Behold, an army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are stirred up from the ends of the earth. BeholdThe word "Behold" is a call to attention, urging the listener or reader to pay close attention to what follows. In Hebrew, this is often translated from "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to observe something significant. It is a divine alert, emphasizing the importance of the prophecy that is about to unfold. In the context of Jeremiah, it signals a moment of divine revelation, urging the audience to recognize the seriousness of God's impending judgment. a people comes from the north
The phrase "a people comes from the north" refers to the impending invasion by a foreign power. Historically, this is understood to be the Medes and Persians, who would come to conquer Babylon. The "north" is significant in biblical prophecy, often symbolizing a place from which judgment or calamity arises. In the ancient Near Eastern context, invaders typically came from the north due to the geographical layout, making this a literal and symbolic direction of threat. a great nation
The term "a great nation" underscores the formidable power and influence of the invading force. In Hebrew, "גּוֹי גָּדוֹל" (goy gadol) conveys not only the size but also the might and capability of this nation. This aligns with the historical context of the Medo-Persian Empire, which was indeed a vast and powerful entity. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations, using them as instruments of His will. and many kings
The phrase "and many kings" suggests a coalition of rulers or a confederation of nations united for a common purpose. This could refer to the various leaders within the Medo-Persian Empire or allied nations joining forces against Babylon. In the biblical narrative, it highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment against Babylon, involving multiple entities and emphasizing the inevitability of its downfall. are stirred up
"Are stirred up" indicates divine orchestration and motivation behind the actions of these nations. The Hebrew root "עוּר" (ur) means to awaken or incite, suggesting that these kings and nations are being divinely prompted to fulfill God's purposes. This reflects the biblical theme of God's control over history, where even the actions of pagan nations serve His ultimate plan. from the ends of the earth
The expression "from the ends of the earth" conveys the vast reach and influence of the invading forces. It implies that the threat is not localized but comes from distant lands, emphasizing the global scope of the impending judgment. In a broader theological sense, it serves as a reminder of God's dominion over all the earth, with no place beyond His reach or influence. This phrase also foreshadows the universal nature of God's kingdom, which will ultimately encompass all nations. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and surrounding nations. He warned of impending judgment and called for repentance. 2. BabylonThe empire that was a dominant power during Jeremiah's time. It was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah but was also prophesied to face its own downfall. 3. The NorthRefers to the direction from which the invading forces would come. Historically, this often pointed to the Medes and Persians who would eventually conquer Babylon. 4. Great NationThis likely refers to the Medo-Persian Empire, which rose to power and conquered Babylon, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. 5. Many KingsIndicates a coalition of rulers and nations that would unite against Babylon, symbolizing a significant and diverse force. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of history and uses nations to accomplish His purposes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's plan, even when world events seem chaotic. The Certainty of God's JudgmentJust as Babylon faced judgment for its sins, all nations and individuals are accountable to God. This calls for personal reflection and repentance. The Role of ProphecyProphecy serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Believers should heed the warnings in Scripture and live in a way that honors God. Hope in God's JusticeWhile judgment is certain, God's justice also brings hope for the oppressed and assurance that evil will not prevail indefinitely. The Importance of Spiritual ReadinessJust as Babylon was unprepared for its fall, believers are called to be spiritually vigilant and ready for Christ's return. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your view of current world events? 2. In what ways can the prophecy against Babylon serve as a warning for individuals and nations today? 3. How does the fall of Babylon in Daniel 5 illustrate the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy in 50:41? 4. What steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for Christ's return, in light of the suddenness of Babylon's fall? 5. How can the themes of judgment and hope in Jeremiah 50:41 encourage you in your personal walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to raise and bring down empires. Daniel 5Describes the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling the prophecy of a nation from the north conquering Babylon. Revelation 18Symbolically refers to the fall of "Babylon," representing the ultimate judgment against worldly powers opposed to God. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Arise, Aroused, Behold, Borders, Coasts, Ends, Farthest, Inmost, Kings, Mighty, Motion, Nation, North, Raised, Remote, Roused, Sides, Stirred, Stirring, UttermostDictionary 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 50:41 NIVJeremiah 50:41 NLTJeremiah 50:41 ESVJeremiah 50:41 NASBJeremiah 50:41 KJV
Jeremiah 50:41 Commentaries
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