Jeremiah 50:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:1 serves as the authoritative introduction to a comprehensive prophetic oracle, spanning two chapters, which pronounces divine judgment against Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans. This verse firmly establishes the divine origin of the message, attributing it directly to the LORD and delivered through the faithful agency of Jeremiah, the prophet, setting the stage for a detailed exposition of Babylon's impending downfall as a testament to God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a distinct and extensive oracle against Babylon, encompassing chapters 50 and 51 of Jeremiah's prophecy. Placed after a series of oracles against various surrounding nations (Jeremiah 46-49), this particular prophecy against Babylon is notably longer and more detailed, underscoring Babylon's paramount role as the dominant world power and the primary oppressor of Judah at the time. The introductory phrase, "The word that the LORD spake," mirrors the opening of Jeremiah's entire book ([Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - The Words of Jeremiah")) and other prophetic oracles, signaling a direct divine revelation and lending immense authority to the subsequent pronouncements of judgment and destruction. Its placement also subtly shifts the narrative focus from Judah's suffering to the ultimate fate of their oppressor, offering a glimmer of hope for the exiled people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 50:1 is set against the backdrop of the Neo-Babylonian Empire's ascendancy under the Chaldean dynasty. By the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, Babylon had risen to become the preeminent power in the ancient Near East, having decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt. Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon conquered the Kingdom of Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BCE, and deported a significant portion of its population into exile. The "land of the Chaldeans" specifically refers to the region of Babylonia, home to the Chaldean people who formed the ruling dynasty. For the exiled Judeans, Babylon represented the epitome of oppressive power and idolatrous pride. This prophecy, therefore, would have been received by a people suffering under Babylonian dominion, providing a powerful message of divine justice and future vindication, contrasting sharply with Babylon's perceived invincibility and its worship of numerous gods.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:1 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the broader prophetic book and beyond. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**. Even the mightiest empire, Babylon, is not beyond the LORD's jurisdiction; its rise and fall are orchestrated by divine will, as seen elsewhere in prophetic literature like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment on Oppressors**. Babylon's pride, idolatry, and particularly its cruel treatment of God's chosen people will not go unpunished. This serves as a theological assurance that injustice, though seemingly triumphant for a season, will ultimately face divine retribution. Thirdly, the phrase "by Jeremiah the prophet" underscores **Prophetic Authority and Divine Inspiration**. It emphasizes that the words are not Jeremiah's own human opinions but are direct, authoritative utterances from the LORD, making Jeremiah a faithful conduit for God's message, a role he was called to from the very beginning ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This noun, derived from the verb "to speak," signifies not merely a sound or utterance, but a concrete "word" that carries authority, a "matter," a "thing," or even an "affair." In this context, "the word" refers to a specific divine decree or message, emphasizing its substantial and actionable nature. It is not just information but a declaration of God's will that will inevitably come to pass.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes the speaker's absolute authority, unchanging nature, and covenant faithfulness. It is the sovereign God of Israel, who entered into a relationship with His people, who now speaks judgment against their oppressor, underscoring His ultimate power over all nations.
* **by (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) Literally meaning "hand," this prepositional use signifies agency or instrumentality. The phrase "by Jeremiah the prophet" thus means "through the hand of Jeremiah" or "through the agency of Jeremiah." It highlights that Jeremiah is not the originator of the message but the divinely appointed vessel or instrument through whom the LORD's powerful word is delivered. This reinforces the message's divine origin and Jeremiah's role as a true prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word that the LORD spake":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the ensuing prophecy. It is not a human prediction or political analysis, but a direct utterance from Yahweh, the sovereign God. This declaration sets the tone for the entire oracle, demanding attention and conveying the certainty of its fulfillment.
* **"against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans":** This segment precisely identifies the target of the divine judgment. "Babylon" refers to the city and empire, while "the land of the Chaldeans" specifies the geographical region and the ruling people. This dual designation underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, encompassing both the political entity and its inhabitants, leaving no ambiguity about who is being addressed.
* **"by Jeremiah the prophet":** This concluding phrase authenticates the messenger and further reinforces the divine nature of the message. It signifies that Jeremiah is the divinely chosen conduit for this specific oracle, emphasizing his prophetic office and the direct transmission of God's word through him. It assures the audience that this is a genuine prophetic revelation, not a personal opinion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:1 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, immediately established by the phrase "The word that the LORD spake." This formulaic opening is characteristic of prophetic literature, signaling that the ensuing content is a direct, authoritative message from God Himself, not merely a human pronouncement. This imbues the prophecy with undeniable weight and certainty. Furthermore, there is significant **Specificity** in naming "Babylon" and "the land of the Chaldeans." This direct identification grounds the prophecy in concrete historical and geographical realities, making it highly relevant and impactful for its original audience who were suffering under Babylonian rule. This specificity also contrasts with more general pronouncements, highlighting the targeted nature of God's judgment. Finally, the phrase "by Jeremiah the prophet" serves as an act of **Authentication** or **Attribution**, firmly linking the divine message to its human messenger and validating its prophetic authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:1 introduces a profound theological truth: God's absolute sovereignty extends over all nations, even the most powerful empires. The fact that the LORD "spake against Babylon" demonstrates that no earthly power operates outside of His ultimate jurisdiction. This truth would have been immensely comforting to the exiled Judeans, reminding them that their oppressor, though seemingly invincible, was merely an instrument in God's hands and would ultimately face divine reckoning. It underscores that God is not merely the God of Israel, but the God of all creation, actively involved in the rise and fall of kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. This prophecy serves as a powerful testament to divine justice, assuring that arrogance, idolatry, and oppression will inevitably be met with God's judgment.

