Jeremiah 50:11

KJV

Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;

KJV (with Strong's)

Because ye were glad {H8055}, because ye rejoiced {H5937}, O ye destroyers {H8154} of mine heritage {H5159}, because ye are grown fat {H6335} as the heifer {H5697} at grass {H1877}{H1758}, and bellow {H6670} as bulls {H47};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Because you are glad, because you exult, you plunderers of my heritage; because you frisk like a calf in the grass and neigh like stallions;

Berean Standard Bible

“Because you rejoice, because you sing in triumph— you who plunder My inheritance— because you frolic like a heifer treading grain and neigh like stallions,

American Standard Version

Because ye are glad, because ye rejoice, O ye that plunder my heritage, because ye are wanton as a heifer that treadeth out the grain, and neigh as strong horses;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:11 delivers a scathing prophetic indictment against Babylon, portraying their unholy glee and arrogant celebration over the destruction of God's heritage, Judah. The verse vividly depicts Babylon's excessive pride and unrestrained cruelty, likening their self-satisfied revelry to a well-fed heifer grazing contentedly and a bull bellowing triumphantly, thereby sealing their own fate for divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah chapters 50-51, a significant prophetic oracle dedicated entirely to the impending judgment and downfall of Babylon, the dominant world power of Jeremiah's time. These chapters stand in stark contrast to earlier prophecies where Babylon was presented as God's chosen instrument for disciplining Judah, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Instrument"). Here, however, the focus shifts to Babylon's accountability for its own hubris and excessive cruelty, particularly in its treatment of God's people. The immediate verses preceding Jeremiah 50:11 describe the complete desolation that will befall Babylon, setting the stage for the reasons behind this severe judgment. The subsequent verses continue to detail the extent of Babylon's destruction and the liberation of Israel, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian Empire's conquest of Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the undisputed superpower, known for its military might, architectural grandeur, and often brutal subjugation of conquered peoples. Culturally, the imagery of "heifer at grass" and "bellow as bulls" draws from an agrarian society, where well-fed livestock symbolized prosperity and unbridled strength. The "heritage" (Hebrew: _nachălâh_) refers specifically to Israel, God's chosen people and the land He had given them, emphasizing the sacredness of what Babylon had desecrated. Babylon's rejoicing was not merely military triumph but a celebratory gloating over the downfall of a nation with a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, a transgression that God would not overlook.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, highlighting that even nations used by God for His purposes are not exempt from judgment when they act with excessive pride, cruelty, and disregard for His principles. Babylon's "gladness" and "rejoicing" in the destruction of "mine heritage" underscore their **Arrogant Triumph and Oppression**, revealing a heart devoid of mercy and filled with hubris. This unchecked prosperity leading to spiritual insensitivity is captured by the metaphor of being "grown fat," a common biblical motif for **Prosperity Breeding Pride and Complacency**, echoing warnings found in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). The "bellowing as bulls" further emphasizes their **Boisterous Arrogance and Unrestrained Exultation**, a public display of power and contempt that ultimately draws God's wrath. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ultimate accountability for all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glad (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root means "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome." In this context, it describes Babylon's internal state of joy and cheerfulness derived from the destruction of Judah. It's not just a passive feeling but an active delight in the misfortune of God's people, indicating a profound lack of empathy and a perverse satisfaction in their role as instruments of destruction.
* **Destroyers (Hebrew, _shâçâh'_):** This primitive root means "to plunder" or "to spoil." The term "destroyers" (specifically, "spoilers" or "plunderers") accurately describes Babylon's actions against Judah. It emphasizes their violent, predatory nature, not merely as conquerors but as those who ruthlessly despoiled and laid waste to God's "heritage" (Israel), going beyond the bounds of divine commission into wanton devastation.
* **Bellow (Hebrew, _tsâhal'_):** This primitive root means "to gleam," and figuratively, "to be cheerful." By transference, it refers to sounding clear, often used for various animal or human expressions like neighing or shouting. Here, applied to bulls, it signifies a loud, unrestrained, and triumphant cry, indicative of their overwhelming power, boastful exultation, and lack of humility. It's a raw, animalistic expression of their unbridled arrogance and perceived invincibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced":** This opening clause establishes the core accusation against Babylon: their internal state of malicious joy. The repetition emphasizes the intensity and deliberateness of their unholy elation over Judah's suffering. It highlights that their sin was not merely the act of conquest, but the perverse pleasure derived from it.
