Raise a war cry against her on every side! She has thrown up her hands in surrender; her towers have fallen; her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take out your vengeance upon her; as she has done, do the same to her. Raise a shout against her on every side!This phrase calls for a loud and encompassing proclamation against Babylon. The Hebrew word for "shout" (רִנָּה, rinnah) often implies a cry of joy or triumph, but here it is used in the context of a battle cry, signifying the impending doom and judgment upon Babylon. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, and the call to raise a shout "on every side" indicates a complete encirclement and inevitable downfall, symbolizing God's total judgment against sin and rebellion. She has given herself up
The phrase suggests surrender or yielding. The Hebrew root נָתַן (nathan) means "to give" or "to deliver." In this context, it implies that Babylon has succumbed to the forces against her, both physically and spiritually. This surrender is not just to the invading armies but also to the divine judgment decreed by God. It reflects the futility of resisting God's will and the ultimate submission of all nations to His sovereignty. her towers have fallen
The "towers" (מִגְדָּל, migdal) represent the strength and fortifications of Babylon. Historically, Babylon was known for its impressive architecture and defensive structures. The fall of these towers signifies the collapse of Babylon's power and security. It serves as a metaphor for the fall of human pride and the futility of relying on earthly strength against divine judgment. her walls are demolished
Walls (חוֹמָה, chomah) in ancient cities were symbols of protection and stability. The demolition of Babylon's walls indicates the complete breach of her defenses and the exposure of her vulnerabilities. This imagery underscores the theme of divine retribution and the dismantling of human arrogance. It serves as a reminder that no earthly power can withstand the judgment of God. For this is the vengeance of the LORD
The term "vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam) refers to divine retribution. It is not a petty or vindictive act but a righteous and just response to sin and rebellion. The LORD's vengeance is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing His holiness and justice. This phrase reassures believers that God will ultimately right all wrongs and that His judgments are perfect and just. Take vengeance on her
This command to "take vengeance" reiterates the divine mandate for justice. It is a call for the execution of God's righteous judgment. The repetition emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of Babylon's punishment. It serves as a warning to all nations and individuals that defiance against God will lead to inevitable consequences. as she has done, do to her
This principle of retributive justice, often summarized as "an eye for an eye," reflects the biblical concept of justice being proportionate to the offense. It underscores the fairness of God's judgment, as Babylon receives the same treatment she meted out to others. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the moral order established by God, where actions have corresponding consequences. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe city and empire that is the subject of God's judgment in this passage. Babylon was a dominant power known for its idolatry and oppression of God's people. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who is executing judgment against Babylon for its sins and transgressions. 3. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who were oppressed by Babylon and are now witnessing God's justice. 4. The Invading ArmiesThe forces called by God to execute His judgment on Babylon, symbolizing divine retribution. 5. The Fall of BabylonThe event prophesied by Jeremiah, symbolizing the collapse of a once-mighty empire due to its wickedness. Teaching Points Divine JusticeGod's justice is perfect and inevitable. He will repay evil according to His righteousness, as seen in His judgment against Babylon. The Consequences of SinBabylon's fall serves as a warning about the consequences of pride, idolatry, and oppression. Nations and individuals alike are accountable to God. God's SovereigntyThe prophecy against Babylon demonstrates God's control over history. He raises and brings down nations according to His purposes. Hope for the OppressedFor those who suffer under injustice, God's judgment on Babylon is a reminder that He sees their plight and will act in His time. Call to RepentanceThe fall of Babylon is a call to examine our own lives, repent of sin, and align ourselves with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fall of Babylon illustrate the principle of "as she has done, do to her"? How can this principle be applied in our understanding of justice today? 2. In what ways does the prophecy against Babylon provide hope and encouragement to those who are oppressed or suffering? 3. How does the theme of divine justice in Jeremiah 50:15 connect with the portrayal of God's justice in Revelation 18? 4. What lessons can we learn from Babylon's downfall about the dangers of pride and idolatry in our own lives? 5. How can we apply the message of God's sovereignty and justice in Jeremiah 50:15 to current global or personal situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and the vindication of God's people. Psalm 137Reflects the sorrow and longing of the Israelites during their Babylonian captivity, highlighting the emotional and spiritual impact of Babylon's oppression. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Avenged, Battle, Broken, Bulwarks, Buttresses, Cry, Fall, Fallen, Forth, Foundations, Herself, Loud, Overturned, Payment, Pillars, Raise, Ramparts, Round, Shout, Submitted, Supports, Surrendered, Surrenders, Thrown, Torn, Towers, Vengeance, WallsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:15 5585 towers
5604 walls 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 50:15 NIVJeremiah 50:15 NLTJeremiah 50:15 ESVJeremiah 50:15 NASBJeremiah 50:15 KJV
Jeremiah 50:15 Commentaries
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