Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time. In the face of the oppressor's sword, each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land. Cut off from Babylon the sowerThe phrase "Cut off from Babylon the sower" signifies a divine judgment against Babylon, a city that had become synonymous with pride, idolatry, and opposition to God. The Hebrew root for "cut off" is "karath," which often implies a decisive and complete action, such as making a covenant or cutting down. In this context, it indicates God's intention to bring an end to Babylon's prosperity and agricultural productivity. Historically, Babylon was a center of power and wealth, and agriculture was a significant part of its economy. By cutting off the sower, God is declaring that the very sustenance and life of Babylon will be removed, symbolizing the end of its dominance and the futility of its efforts against God's will. and the reaper with his sickle at harvest time
The imagery of "the reaper with his sickle at harvest time" evokes a scene of abundance and the culmination of hard work. The Hebrew word for "reaper" is "qatsar," which means to gather or harvest. The sickle is a tool used for cutting grain, representing the peak of agricultural success. However, in this context, it is a symbol of what will be lost. The harvest, a time of joy and celebration, will be interrupted and nullified. This serves as a metaphor for the impending judgment and desolation that will befall Babylon. The historical context reveals that Babylon, despite its grandeur, was not immune to divine justice, and its fall was a testament to the sovereignty of God over nations. Because of the sword of the oppressor
The "sword of the oppressor" refers to the instrument of God's judgment. The Hebrew word for "sword" is "chereb," often used in the Old Testament to denote war, destruction, and divine retribution. The "oppressor" here can be understood as the invading forces that God would use to execute His judgment on Babylon. Historically, this was fulfilled by the Medo-Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon. The sword symbolizes the inevitability and severity of God's judgment against those who defy Him. It serves as a reminder that no earthly power can withstand the decrees of the Almighty. Each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land
This phrase indicates a scattering and a return to origins, a reversal of the unity and strength that Babylon once represented. The Hebrew word for "flee" is "barach," which means to run away or escape. This suggests a sense of urgency and desperation. The historical context shows that Babylon was a melting pot of various peoples and cultures, brought together by conquest and trade. However, in the face of divine judgment, this unity dissolves, and individuals seek refuge among their own kin. This scattering is emblematic of the collapse of Babylon's power and influence, as well as the futility of relying on human strength and alliances. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the ultimate return to God's ordained order. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonA significant empire in biblical history, known for its conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem. In this context, Babylon is the subject of God's judgment. 2. The Sower and the ReaperThese represent the agricultural workers in Babylon, symbolizing the cessation of normal life and productivity due to impending judgment. 3. The OppressorRefers to the invading forces or the instruments of God's judgment against Babylon, causing fear and prompting people to flee. 4. The SwordSymbolizes warfare and divine judgment, a common biblical metaphor for God's instrument of justice. 5. Each to His Own People/LandIndicates the scattering of Babylon's inhabitants, a reversal of the exile experienced by the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and empires. No power is beyond His reach or judgment. This should encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice. The Inevitability of Divine JudgmentJust as Babylon faced judgment, all nations and individuals are accountable to God. This serves as a reminder to live righteously and align with God's will. The Transience of Earthly PowersEarthly powers and empires are temporary. Believers should focus on eternal values and God's kingdom rather than worldly success or power. The Call to ReturnThe scattering of Babylon's people symbolizes a return to one's roots. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to return to God and His ways, especially in times of crisis. The Role of Fear in JudgmentFear can drive people to seek safety and security. For Christians, true security is found in God, not in fleeing or relying on human strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:16 reflect God's justice and sovereignty? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals? 3. How does the imagery of the sower and reaper being cut off relate to the broader theme of divine judgment in the Bible? 4. What parallels can be drawn between the scattering of Babylon's people and the spiritual journey of returning to God? 5. How can believers find security and peace in God's sovereignty amidst the "sword of the oppressor" in today's world? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about their downfall. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," drawing a parallel to the historical fall of Babylon as a symbol of God's ultimate judgment on worldly powers. Jeremiah 51Continues the theme of Babylon's judgment, reinforcing the message of divine retribution and the futility of opposing God's will. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Babylon, Blade, Cruel, Curved, Cut, Fear, Flee, Flight, Grain-cutting, Handles, Handleth, Handling, Harvest, Oppressing, Oppressor, Planter, Reaper, Return, Seed, Sickle, Sower, Sword, Turn, Using, WieldsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:16 4406 agriculture
4464 harvest
4508 sickle 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 50:16 NIVJeremiah 50:16 NLTJeremiah 50:16 ESVJeremiah 50:16 NASBJeremiah 50:16 KJV
Jeremiah 50:16 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
