So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there and ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. So the desert creatures and hyenas will live thereThis phrase indicates a transformation of Babylon from a bustling city to a desolate wilderness. The Hebrew word for "desert creatures" (צִיִּים, tziyyim) often refers to wild animals that inhabit desolate places. The mention of "hyenas" (אִיִּים, iyyim) further emphasizes the desolation, as these animals are typically associated with uninhabited and forsaken areas. Historically, this prophecy underscores the complete and utter destruction of Babylon, a city once known for its grandeur and power. The imagery of wild animals inhabiting the ruins serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment against pride and idolatry. and the ostriches will dwell there
The Hebrew word for "ostriches" (בְּנוֹת יַעֲנָה, benot ya'anah) can also be translated as "daughters of the owl," which may refer to creatures that thrive in desolate environments. The presence of such creatures signifies a place abandoned by human civilization. In a broader scriptural context, the ostrich is often used as a symbol of neglect and abandonment (see Job 39:13-18). This imagery reinforces the idea that Babylon, once a center of human achievement, will become a place of desolation and neglect, highlighting the futility of human pride in the face of divine judgment. It will never again be inhabited or settled
This phrase is a declaration of the finality of Babylon's destruction. The Hebrew word for "inhabited" (יֵשֵׁב, yeshev) and "settled" (שָׁכַן, shakan) both imply a permanent dwelling or establishment. The prophecy indicates that Babylon will not only be destroyed but will also remain uninhabited forever. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled as Babylon, once a thriving metropolis, eventually became a heap of ruins, never to be rebuilt to its former glory. This serves as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to bring about His purposes. from generation to generation
This phrase emphasizes the enduring nature of Babylon's desolation. The Hebrew expression (דּוֹר וָדוֹר, dor vador) signifies an indefinite period, extending into the distant future. It underscores the permanence of God's judgment and the certainty of His word. In a broader theological context, this serves as a warning to all nations and individuals about the consequences of defying God. It is a call to humility and repentance, reminding believers of the eternal nature of God's decrees and the importance of aligning with His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe city and empire that is the subject of God's judgment in this passage. Babylon was a powerful and influential empire known for its wealth and idolatry. 2. Desert Creatures and HyenasSymbolic of desolation and abandonment. These animals represent the uninhabitable state of Babylon after God's judgment. 3. OstrichesAnother symbol of desolation. In ancient times, ostriches were associated with deserted places. 4. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Babylon. He was called to speak God's truth to the nations. 5. God's JudgmentThe event of divine retribution against Babylon for its sins and rebellion against God. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's pronouncements are sure and will come to pass. Just as Babylon faced judgment, so will all who oppose God's will. The Consequences of SinBabylon's desolation serves as a warning of the consequences of pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of the rise and fall of nations. His purposes will be accomplished despite human power and ambition. The Call to RepentanceThe judgment of Babylon is a call for individuals and nations to turn from sin and seek God's mercy. Hope in God's JusticeWhile judgment is severe, it is also a reminder that God will ultimately set things right, bringing justice to the oppressed. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of desert creatures and hyenas living in Babylon help us understand the completeness of God's judgment? 2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern societies and individuals? 3. How can we see God's sovereignty in the rise and fall of nations throughout history, and how should this influence our trust in Him? 4. What are some areas in our lives where we might be tempted to act like Babylon, and how can we seek repentance? 5. How does the theme of God's justice in Jeremiah 50:39 provide hope for those who are suffering or facing injustice today? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13:19-22This passage also speaks of Babylon's desolation, using similar imagery of wild animals inhabiting the ruins. Revelation 18:2The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, where Babylon symbolizes the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. Jeremiah 51:37Further elaborates on the desolation of Babylon, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Along, Animals, Babylon, Beasts, Creatures, Daughters, Desert, Dwell, Dwelt, Forever, Generation, Generations, Holes, Hyenas, Iim, Inhabited, Islands, Isles, Jackals, Ostrich, Ostriches, Owl, Owls, Peopled, Reason, Therein, Unpeopled, Waste, Wild, Wild-cats, Wolves, Yea, ZiimDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:39 4612 birds
5694 generation 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 50:39 NIVJeremiah 50:39 NLTJeremiah 50:39 ESVJeremiah 50:39 NASBJeremiah 50:39 KJV
Jeremiah 50:39 Commentaries
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