Jeremiah 50:1

¶ The word that the LORD spake against Babylon [and] against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

The word {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} against Babylon {H894} and against the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778} by {H3027} Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}.

This is the word which ADONAI spoke concerning Bavel, concerning the land of the Kasdim, through Yirmeyahu the prophet:

This is the word that the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans:

The word that Jehovah spake concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet.

Jeremiah 50:1 serves as the introductory verse to a significant prophetic oracle, spanning two full chapters (Jeremiah 50-51), dedicated entirely to the impending judgment and destruction of Babylon, the dominant world power of Jeremiah's time and the oppressor of Judah.

Context

At the time of this prophecy, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the Chaldean dynasty, had conquered the Kingdom of Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried its inhabitants into exile. While Jeremiah had previously delivered messages of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, this extensive oracle specifically targets Babylon. This section, therefore, provides a stark contrast to earlier messages of despair for Judah, subtly hinting at their future vindication through the downfall of their captors. The phrase "by Jeremiah the prophet" underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message, emphasizing that this is not a human prediction but a direct revelation from God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The primary theme is God's absolute control over world powers. Even the mighty Babylonian Empire, which seemed invincible, is subject to God's will and judgment. This highlights that no earthly kingdom, no matter how powerful, operates outside of divine oversight. For further insight into God's control over kingdoms, see Daniel 2:21.
  • Judgment on Oppressors: Babylon is targeted for its arrogance, idolatry, and particularly for its cruel treatment of God's people. This prophecy assures readers that injustice, even from a seemingly unchallengeable power, will ultimately be met with divine retribution. Other prophecies against Babylon can be found in Isaiah 13-14.
  • Prophetic Authority: The opening declaration, "The word that the LORD spake," establishes the divine origin of the message, lending immense authority to Jeremiah's pronouncements. Jeremiah was a faithful messenger, often delivering unpopular truths, as seen from his call in Jeremiah 1:5.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The word that the LORD spake" translates the Hebrew davar Yahweh (דְבַר יְהוָה), which literally means "the word of Yahweh." This strong opening immediately signifies that the following content is a direct divine utterance, not merely Jeremiah's personal thoughts or political analysis. The specific mention of "Babylon" (Hebrew: Bavel) and "the land of the Chaldeans" (Hebrew: Kasdim) precisely identifies the target of this prophecy, grounding it in specific historical and geographical realities, making it highly impactful for its original audience who were suffering under Babylonian rule.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 50:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations. No empire, government, or powerful entity is beyond His ultimate jurisdiction. This verse offers comfort to those oppressed, assuring them that divine justice will prevail. For us today, it reinforces the truth that while human powers may rise and fall, God's kingdom is eternal and His promises are sure. It encourages us to place our trust not in temporary earthly powers, but in the unchanging sovereignty of the Lord, who "removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 25:26

    And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.

  • Jeremiah 25:27

    Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

  • Isaiah 13:1

    ¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

  • Isaiah 13:3

    I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.

  • Jeremiah 51:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind;

  • Jeremiah 51:14

    The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, [saying], Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.

  • Isaiah 23:13

    Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, [till] the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; [and] he brought it to ruin.

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