Israel is a scattered flock, chased away by lions. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon." Israel is a scattered flockThe phrase "Israel is a scattered flock" uses pastoral imagery to describe the state of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "scattered" is "pārad," which conveys the idea of being dispersed or divided. Historically, this reflects the period of the Babylonian exile when the Israelites were forcibly removed from their homeland. The imagery of a "flock" suggests vulnerability and a need for guidance, emphasizing Israel's dependence on God as their Shepherd. This scattering is not just physical but also spiritual, as the people have strayed from their covenant relationship with God. driven away by lions
The "lions" symbolize powerful and aggressive nations that have attacked and oppressed Israel. In the ancient Near East, lions were often used as symbols of strength and ferocity. The Hebrew word "lābî'" for "lion" underscores the predatory nature of these nations. Historically, this refers to the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, which conquered and exiled the Israelites. The imagery of being "driven away" suggests a forceful removal, highlighting the trauma and helplessness experienced by the Israelites. First the king of Assyria devoured him
The "king of Assyria" refers to the Assyrian Empire, which conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. The word "devoured" (Hebrew "ʾāḵal") implies complete consumption or destruction, indicating the thoroughness of Assyria's conquest. This historical event marked the beginning of the dispersion of the ten tribes of Israel, often referred to as the "Lost Tribes." The Assyrian invasion was a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience to God, serving as a divine judgment. then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon crushed his bones
"Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon" represents the Babylonian Empire, which conquered the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. The phrase "crushed his bones" uses the Hebrew word "dāḵā'" to convey a sense of breaking or shattering, symbolizing the complete and utter destruction of Judah. This event led to the Babylonian exile, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The imagery of bone-crushing emphasizes the severity of the judgment and the depth of the suffering endured by the people. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelReferred to as a "scattered flock," symbolizing the nation of Israel's dispersion and vulnerability due to external threats and internal disobedience. 2. LionsMetaphorically represents the powerful nations and rulers that have attacked and oppressed Israel. 3. King of AssyriaThe Assyrian Empire was the first to conquer and exile the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, leading to the scattering of the ten tribes. 4. Nebuchadnezzar, King of BabylonThe Babylonian king who conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled the Jewish people in 586 BC, completing the scattering of Israel. 5. BabylonThe empire that played a significant role in the history of Israel's exile, representing God's instrument of judgment against His people for their disobedience. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod uses nations as instruments of His judgment, demonstrating His control over history and His commitment to justice. Consequences of DisobedienceIsrael's scattering serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and His commandments. Hope for RestorationDespite judgment, God promises to gather His people, offering hope and restoration for those who return to Him. The Role of LeadershipThe leaders of Israel failed to protect and guide the flock, reminding us of the importance of godly leadership. God's FaithfulnessEven in judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, ensuring that His plans for His people will ultimately prevail. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a "scattered flock" help us understand the spiritual state of Israel during the time of Jeremiah? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the historical events described in Jeremiah 50:17? 3. How do the actions of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of disobedience to God? 4. What lessons can we learn from the failures of Israel's leaders, and how can we apply these lessons to leadership roles in our own communities? 5. How does the promise of restoration in other parts of Scripture provide hope for us when we face the consequences of our own disobedience? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 17Describes the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria, providing historical context to the "first to devour" Israel. 2 Kings 25Details the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, illustrating the "last to crush his bones." Isaiah 10Discusses Assyria as the rod of God's anger, showing how God used foreign nations to discipline Israel. Daniel 1Chronicles the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, highlighting the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy. Ezekiel 34Speaks of God as the true shepherd who will gather His scattered flock, offering hope and restoration. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Asshur, Assyria, Attacked, Babylon, Bone, Bones, Broken, Chased, Crush, Devour, Devoured, Driven, Driving, Flock, Gnawed, Hunted, Lions, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuchadrez'zar, Scattered, Sheep, WanderingDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:17 5137 bones
7130 flock, God's
7212 exile
7520 dispersion, the 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 50:17 NIVJeremiah 50:17 NLTJeremiah 50:17 ESVJeremiah 50:17 NASBJeremiah 50:17 KJV
Jeremiah 50:17 Commentaries
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