Jeremiah 50:31
"Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one," declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, "for your day has come, the time when I will punish you.
Behold
The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an attention-grabbing exclamation. It is often used in the Bible to signal the importance of what follows. In this context, it underscores the seriousness of God's message to Babylon. The use of "behold" invites the reader to pause and consider the gravity of the divine pronouncement, emphasizing that this is not a mere human declaration but a divine intervention.

I am against you
This phrase is a direct declaration of opposition from God. The Hebrew root "נגד" (nagad) implies a stance of confrontation. In the biblical narrative, when God declares Himself against a nation or individual, it signifies impending judgment and the withdrawal of divine favor. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, highlighting His sovereignty and justice.

O arrogant one
The term "arrogant one" is translated from the Hebrew word "זָדוֹן" (zadon), which denotes pride and insolence. Historically, Babylon was known for its pride and self-sufficiency, often exalting itself above other nations and even God. This pride is a recurring theme in Scripture, where it is consistently condemned as a sin that leads to downfall. The address to the "arrogant one" serves as a warning against the dangers of hubris and the importance of humility before God.

declares the Lord GOD of Hosts
This phrase emphasizes the authority and power behind the message. "The Lord GOD of Hosts" is a translation of "יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת" (YHWH Tseva'ot), a title that portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies. It underscores His supreme authority over all creation, including the mighty Babylon. The declaration is not merely a prophetic utterance but a divine decree from the highest authority, ensuring its fulfillment.

for your day has come
The phrase "your day has come" indicates the arrival of a predetermined time of judgment. In biblical terms, "day" often refers to a specific time appointed by God for action, whether for blessing or judgment. This reflects the biblical theme of divine timing, where God’s plans unfold according to His perfect schedule. It serves as a reminder that while God is patient, His justice will ultimately prevail.

the time when I will punish you
The word "punish" comes from the Hebrew root "פָּקַד" (paqad), which can mean to visit, attend to, or reckon with. In this context, it signifies divine retribution. The historical context of Babylon's fall illustrates the fulfillment of this prophecy, as God used the Medes and Persians to execute His judgment. This phrase reinforces the biblical principle that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, and His justice is both inevitable and righteous.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Arrogant One
This refers to Babylon, a powerful empire known for its pride and idolatry. In the context of Jeremiah 50, Babylon symbolizes human arrogance and rebellion against God.

2. The LORD GOD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It underscores His ability to execute judgment.

3. The Day of Punishment
This is a prophetic declaration of the impending judgment against Babylon. It signifies a specific time when God's justice will be enacted.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Pride is a sin that leads to downfall. Just as Babylon's arrogance led to its destruction, personal pride can lead to spiritual ruin.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign and just. His judgments are certain and will come to pass in His perfect timing.

Repentance and Humility
The call to humility is essential. Recognizing our dependence on God and repenting from prideful ways aligns us with His will.

The Certainty of God's Promises
God's declarations, whether of blessing or judgment, are sure. Trust in His word and live in accordance with His truth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Babylon as "the arrogant one" challenge us to examine areas of pride in our own lives?

2. In what ways does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history impact your trust in His plans for your life?

3. How can we cultivate humility in our daily walk with God, and what practical steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of pride?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of pride. How did that experience shape your relationship with God?

5. How does the theme of judgment in Jeremiah 50:31 connect with the hope of redemption found in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, highlighting the theme of divine judgment against prideful nations.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the downfall that follows pride, reinforcing the message in Jeremiah 50:31 about the consequences of arrogance.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation mirrors the judgment prophesied in Jeremiah, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly pride and rebellion against God.
The Hammer BrokenA.F. Muir
People
Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, Zion
Topics
Affirmation, Almighty, Armies, Arrogant, Behold, Declares, Hosts, Inspection, O, Pride, Proud, Punish, Punished, Punishment, Says, Visit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 50:31-32

     5793   arrogance
     8805   pride, results

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 Scripture

Covenanting 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

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