"Because you rejoice, because you sing in triumph--you who plunder My inheritance--because you frolic like a heifer treading grain and neigh like stallions, Because you rejoice and singThis phrase highlights the attitude of the Babylonians, who are depicted as celebrating their conquest over Israel, God's chosen people. The Hebrew root for "rejoice" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which conveys a sense of joy and gladness. Historically, this reflects the arrogance and pride of Babylon, a nation that saw its victories as a testament to its own power rather than acknowledging the sovereignty of God. In a broader scriptural context, this serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation, reminding believers that all victories and successes should be attributed to God's providence. O you who plunder My inheritance
The term "plunder" comes from the Hebrew "בָּזַז" (bazaz), meaning to seize or take by force. "My inheritance" refers to Israel, the people chosen by God as His own possession. This phrase underscores the violation and desecration of what is sacred to God. Archaeologically, the plundering of Israel by Babylon is well-documented, with artifacts and records illustrating the extent of Babylonian conquest. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the eventual justice that He will bring upon those who harm His people. because you frolic like a heifer treading grain
The imagery of a "heifer treading grain" is drawn from agricultural practices where a heifer would thresh grain by walking over it. The Hebrew word for "frolic" is "פָּרַץ" (parats), suggesting a carefree and unrestrained behavior. This metaphor illustrates the Babylonians' carefree and indulgent attitude in their conquest, oblivious to the impending judgment. In a spiritual sense, it warns against living in excess and indulgence without regard for God's laws and the welfare of others. and neigh like stallions
The comparison to "stallions" emphasizes strength and vigor, with the Hebrew "סוּס" (sus) denoting a horse known for its power and speed. The "neighing" suggests a sense of pride and self-assurance. Historically, horses were symbols of military might and conquest, and this imagery would resonate with the original audience familiar with Babylon's military prowess. Scripturally, this serves as a caution against relying on human strength and power, reminding believers that true strength comes from God alone. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe nation being addressed in this verse, known for its conquest and oppression of Israel, God's chosen people. 2. Israel (My inheritance)Referred to as God's inheritance, representing His chosen people who have been plundered by Babylon. 3. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Babylon. 4. Heifer and StallionsMetaphors used to describe the arrogance and unrestrained joy of the Babylonians in their conquest. 5. The PlunderingThe event of Babylon's conquest over Israel, which is the context of their rejoicing and triumph. Teaching Points Pride Leads to DownfallBabylon's rejoicing and arrogance in their conquest is a reminder that pride can lead to one's downfall. We must guard against pride in our own lives. God's JusticeThis verse reassures us that God sees the injustices done to His people and will act in His timing to bring about justice. Temporary TriumphThe joy of the wicked is temporary. True and lasting joy comes from righteousness and obedience to God. Metaphors of ArroganceThe imagery of a frolicking heifer and neighing stallions serves as a vivid reminder of how unchecked arrogance can manifest in our lives. God's SovereigntyDespite the temporary success of Babylon, God remains sovereign and in control, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a frolicking heifer and neighing stallions help us understand the nature of Babylon's pride? 2. In what ways can we see the principle of "pride comes before a fall" in our own lives or in the world around us? 3. How does understanding God's justice in this passage encourage us when we face injustices today? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our triumphs and successes do not lead to pride? 5. How does the eventual downfall of Babylon in Jeremiah 50:11 connect to the broader biblical account of God's sovereignty and justice? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 47This chapter also speaks of the judgment against Babylon, highlighting their pride and eventual downfall. Habakkuk 1:6-11Describes the Chaldeans (Babylonians) as a fierce and impetuous nation, which aligns with their depiction in Jeremiah 50:11. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. Proverbs 16:18The principle that pride precedes destruction, which is evident in Babylon's attitude and subsequent judgment. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Aloud, Bellow, Bulls, Cow, Cry, Destroyers, Exult, Exultest, Fat, Frolic, Gambol, Glad, Grain, Grass, Grown, Heifer, Heritage, Horses, Increasest, Inheritance, Jubilant, Lifted, Neigh, Neighed, Noise, O, Pillage, Playing, Plunder, Plunderers, Pride, Rejoice, Rejoiced, Rejoicest, Skip, Spoilers, Stallions, Steeds, Strong, Tender, Though, Threshing, Treadeth, Treads, Triumphed, Wanton, WastersDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:11 4522 threshing Jeremiah 50:11-13 4428 corn Library The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCovenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 50:11 NIVJeremiah 50:11 NLTJeremiah 50:11 ESVJeremiah 50:11 NASBJeremiah 50:11 KJV
Jeremiah 50:11 Commentaries
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