Jeremiah 50:13
Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.
Because of the wrath of the LORD
The phrase "Because of the wrath of the LORD" underscores the divine judgment that is central to this passage. The Hebrew word for "wrath" is "חֵמָה" (chemah), which conveys a sense of intense anger or fury. This wrath is not arbitrary but is a response to Babylon's persistent sin and rebellion against God. In the broader biblical narrative, God's wrath is often depicted as a righteous and just response to sin, emphasizing His holiness and justice. The historical context here is significant, as Babylon was a powerful empire known for its idolatry and oppression of God's people, particularly during the Babylonian captivity of Judah.

she will not be inhabited
The phrase "she will not be inhabited" speaks to the totality of Babylon's destruction. The Hebrew verb "יָשַׁב" (yashab) means "to sit, remain, or dwell," indicating that Babylon will no longer be a place where people live. This prophecy was fulfilled historically when Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians and eventually became a deserted ruin. Theologically, this serves as a warning of the consequences of defying God, illustrating that no power or kingdom can withstand His judgment.

she will become desolate
"She will become desolate" further emphasizes the complete devastation that will befall Babylon. The Hebrew word "שָׁמֵם" (shamem) means "to be desolate or appalled," often used in the context of divine judgment. This desolation is both physical and spiritual, as Babylon's pride and idolatry lead to its downfall. The imagery of desolation serves as a stark reminder of the futility of human arrogance against God's sovereign will.

a place of horror
The phrase "a place of horror" conveys the fear and dread that Babylon's destruction will inspire. The Hebrew word "שַׁמָּה" (shammah) can mean "horror, desolation, or astonishment." This reflects the shock and awe that will grip those who witness Babylon's fall. Historically, Babylon was a symbol of human achievement and pride, and its transformation into a place of horror underscores the biblical theme that human glory is fleeting and subject to God's judgment.

All who pass by Babylon will be appalled
"All who pass by Babylon will be appalled" indicates the universal recognition of Babylon's downfall. The Hebrew verb "שָׁמַם" (shamam) means "to be appalled or astonished," suggesting that Babylon's destruction will serve as a powerful testimony to God's judgment. This phrase highlights the public and undeniable nature of God's actions, serving as a warning to other nations and individuals who might defy Him.

and will scoff because of all her wounds
The phrase "and will scoff because of all her wounds" suggests that Babylon's destruction will be so complete that it will become a subject of ridicule. The Hebrew word "לָעַג" (laag) means "to mock or deride," indicating that Babylon's former glory will be a source of scorn. The "wounds" refer to the consequences of Babylon's sins and the divine retribution it faces. This serves as a sobering reminder of the inevitable downfall that comes from pride and rebellion against God, encouraging believers to remain humble and obedient to His will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and the surrounding nations.

2. Babylon
An ancient city and empire known for its wealth, power, and opposition to God’s people. In this context, it is the subject of God's judgment.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is executing judgment on Babylon for its sins and rebellion.

4. Passersby
Those who witness the desolation of Babylon and react with shock and derision.

5. Wrath of the LORD
The divine judgment and righteous anger of God against sin and rebellion, leading to Babylon's desolation.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's authority extends over all nations, and His judgments are just and righteous. We must recognize His sovereignty in world events.

The Consequences of Sin
Babylon's desolation serves as a warning of the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God. We should examine our lives for areas of disobedience.

The Certainty of God's Promises
Just as God fulfilled His promise to judge Babylon, He will fulfill all His promises, both of judgment and salvation. We can trust in His faithfulness.

The Witness of God's Actions
The reaction of the passersby highlights that God's actions serve as a testimony to His power and justice. Our lives should also testify to God's work in us.

Hope in Restoration
While judgment is severe, it is not the end. God’s ultimate plan includes restoration and redemption for those who turn to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:13 reflect God's character and His view of sin?

2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning for modern societies and individuals?

3. How does the theme of divine judgment in Jeremiah 50:13 connect with the New Testament portrayal of God's final judgment?

4. What personal areas of life might be "desolate" due to disobedience, and how can we seek restoration through repentance?

5. How can we, as believers, be a testimony to God's justice and mercy in our daily interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment against pride and idolatry.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God.

Lamentations 1
The desolation of Jerusalem is paralleled, showing that God's judgment is impartial and based on righteousness.
Israel as Lost SheepA.F. Muir Jeremiah 50:6, 7, 17-20
People
Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, Zion
Topics
Anger, Appalled, Astonished, Babylon, Completely, Desolate, Desolation, Fear, Goes, Hiss, Horrified, Indignation, Inhabited, Overcome, Pass, Passer, Passes, Plagues, Punishments, Quite, Scoff, Sounds, Unpeopled, Utter, Wholly, Wonder, Wounds, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 50:13

     8816   ridicule, nature of
     8819   scoffing

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 Scripture

Covenanting 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

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