indeed, I will chase Babylon^[e] away from her [land] in a flash. I will appoint whoever is chosen for her. For who is like Me? Who will summon Me? Who is the shepherd who can stand against Me?"

45 Therefore, hear the plans that the Lord has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies He has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Certainly the flock's little lambs will be dragged away; certainly the grazing land will be made desolate because of them.

46 At the sound of Babylon's conquest the earth will quake; a cry will be heard among the nations.^[f]

Jeremiah 50:41-46 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

• [a]. Jr 6:22; 25:32; 31:8
• [b]. Isa 5:30; 17:12
• [c]. Jr 6:22-24
• [d]. Lit pride; Jr 12:5; 50:44; Zch 11:3
• [e]. Lit them
• [f]. Jr 49:19-21