Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies He has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them. Therefore hearThe phrase "Therefore hear" serves as a call to attention, urging the audience to listen carefully to the divine pronouncement. In Hebrew, the word for "hear" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just listening but also understanding and obeying. This echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's word. the plans that the LORD has drawn up
The "plans" refer to God's sovereign intentions and purposes. The Hebrew word "מַחֲשָׁבוֹת" (machashavot) can mean thoughts, plans, or purposes. This highlights God's omniscience and omnipotence, as He is the ultimate architect of history. The phrase underscores the certainty and deliberateness of God's actions against Babylon, a nation that had been a tool of His judgment but now faces its own judgment. against Babylon
Babylon, a symbol of pride and idolatry, represents the epitome of human rebellion against God. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its wealth, culture, and military might. The mention of Babylon here is significant as it was the instrument of Judah's exile, yet it too would face divine retribution, illustrating the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). and the strategies He has devised
The word "strategies" in Hebrew is "עֵצוֹת" (etsot), meaning counsel or advice. This indicates that God's actions are not arbitrary but are carefully considered and purposeful. The divine strategies against Babylon reflect God's justice and His ability to bring about His will despite human opposition. against the land of the Chaldeans
The Chaldeans were a Semitic people who became the ruling class in Babylon. The "land of the Chaldeans" refers to the geographical and political entity of Babylon. This phrase emphasizes the totality of God's judgment, affecting both the people and the land, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of national sin. Surely the little ones of their flock will be dragged away
The "little ones of their flock" symbolizes the most vulnerable and innocent members of society. The imagery of being "dragged away" suggests captivity and exile, a reversal of fortune for a nation that had previously conquered others. This serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of sin and the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. surely their pasture will be made desolate
The "pasture" represents the land's prosperity and sustenance. The desolation of the pasture signifies economic ruin and the loss of security and provision. This imagery is a powerful depiction of the consequences of turning away from God, as the land that once flourished under His blessing becomes barren. because of them
This phrase indicates causality, pointing to the actions and attitudes of the Babylonians as the reason for their downfall. It underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), where the choices of a nation or individual lead to inevitable consequences. It serves as a warning to all who would follow in Babylon's footsteps of pride and rebellion against God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who is executing judgment against Babylon. 2. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and military might, often seen as a symbol of pride and opposition to God. 3. ChaldeansThe people of Babylon, known for their advanced culture and astrology. 4. The Little Ones of Their FlockA metaphor for the vulnerable or less significant members of Babylonian society who will suffer in the coming judgment. 5. Desolation of PastureSymbolizes the complete devastation and ruin that will come upon Babylon as a result of God's judgment. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod 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 OppressionBabylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and the oppression of others. Nations and individuals alike must humble themselves before God. The Certainty of God's JusticeGod's plans and strategies are sure and will come to pass. Believers can trust in His justice, even when it seems delayed. Protection of the VulnerableThe mention of "the little ones" reminds us of God's concern for the vulnerable. As His followers, we are called to protect and care for those who are weak or marginalized. Hope in God's DeliveranceJust as God promised deliverance from Babylonian captivity, He offers hope and deliverance to His people today from spiritual bondage. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:45 demonstrate God's sovereignty over world events? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern societies or individuals? 3. How does the imagery of "the little ones of their flock" being dragged away challenge us to consider our role in protecting the vulnerable in our communities? 4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment of Babylon and the depiction of "Babylon the Great" in Revelation 18? 5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's justice and deliverance in our personal lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring down the proud. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," drawing a parallel to the judgment against historical Babylon as a symbol of worldly power and corruption. Psalm 137Reflects the Israelites' longing for justice against Babylon during their captivity, highlighting the emotional and spiritual impact of Babylon's oppression. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Appalled, Babylon, Babylonians, Certainly, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Completely, Counsel, Counselled, Decision, Designed, Desolate, Destroy, Devices, Devised, Drag, Dragged, Draw, Ear, Fate, Fields, Flock, Fold, Formed, Habitation, Least, Ones, Pasture, Plan, Planned, Pulled, Purposed, Purposes, Smallest, Surely, Truly, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:45 5917 plans
6708 predestination 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 50:45 NIVJeremiah 50:45 NLTJeremiah 50:45 ESVJeremiah 50:45 NASBJeremiah 50:45 KJV
Jeremiah 50:45 Commentaries
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