The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities to consume all those around him." will stumble and fallThe imagery of stumbling and falling is a powerful depiction of sudden and irreversible downfall. In the context of ancient warfare, a stumble could mean defeat and death. This phrase underscores the certainty of Babylon's demise, as decreed by God. The Hebrew word for "stumble" is "כָּשַׁל" (kashal), which often implies a moral or spiritual failure leading to physical collapse. This serves as a warning that those who walk in pride and defiance against God will inevitably face judgment. with no one to pick her up
This phrase emphasizes the totality of Babylon's destruction. In ancient times, allies or neighboring nations might come to the aid of a fallen city, but here, Babylon is left utterly desolate. The absence of help signifies God's complete judgment and the futility of relying on human strength or alliances. It reflects the biblical principle that when God decrees judgment, no earthly power can reverse it. I will kindle a fire in her cities
The imagery of fire is often used in the Bible to symbolize God's judgment and purification. The Hebrew word "אֵשׁ" (esh) for fire conveys both destruction and the potential for renewal. In this context, it signifies the consuming wrath of God against Babylon's sins. Historically, the burning of cities was a common fate for conquered nations, and here it represents the thoroughness of Babylon's punishment. and it will consume all her surroundings
This phrase indicates the widespread impact of Babylon's fall. The destruction is not limited to the city itself but extends to its surrounding regions, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word "סָבִיב" (saviv) for surroundings suggests a complete encirclement, leaving no part untouched. This serves as a sobering reminder of the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Arrogant OneThis refers to the Babylonian empire, personified as a proud and haughty entity. Babylon was known for its pride and self-reliance, often setting itself against God and His people. 2. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Babylon. He was a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile. 3. BabylonA powerful empire in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its wealth, military might, and idolatry. It was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah but was also subject to God's judgment due to its pride and wickedness. 4. FireSymbolic of God's judgment and purification. In this context, it represents the destruction that God will bring upon Babylon as a consequence of its arrogance and sin. 5. Cities of BabylonThe urban centers of the Babylonian empire, which were known for their grandeur and opulence. These cities would face destruction as part of God's judgment. Teaching Points The Danger of PridePride is a serious sin that leads to downfall. Just as Babylon's arrogance led to its destruction, personal pride can lead to spiritual and relational ruin. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and empires. He raises them up and brings them down according to His purposes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice. The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is certain and just. The prophecy against Babylon serves as a reminder that God will hold all accountable for their actions. Repentance and HumilityThe call to avoid the fate of Babylon is a call to repentance and humility. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and turn away from prideful attitudes. The Hope of RestorationWhile judgment is pronounced, God's ultimate plan includes restoration for His people. This offers hope and assurance of God's mercy and grace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning against pride in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the rise and fall of nations today? 3. How can we apply the principle of humility in our daily interactions and decision-making? 4. What are some modern-day "Babylons" that might tempt us to rely on worldly power rather than God? 5. How does understanding God's judgment and mercy influence our perspective on current events and personal challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to humble the proud. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, reinforcing the message that arrogance precedes a fall. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers that oppose God. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Arrogant, Burning, Cities, Consume, Devour, Devoured, Environs, Fall, Fallen, Fire, Kindle, Kindled, None, Pride, Proud, Raise, Raiser, Round, Steps, Stumble, Stumbled, Towns, Uncertain, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:32 5186 stumbling Jeremiah 50:31-32 5793 arrogance 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 50:32 NIVJeremiah 50:32 NLTJeremiah 50:32 ESVJeremiah 50:32 NASBJeremiah 50:32 KJV
Jeremiah 50:32 Commentaries
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