your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who bore you will be disgraced. Behold, she will be the least of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert. Your mother will be greatly ashamedIn this context, "your mother" refers to Babylon, the empire that gave rise to the Babylonian people. The Hebrew word for "ashamed" is "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), which conveys a deep sense of humiliation and disgrace. Historically, Babylon was a powerful and proud nation, but this prophecy foretells a reversal of fortune. The imagery of a mother being ashamed suggests a profound and personal disgrace, indicating that the very source of Babylon's identity and strength will be humiliated. she who bore you will be disgraced
The phrase "she who bore you" continues the metaphor of Babylon as a mother. The Hebrew root "חָפֵר" (chapher) for "disgraced" implies being exposed or laid bare. This suggests that Babylon's vulnerabilities and failures will be revealed for all to see. In a broader biblical context, this disgrace is a result of Babylon's pride and idolatry, which are consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The disgrace is not just a loss of power but a moral and spiritual downfall. Behold, she will be the least of the nations
The word "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) is a call to attention, emphasizing the certainty and importance of the prophecy. "The least of the nations" indicates a dramatic fall from Babylon's former glory as a dominant world power. Historically, Babylon was known for its grandeur and influence, but this prophecy foretells its reduction to insignificance. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations, where He can raise up and bring down according to His divine will. a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert
The imagery of "a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert" paints a picture of desolation and barrenness. In Hebrew, "מִדְבָּר" (midbar) for "wilderness," "צִיָּה" (tsiyyah) for "dry land," and "עֲרָבָה" (arabah) for "desert" all convey a sense of lifelessness and abandonment. This transformation from a thriving empire to a desolate wasteland underscores the severity of God's judgment. It serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual desolation, where once fertile ground becomes barren due to sin and rebellion against God. This imagery is a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's ways. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe primary subject of this prophecy, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its wealth and influence. In this context, it is personified as a mother who will be shamed and disgraced. 2. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered this message. He was called by God to speak to the nations, including pronouncing judgment on Babylon. 3. Israel and JudahThe people of God who were in exile in Babylon at the time of this prophecy. Their eventual deliverance is implied in the broader context of Jeremiah 50. 4. The WildernessSymbolic of desolation and judgment, representing the future state of Babylon as prophesied by Jeremiah. 5. The NationsRefers to the surrounding nations that would witness Babylon's downfall and the fulfillment of God's judgment. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations, and His plans will prevail despite human power and pride. The Consequences of PrideBabylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Nations and individuals alike must humble themselves before God. Hope for the OppressedThe prophecy offers hope to those suffering under oppression, reminding them that God sees their plight and will act in His timing. The Certainty of God's JudgmentJust as Babylon faced judgment, all will be held accountable before God. This calls for repentance and faithfulness. Spiritual DesolationThe imagery of wilderness and desert can also apply to spiritual dryness, urging believers to seek renewal in God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:12 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations? 2. In what ways can the downfall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern societies and individuals? 3. How does the imagery of a "wilderness, a dry land, and a desert" relate to spiritual conditions today? 4. What parallels can be drawn between the judgment of Babylon and the ultimate judgment described in Revelation 18? 5. How can believers find hope and encouragement in the message of Jeremiah 50:12, especially when facing personal or communal oppression? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also contains prophecies against Babylon, emphasizing its eventual downfall and the desolation that will follow. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. Psalm 137Reflects the sorrow of the Israelites in Babylonian captivity, providing context for the hope of Babylon's judgment. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Ashamed, Bare, Behold, Birth, Bore, Confounded, Covered, Desert, Disappointed, Disgraced, Dry, Greatly, Hindermost, Hindmost, Humiliated, Least, Nations, Parched, Reproach, Shame, Shamed, Sore, Sorely, Unwatered, Utterly, Waste, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:12 4230 desert
4299 wilderness Jeremiah 50:11-13 4428 corn 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 50:12 NIVJeremiah 50:12 NLTJeremiah 50:12 ESVJeremiah 50:12 NASBJeremiah 50:12 KJV
Jeremiah 50:12 Commentaries
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