A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols. A drought is upon her watersThe phrase "A drought is upon her waters" signifies a divine judgment that is both literal and symbolic. In the Hebrew context, the word for "drought" (צָחֳרָה, tsachorah) can also imply dryness or desolation. Historically, Babylon was known for its intricate system of canals and reliance on the Euphrates River. A drought would have been catastrophic, symbolizing God's power over nature and His ability to disrupt the very lifeline of a nation. Spiritually, water often represents life and blessing, so a drought indicates a withdrawal of divine favor. and they will be dried up
The continuation "and they will be dried up" emphasizes the totality of the judgment. The Hebrew root יָבֵשׁ (yabesh) means to be dry or withered, suggesting a complete cessation of vitality. This drying up is not just a physical phenomenon but also a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness that results from idolatry. In a broader biblical context, this reflects the principle that turning away from God leads to spiritual desolation. For it is a land of idols
The phrase "For it is a land of idols" identifies the root cause of the judgment. The Hebrew word for idols, אֱלִילִים (elilim), often denotes worthless or vain things. Babylon was infamous for its pantheon of gods and the pervasive idol worship that permeated its culture. This idolatry is seen as a direct affront to the sovereignty of the one true God, who demands exclusive worship. The land's identity is intertwined with its idols, highlighting the depth of its spiritual corruption. and they go mad over their idols
Finally, "and they go mad over their idols" describes the irrational devotion and frenzy associated with idol worship. The Hebrew verb הָלַל (halal) in this context can mean to boast or to act foolishly. This madness is a spiritual blindness, a delusion that leads people away from truth and into chaos. The Bible consistently portrays idolatry as a form of spiritual insanity, where people exchange the glory of God for lifeless images. This madness is both a cause and a consequence of the spiritual drought that afflicts the land. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and other nations, including Babylon. 2. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and idolatry, Babylon is the subject of God's judgment in this passage. It symbolizes human pride and rebellion against God. 3. IdolsObjects of worship that are not the true God. In Babylon, idols were central to their religious practices, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh. 4. DroughtA natural disaster used here as a metaphor for God's judgment. The drying up of waters signifies the end of Babylon's prosperity and divine favor. 5. Madness over IdolsThis phrase indicates the irrational devotion and frenzy that the Babylonians had for their idols, leading to their spiritual downfall. Teaching Points The Futility of IdolatryIdolatry leads to spiritual blindness and madness. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism and self-worship. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentJust as God judged Babylon, He remains sovereign over nations today. We should live in reverence and obedience to His will. The Consequences of Spiritual DroughtSpiritual drought results from turning away from God. We must seek to remain spiritually nourished through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. The Call to RepentanceGod's judgment is a call to repentance. We should examine our lives for any idols and turn back to God with sincere hearts. Hope in God's RestorationWhile judgment is certain, God's ultimate plan includes restoration for those who turn to Him. We can find hope in His promises of redemption. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day idols that can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does the judgment of Babylon in Jeremiah 50:38 reflect God's character and His view of idolatry? 3. In what ways can spiritual drought manifest in a believer's life, and what steps can be taken to prevent it? 4. How does the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18 relate to the prophecy in Jeremiah 50:38, and what lessons can we learn about God's ultimate plan for the world? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "drought" in your spiritual life. What actions did you take to restore your relationship with God, and what role did Scripture play in that process? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry highlights the seriousness of idol worship and its consequences, as seen in Babylon's judgment. Isaiah 44:9-20This passage mocks the futility of idol worship, similar to the madness described in Jeremiah 50:38. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics FALSE, Dried, Drought, Drouth, Dry, Drying, Engraved, Fearsome, Fixed, Frightful, Gods, Graven, Horror, Idols, Images, Mad, Minds, Sword, Terror, Themselves, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:38 4816 drought, physical 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 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 50:38 NIVJeremiah 50:38 NLTJeremiah 50:38 ESVJeremiah 50:38 NASBJeremiah 50:38 KJV
Jeremiah 50:38 Commentaries
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