As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors," declares the LORD, "no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. As God overthrew Sodom and GomorrahThis phrase draws a direct parallel between the destruction of Babylon and the infamous destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as recorded in Genesis 19. The Hebrew word for "overthrew" is "הפך" (haphak), which conveys a complete and utter turning over or destruction. This comparison emphasizes the totality and finality of Babylon's judgment. Historically, Sodom and Gomorrah were cities known for their wickedness, and their destruction served as a divine judgment against sin. By invoking this imagery, the text underscores the severity of Babylon's impending doom due to its own iniquities. along with their neighbors
The inclusion of "their neighbors" suggests that the judgment is not isolated to Babylon alone but extends to those surrounding nations or cities that may have been complicit in or influenced by Babylon's sins. This reflects a broader principle found throughout Scripture: the influence of sin can spread beyond its immediate source, affecting others who are in proximity or association. The Hebrew context often uses the term "שכנים" (shekhenim) to denote those who dwell nearby, indicating that the judgment is comprehensive and affects all who are intertwined with Babylon's fate. declares the LORD
This phrase affirms the divine authority and certainty of the prophecy. The use of "declares" (נאם, ne'um) in Hebrew is a formal pronouncement, often used in prophetic literature to signify that the message is not of human origin but is a direct communication from God. The phrase "the LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture, as well as the trustworthiness of God's promises and judgments. No one will dwell there
The phrase indicates a complete desolation, where the land becomes uninhabitable. The Hebrew word for "dwell" is "ישב" (yashab), which means to sit, remain, or inhabit. The prophecy foretells a future where Babylon, once a thriving empire, will be so thoroughly destroyed that it will no longer support life. This serves as a stark warning of the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled as Babylon eventually fell into ruins, aligning with the biblical narrative of divine justice. no man will abide there
Reiterating the previous statement, this phrase emphasizes the total abandonment of the area. The Hebrew word "גור" (gur) for "abide" suggests a temporary dwelling or sojourning. The repetition of the idea of desolation serves to reinforce the certainty and completeness of the judgment. In a broader theological context, this can be seen as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. It calls believers to place their trust not in earthly kingdoms but in the eternal kingdom of God. 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 the surrounding nations. 2. BabylonThe nation addressed in this chapter, Babylon is prophesied to face destruction similar to that of Sodom and Gomorrah due to its wickedness and idolatry. 3. Sodom and GomorrahAncient cities destroyed by God due to their extreme wickedness, serving as a symbol of divine judgment. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who declares judgment upon nations and offers hope of restoration. 5. The Neighbors of Sodom and GomorrahRefers to the surrounding cities that were also destroyed, emphasizing the totality of the judgment. Teaching Points The Certainty of Divine JudgmentGod's judgment is certain and thorough, as seen in the historical destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This serves as a warning to nations and individuals who persist in sin. The Call to RepentanceThe mention of Sodom and Gomorrah is a call to repentance, urging us to turn away from sin and seek God's mercy before judgment comes. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is sovereign over all nations, and His plans will be fulfilled. This should encourage believers to trust in His ultimate justice and righteousness. The Consequences of WickednessThe destruction of Babylon, like Sodom and Gomorrah, illustrates the severe consequences of living in opposition to God's will. Hope in God's PromisesWhile judgment is certain for the wicked, God also promises restoration and hope for those who turn to Him in faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a warning for us today in our personal lives and communities? 2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God over nations in the current world events, and how should this influence our prayers? 3. How does the certainty of divine judgment motivate us to share the gospel with others? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living in repentance and obedience to God? 5. How can the hope of restoration and God's promises encourage us in times of personal or national crisis? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The original account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, providing context for the severity of God's judgment. Isaiah 13Another prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon, highlighting the theme of divine retribution against pride and idolatry. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon the Great, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Abide, Affirmation, Along, Cities, Declares, Dwell, Gomorrah, Gomor'rah, Neighbor, Neighboring, Neighbors, Neighbour, Neighbouring, Neighbours, None, Overthrew, Overthrown, Overturned, Reside, Resting-place, Says, Sodom, Sojourn, Therein, Thereof, TownsDictionary 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 50:40 NIVJeremiah 50:40 NLTJeremiah 50:40 ESVJeremiah 50:40 NASBJeremiah 50:40 KJV
Jeremiah 50:40 Commentaries
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