I laid a snare for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it. You were found and captured because you challenged the LORD. I set a trap for you, O BabylonThe phrase "I set a trap for you" indicates a divine action initiated by God against Babylon. The Hebrew root for "trap" is "פַּח" (pach), which often refers to a snare or a net used for capturing animals. This imagery suggests that Babylon, despite its might and grandeur, is vulnerable to God's strategic intervention. Historically, Babylon was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and cultural influence. However, this verse underscores the theme that no earthly power can withstand the plans of the Almighty. God's sovereignty is evident as He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, reminding believers of His ultimate control over nations and history. and you were caught before you knew it
The phrase "and you were caught before you knew it" emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of Babylon's downfall. The Hebrew word for "caught" is "נִלְכַּדְתְּ" (nilkad), which conveys being captured or ensnared. This reflects the idea that Babylon, in its arrogance and self-reliance, was unaware of the impending judgment. The historical context reveals that Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC, an event that occurred swiftly and unexpectedly. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and complacency, urging believers to remain vigilant and humble before God. you were found and captured
The phrase "you were found and captured" continues the theme of Babylon's unexpected defeat. The Hebrew word for "found" is "נִמְצֵאת" (nimtza), suggesting discovery or exposure. This implies that Babylon's sins and transgressions were laid bare before God, leading to its capture. The historical fall of Babylon serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine justice. For believers, this is an encouragement to live righteously and to trust in God's timing and judgment. because you challenged the LORD
The phrase "because you challenged the LORD" reveals the reason for Babylon's downfall. The Hebrew root for "challenged" is "עָרַב" (arab), which can mean to engage in hostility or opposition. Babylon's challenge to the LORD was not merely military or political but spiritual, as it represented a defiance against God's authority and holiness. This highlights the biblical principle that rebellion against God leads to inevitable consequences. For the faithful, it serves as a call to align with God's will and to recognize His supreme authority over all creation. The verse as a whole is a testament to God's justice and the assurance that He will vindicate His name against all who oppose Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and military might, often seen as a symbol of pride and opposition to God. In this context, Babylon represents the forces that challenge God's authority. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is sovereign over all nations and executes judgment against those who oppose Him. 3. JeremiahThe prophet through whom God delivers this message of judgment against Babylon. He is known for his prophecies concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the eventual restoration of Israel. 4. The TrapSymbolic of God's judgment and the unexpected downfall of Babylon. It signifies divine intervention and the futility of opposing God's will. 5. The CaptureRepresents the fulfillment of God's judgment against Babylon, highlighting the certainty of divine prophecy. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's plans cannot be thwarted by human power or pride. Babylon's fall serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over history. The Danger of PrideBabylon's challenge against the LORD highlights the destructive nature of pride. Believers are called to humility, recognizing God's authority in their lives. Divine JusticeGod's judgment is certain and just. The capture of Babylon illustrates that those who oppose God will face consequences. Trust in God's TimingThe unexpected nature of Babylon's downfall encourages believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring about justice. Repentance and ObedienceThe passage calls for self-examination and a return to obedience, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and rebellion against God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 50:24 illustrate the theme of divine justice throughout the Bible? 2. In what ways can pride manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it in light of Babylon's example? 3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in this passage provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty? 4. What are some modern-day "Babylons" that challenge God's authority, and how should Christians respond to them? 5. How can we apply the lessons of humility and obedience from this passage to our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment against nations that oppose Him. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers that stand against God, drawing a parallel to the historical fall of Babylon. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to downfall, which is relevant to Babylon's challenge against the LORD. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Aware, Babylon, Captured, Caught, Conflict, Contended, Engaged, Fighting, Hast, Laid, Net, O, Opposed, Seized, Snare, Stirred, Striven, Strove, Thyself, Uncovered, Wast, Weren'tDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:24 5589 trap
5814 confrontation Jeremiah 50:23-24 5801 brokenness 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 50:24 NIVJeremiah 50:24 NLTJeremiah 50:24 ESVJeremiah 50:24 NASBJeremiah 50:24 KJV
Jeremiah 50:24 Commentaries
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