For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. For behold, I will stir up and bring against BabylonThis phrase begins with a divine declaration, "For behold," which is often used in Scripture to draw attention to a significant action or prophecy from God. The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as a call to focus on what God is about to do. It emphasizes the certainty and importance of the forthcoming action. The phrase "I will stir up" uses the Hebrew root "עוּר" (ur), meaning to awaken or incite. This indicates God's active role in orchestrating events against Babylon, highlighting His sovereignty over nations. The historical context here is crucial; Babylon was a dominant empire, and God's stirring up of nations against it demonstrates His power to humble even the mightiest kingdoms. The phrase "bring against Babylon" signifies a divine orchestration of judgment, aligning with the biblical theme that God raises and brings down nations according to His purposes. an assembly of great nations from the land of the north
The "assembly of great nations" refers to a coalition of forces that God will use to execute His judgment on Babylon. The Hebrew word for "assembly" is "קָהָל" (qahal), which can denote a gathering or congregation, often used in a religious or military context. This assembly is not just any group but "great nations," indicating the formidable power and influence of the coalition. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Medes and Persians, among others, came against Babylon. The "land of the north" is significant in biblical prophecy, often representing a direction from which invaders come. In the ancient Near Eastern context, invaders typically came from the north due to geographical routes. This phrase underscores the precision of God's prophetic word and His control over historical events. They will line up against her
The imagery of nations lining up against Babylon conveys a military formation, ready for battle. The Hebrew verb "יַעֲרֹכוּ" (ya'aroku) means to arrange or set in order, often used in a military context. This orderly arrangement signifies the preparedness and determination of the invading forces. It also reflects the inevitability of Babylon's downfall, as the nations are divinely appointed to execute judgment. This phrase serves as a reminder of the futility of human pride and power when set against God's sovereign will. from the north she will be captured
The repetition of "from the north" emphasizes the direction of the impending threat and serves as a confirmation of the prophecy's fulfillment. The word "captured" in Hebrew is "תִּלָּכֵד" (tilaked), which means to be taken or seized. This denotes the complete and unavoidable nature of Babylon's defeat. Historically, Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 B.C., fulfilling this prophecy. This phrase highlights the certainty of God's word and His ability to bring about His purposes despite human resistance. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the ultimate accountability of nations and individuals before Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and military might, often symbolizing pride and opposition to God in the Bible. 2. Assembly of Great NationsRefers to the coalition of nations that God will raise against Babylon, indicating a divinely orchestrated judgment. 3. Land of the NorthTypically associated with regions like Media and Persia, which historically conquered Babylon. 4. Skilled WarriorsSymbolizes the effectiveness and precision of the invading forces, emphasizing the certainty of Babylon's downfall. 5. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Babylon, serving as a mouthpiece for divine prophecy. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His divine plan. Believers can trust in His ultimate control over world events. The Certainty of Divine JudgmentJust as Babylon faced inevitable judgment, so too will all who oppose God. This serves as a warning to live righteously and align with God's will. The Role of ProphecyProphecies like Jeremiah's serve to affirm God's omniscience and faithfulness. They encourage believers to study and heed God's Word. The Power of God's WordThe fulfillment of prophecies demonstrates the power and reliability of God's Word. Believers are called to trust and obey Scripture. Hope Amidst JudgmentWhile judgment is certain for the wicked, God provides hope and deliverance for those who remain faithful to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:9 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning for modern societies that oppose God? 3. How does the fulfillment of prophecies like this one strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture? 4. What parallels can you draw between the historical fall of Babylon and the symbolic "Babylon" in Revelation 18? 5. How can believers find hope and assurance in God's promises amidst the pronouncement of judgment on the wicked? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use them as instruments of judgment. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," drawing a parallel between historical Babylon and future entities that embody similar pride and opposition to God. Daniel 5Provides a historical account of Babylon's fall, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating God's control over empires. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Alliance, Armies, Arouse, Array, Arrow, Arrows, Assemblage, Assembly, Babylon, Band, Battle, Behold, Bring, Bringing, Captive, Captured, Cause, Causing, Childless, Company, Draw, Empty, Empty-handed, Expert, Getting, Hero, Horde, Lines, Maketh, Mark, Mighty, Moving, Nations, None, North, Position, Positions, Raise, Return, Returneth, Sending, Skilful, Skilled, Stir, Stirring, Themselves, Thence, Vain, War, Warrior, WarriorsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:9 5205 alliance
5206 archers
5531 skill Jeremiah 50:1-10 4215 Babylon 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 50:9 NIVJeremiah 50:9 NLTJeremiah 50:9 ESVJeremiah 50:9 NASBJeremiah 50:9 KJV
Jeremiah 50:9 Commentaries
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