They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon. They grasp the bow and spearThis phrase highlights the military prowess and preparedness of the invaders. The bow and spear were common weapons in ancient warfare, symbolizing both offensive and defensive capabilities. In Hebrew, the word for "bow" is "קֶשֶׁת" (qeshet), and "spear" is "חֲנִית" (ḥanit). These weapons indicate a formidable force, ready for battle. Historically, the use of such weapons was widespread in the Near East, and their mention here underscores the impending doom for Babylon, as God uses these invaders as instruments of His judgment. they are cruel and merciless
The description of the invaders as "cruel and merciless" emphasizes the severity of the judgment coming upon Babylon. The Hebrew word for "cruel" is "אַכְזָרִי" (akhzari), which conveys a sense of harshness and brutality. "Merciless" in Hebrew is "לֹא יַחְמֹלוּ" (lo yachmolu), meaning without compassion. This reflects the divine retribution that Babylon faces for its own cruelty and oppression, particularly against God's people. The invaders' lack of mercy is a direct response to Babylon's own merciless actions. Their voice roars like the sea
This simile compares the invaders' approach to the overwhelming and unstoppable force of the sea. The Hebrew word for "roars" is "יִשְׁאָג" (yish'ag), which conveys a loud, tumultuous sound. The sea, often used in Scripture to symbolize chaos and power, here represents the invaders' might and the fear they instill. This imagery serves to remind the reader of God's sovereign control over the nations, as He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. and they ride on horses
Horses were a symbol of strength and speed in ancient warfare. The Hebrew word for "horses" is "סוּסִים" (susim), indicating a well-equipped and mobile army. The use of horses suggests a swift and decisive attack, leaving little room for escape or resistance. This imagery reinforces the inevitability of Babylon's downfall, as the invaders are portrayed as an unstoppable force. lined up like men in battle formation
This phrase depicts the invaders' discipline and organization. The Hebrew word for "lined up" is "עָרוּךְ" (arukh), meaning arranged or set in order. The image of a battle formation conveys readiness and strategic planning, highlighting the invaders' capability to execute a coordinated assault. This serves as a stark contrast to Babylon's impending disarray and defeat, emphasizing the futility of resisting God's ordained judgment. against you, O Daughter of Babylon
The term "Daughter of Babylon" is a poetic expression referring to the city and its inhabitants. In Hebrew, "בַּת בָּבֶל" (bat Babel) personifies Babylon, emphasizing its vulnerability and impending destruction. This phrase serves as a reminder of Babylon's pride and arrogance, which have led to its downfall. The use of "daughter" also evokes a sense of intimacy and loss, as Babylon, once a powerful empire, is now subject to divine judgment. This underscores the theme of God's justice and the ultimate accountability of nations before Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and influence, often symbolizing human pride and opposition to God. In this context, Babylon is the target of God's judgment. 2. Daughter of BabylonA poetic term referring to the city of Babylon itself, personified as a woman. It signifies the inhabitants and the culture of Babylon, which is under divine judgment. 3. The Invading ArmyThis refers to the coalition of nations, particularly the Medes and Persians, who are instruments of God's judgment against Babylon. They are described as skilled and fierce warriors. 4. JeremiahThe prophet who delivers God's message of judgment and hope. He warns of Babylon's impending doom and the restoration of Israel. 5. The SeaSymbolically used to describe the overwhelming and powerful nature of the invading army's approach, emphasizing the terror and inevitability of Babylon's fall. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and uses them to accomplish His purposes. No empire, no matter how powerful, is beyond His reach. The Certainty of Divine JudgmentJust as Babylon faced judgment for its pride and idolatry, so too will all who oppose God. This serves as a warning to remain humble and faithful. The Power of God's WordJeremiah's prophecy demonstrates the power and accuracy of God's word. Believers can trust in the promises and warnings found in Scripture. The Role of God's PeopleEven in times of judgment, God has a plan for His people. Believers are called to be faithful witnesses and to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption. The Call to RepentanceThe fall of Babylon serves as a call to repentance for all who hear. It is a reminder to turn away from sin and seek God's mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the invading army in Jeremiah 50:42 reflect God's power and judgment? 2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals? 3. How can believers find comfort in God's sovereignty as demonstrated in the prophecy against Babylon? 4. What parallels can be drawn between the fall of Babylon and the ultimate defeat of evil as described in Revelation? 5. How does understanding the historical context of Babylon's fall enhance our interpretation of Jeremiah 50:42 and its application to our lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, highlighting the theme of divine judgment against prideful nations. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God. Psalm 46The imagery of roaring waters is used to describe God's power and the chaos of nations, reminding believers of God's sovereignty. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Array, Arrayed, Attack, Babylon, Battle, Bow, Bows, Compassion, Cruel, Daughter, Fight, Formation, Halbert, Hands, Hold, Horses, Javelin, Lance, Lay, Marshalled, Mercy, O, Ride, Roar, Roareth, Roaring, Roars, Seize, Shew, Soundeth, Spear, Spears, Thunder, Voice, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:42 4266 sea
6691 mercy, human
8421 equipping, physical
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 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 50:42 NIVJeremiah 50:42 NLTJeremiah 50:42 ESVJeremiah 50:42 NASBJeremiah 50:42 KJV
Jeremiah 50:42 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