* [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:1 serves as a profound reminder that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, including the rise and fall of nations and empires. In a world often dominated by powerful political entities, economic forces, or cultural movements, this verse calls us to remember that no earthly power, however mighty or seemingly unchallengeable, operates outside the ultimate authority of the LORD. For those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or disheartened by the injustices of the world, this prophecy offers a powerful assurance that divine justice will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to place our trust not in the fleeting strength of human institutions, but in the unchanging, eternal sovereignty of God, who "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Rulers")). This truth should inspire both humility in the powerful and hope in the vulnerable, urging all to align their lives with God's righteous will and to pray for His kingdom to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration that "the LORD spake" against Babylon impact your understanding of God's involvement in global events today?**
* **What comfort or challenge does this verse offer to you personally, knowing that God holds ultimate authority over all earthly powers?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to place our trust in human systems or leaders rather than in the unchanging sovereignty of the LORD?**

### FAQ

**Why is this prophecy against Babylon so extensive (Jeremiah 50-51) compared to other nations?**

Answer: The extensive nature of the prophecy against Babylon (Jeremiah 50-51) reflects its unique historical and theological significance. Babylon was not merely another nation; it was the instrument of God's judgment against Judah, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of God's people. Therefore, its judgment is particularly detailed and severe, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's justice and His ultimate vindication of His covenant people. It underscores that even the most formidable human empire, used by God for His purposes, is still accountable to Him and will be judged for its pride, idolatry, and cruelty. This extensive oracle also offers a profound message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Judeans, assuring them that their suffering would not be the final word.

**What does the phrase "by Jeremiah the prophet" signify about the nature of this message?**

Answer: The phrase "by Jeremiah the prophet" is crucial for establishing the divine authority and authenticity of the message. It signifies that Jeremiah is not the originator of these words but is acting as a divinely appointed conduit or messenger. This emphasizes that the prophecy is a direct revelation from the LORD, not merely Jeremiah's personal opinion, political analysis, or human conjecture. It validates the message as God's own "word" ([dâbâr](/jeremiah/50-1 "Jeremiah 50:1 - The Word of the LORD")), ensuring its truthfulness and inevitable fulfillment. This phrasing is common in prophetic literature, underscoring the inspiration and divine origin of the prophetic text.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:1, by establishing God's absolute sovereignty over the mightiest earthly empire, foreshadows the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ. Just as the "word that the LORD spake" against Babylon demonstrated God's power to dismantle human kingdoms, so too does the New Testament reveal that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The judgment pronounced against Babylon, a symbol of worldly oppression and idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumph over all spiritual and earthly powers that stand against God. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is also the Lion of Judah, who will judge the nations and establish an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah") and [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). The "word" of the LORD, which came through Jeremiah, ultimately became incarnate in Jesus Christ, the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, the fall of historical Babylon points to the ultimate defeat of all evil and the establishment of Christ's righteous and eternal reign, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.