◄ Jeremiah 50:35 ►
A sword is against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, against those who live in Babylon, and against her officials and wise men.
Study Bible
A sword
The Hebrew word for "sword" is "חֶרֶב" (chereb), which often symbolizes judgment or warfare in the Old Testament. In the context of Jeremiah 50, the sword represents God's impending judgment against Babylon. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its military might and conquests. The use of "sword" here signifies the divine retribution that is to come upon Babylon for its sins and idolatry. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme that God uses nations as instruments of His judgment.

against the Chaldeans
The Chaldeans were a Semitic people who became the ruling class in Babylon. The term "Chaldeans" is often used interchangeably with "Babylonians" in the Bible. Historically, the Chaldeans were known for their advancements in astronomy and mathematics, but they were also notorious for their cruelty and idolatry. In the biblical narrative, the Chaldeans are depicted as a tool of God's judgment against Judah, but here, the tables are turned, and they become the recipients of divine wrath.

declares the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. The Hebrew word for "declares" is "נְאֻם" (ne'um), which is often used in prophetic literature to emphasize that the message is directly from God. It assures the reader that the prophecy is not merely Jeremiah's words but a divine pronouncement. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of nations.

against those who live in Babylon
Babylon, in this context, is not just a city but a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. The phrase "those who live in Babylon" refers to the inhabitants who have embraced the city's idolatrous and sinful ways. Historically, Babylon was a center of pagan worship and immorality. The judgment pronounced here is a call to accountability for those who have turned away from God and embraced the corrupt practices of Babylon.

and against her officials
The "officials" or "princes" of Babylon were the leaders responsible for the administration and governance of the empire. The Hebrew word "שָׂרִים" (sarim) indicates rulers or leaders. This part of the verse highlights that God's judgment is comprehensive, targeting not only the general populace but also the leaders who have led the nation into sin. It serves as a warning that leadership carries responsibility and accountability before God.

and wise men
The "wise men" of Babylon were known for their knowledge and counsel, often associated with the magi or astrologers. The Hebrew word "חֲכָמִים" (chakamim) refers to those who are skilled in wisdom and learning. Despite their reputation for wisdom, these men are not exempt from judgment. This reflects the biblical theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and any wisdom apart from God is ultimately futile. It serves as a reminder that human wisdom cannot stand against divine judgment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Chaldeans
A Semitic people who lived in southern Babylonia. They are often associated with the Babylonian Empire, which was a dominant power in the ancient Near East.

2. Babylon
The capital city of the Babylonian Empire, known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. It is often symbolically used in the Bible to represent human pride and opposition to God.

3. Officials and Wise Men
The leaders and advisors of Babylon, who were considered knowledgeable and powerful. They played significant roles in the governance and decision-making processes of the empire.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is declaring judgment against Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah.

5. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and judgment against Judah and other nations, including Babylon.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No empire, regardless of its power, is beyond His reach or judgment.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and reliance on human wisdom and power instead of God.

The Certainty of God's Word
Prophecies, like those against Babylon, demonstrate the reliability and truth of God's Word. What He declares will come to pass.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah are used by God to communicate His will and warnings. Their messages are relevant for understanding God's character and plans.

Spiritual Vigilance
Believers are called to remain vigilant against the influences of "Babylon" in their lives, representing worldly temptations and opposition to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:35 reflect God's justice and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern societies and individuals?

3. How do the roles of the officials and wise men in Babylon compare to the influence of leaders and advisors in today's world?

4. What lessons can we learn from the fulfillment of prophecies like those in Jeremiah about trusting in God's Word?

5. How can Christians today guard against the spiritual influences symbolized by "Babylon" in their personal lives and communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring judgment upon them.

Revelation 18
Babylon is used symbolically to represent the ultimate fall of worldly systems opposed to God, echoing the themes of judgment found in Jeremiah 50.

Daniel 5
The fall of Babylon is depicted during the reign of Belshazzar, illustrating the fulfillment of prophetic warnings against the city.
Sermons
The Sword EverywhereD. Young Jeremiah 50:35-37
People
Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, Zion
Topics
Affirmation, Babylon, Babylonians, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Declares, Heads, Inhabitants, Officials, Princes, Rulers, Says, Sword, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 50:33-35

     1315   God, as redeemer

Jeremiah 50:35-37

     5572   sword

Jeremiah 50:35-38

     5401   madness

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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