For a nation from the north will come against her; it will make her land a desolation. No one will live in it; both man and beast will flee." For out of the northThis phrase indicates the direction from which the impending threat to Babylon will arise. Historically, the Medes and Persians, who conquered Babylon, came from the north. In the Hebrew context, the north often symbolizes a place of judgment or divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "north" is "tsaphon," which can also imply hidden or dark, suggesting the unexpected nature of God's judgment. a nation has come up against her
The "nation" refers to the Medo-Persian Empire, which God used as an instrument of judgment against Babylon. The Hebrew word for "nation" is "goy," often used to describe a people or ethnic group. This highlights the sovereignty of God in using entire nations to fulfill His divine purposes, emphasizing His control over the rise and fall of empires. which will make her land desolate
The desolation of Babylon is a fulfillment of God's judgment. The Hebrew root "shamem" for "desolate" conveys a sense of devastation and ruin. This prophecy underscores the seriousness of God's judgment against sin and the certainty of His word being fulfilled. Historically, Babylon, once a thriving empire, was reduced to ruins, confirming the accuracy of Jeremiah's prophecy. so that no one shall dwell in it
This phrase emphasizes the totality of Babylon's destruction. The Hebrew word "yashab" means to sit, remain, or dwell, indicating that the land would be uninhabitable. This serves as a stark warning of the consequences of pride and idolatry, as Babylon was known for its arrogance and defiance against God. both man and beast have wandered off
The departure of both humans and animals signifies complete abandonment. The Hebrew word "nadad" for "wandered off" suggests a scattering or fleeing, often used in contexts of fear or panic. This imagery paints a picture of utter desolation, where life cannot be sustained, and all creation flees from the impending judgment. It serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's justice, affecting all aspects of creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe primary subject of this prophecy, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its wealth and military might. Jeremiah prophesies its downfall. 2. Nation from the NorthThis refers to the Medes and Persians, who would eventually conquer Babylon. Historically, they came from the north and east of Babylon. 3. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered this message. He was called by God to warn Judah and other nations of impending judgment. 4. DesolationThe state that Babylon would be reduced to, as a result of divine judgment. This term emphasizes the complete and utter destruction that would leave the land uninhabitable. 5. Fleeing InhabitantsBoth humans and animals are described as fleeing, indicating the totality of the devastation and the fear it would instill. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of the rise and fall of nations. This should remind us to trust in His ultimate plan and justice. The Certainty of God's JudgmentJust as Babylon faced judgment, so will all who oppose God. This calls us to live righteously and warn others of the coming judgment. The Transience of Earthly PowerEarthly empires and powers are temporary. Our focus should be on eternal values and God's kingdom. The Call to RepentanceThe prophecy serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy before it's too late. Hope in God's DeliveranceFor those who trust in God, there is hope and assurance of deliverance from the oppression of worldly powers. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:3 demonstrate God's control over history? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals? 3. How does the theme of desolation in Jeremiah 50:3 relate to the ultimate fate of worldly powers as described in Revelation 18? 4. What lessons can we learn from the historical fulfillment of this prophecy in Daniel 5 about the reliability of God's Word? 5. How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 50:3 to our personal lives, particularly in terms of repentance and reliance on God? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring judgment. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. Daniel 5The historical account of Babylon's fall to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Animal, Animals, Attack, Beast, Depart, Desolate, Desolation, Dwell, Fled, Flee, Flight, Horror, Inhabitant, Lay, Maketh, Moved, Nation, None, North, Object, Remove, Therein, Unpeopled, Wandered, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:3 4605 animals, religious role Jeremiah 50:1-10 4215 Babylon 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 50:3 NIVJeremiah 50:3 NLTJeremiah 50:3 ESVJeremiah 50:3 NASBJeremiah 50:3 KJV
Jeremiah 50:3 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