* **"O ye destroyers of mine heritage":** This is a direct address to Babylon, identifying them by their destructive role. "Mine heritage" refers to Israel, God's chosen people and land, underscoring the sacrilege of Babylon's actions. It implies that while God used Babylon, their destructive zeal and plundering went beyond divine instruction, becoming an attack on what God held sacred.
* **"because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass":** This vivid metaphor illustrates Babylon's unchecked prosperity and indulgence. Like a heifer that has grazed abundantly and become plump, Babylon had grown powerful, wealthy, and complacent. This "fatness" signifies not only material abundance but also a spiritual dullness and arrogance that comes from unchallenged power and luxury, leading to insensitivity to God's will and the suffering of others.
* **"and bellow as bulls;":** This final clause extends the animalistic metaphor, depicting Babylon's loud, boastful, and unrestrained celebration of their conquest. The "bellowing" of bulls suggests a powerful, aggressive, and uninhibited expression of triumph, demonstrating their overwhelming might and their audacious disregard for God's sovereignty. It signifies their public display of arrogance and their perceived invincibility.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:11 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Simile**, primarily comparing Babylon to well-fed livestock. The phrases "grown fat as the heifer at grass" and "bellow as bulls" are powerful **Similes** that convey Babylon's prosperity, arrogance, and unrestrained exultation. The "heifer at grass" symbolizes their unchecked indulgence and complacency due to their abundant conquests, while the "bellowing bulls" represent their loud, aggressive, and unbridled triumph. This use of animal imagery also functions as **Zoomorphism**, attributing animalistic characteristics to a human empire, emphasizing their base, unspiritual, and unthinking pride. The repeated "Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced" employs **Repetition** for emphasis, underscoring the depth of Babylon's malicious joy. The direct address, "O ye destroyers of mine heritage," is an example of **Apostrophe**, directly confronting Babylon and highlighting their sacrilegious actions against God's chosen people. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony**, as Babylon, initially God's instrument of judgment, now becomes the object of divine judgment due to its own excessive pride and cruelty, demonstrating that God holds all nations accountable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly when they oppress His people and revel in their suffering. While God may use earthly powers as instruments of divine discipline, He does not condone their cruelty, pride, or self-aggrandizement. Babylon's "gladness" and "rejoicing" in the destruction of God's "heritage" reveal a profound moral corruption and a spirit of hubris that inevitably draws divine wrath. This serves as a timeless warning against deriving satisfaction from the misfortune of others and against allowing prosperity to breed arrogance and spiritual insensitivity. God's justice is not only for His people but extends to all who defy His moral order and oppress the vulnerable.

* [Psalm 73:6](/psalm/73-6 "Psalm 73:6 - Pride as a Necklace")
* [Obadiah 1:12](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12 - Do Not Gloat Over Your Brother's Day")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2-3 "Nahum 1:2-3 - God's Vengeance and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:11 offers profound lessons for individuals and communities today. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any trace of schadenfreude – the pleasure derived from others' misfortune. In a world often marked by division and conflict, it is easy to rejoice when those we oppose stumble or suffer. This verse reminds us that such attitudes are an affront to a compassionate God, especially when directed at those who are vulnerable or suffering. Furthermore, it warns against the insidious dangers of unchecked prosperity and power. When we or our nations become "fat" with success, there is a temptation to grow complacent, arrogant, and insensitive to divine principles and the needs of others. True prosperity, whether personal or national, should lead to greater humility, generosity, and responsibility, not to boastful "bellowing." Ultimately, this passage calls us to cultivate humility, empathy, and a deep awareness that all authority and blessings come from God, to be stewarded for His glory and the good of all, never for destructive gloating or oppression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to derive satisfaction from the misfortunes or struggles of others?**
* **How can prosperity or success subtly lead to arrogance, complacency, or insensitivity in my own life?**
* **What does it mean to truly mourn with those who mourn, rather than rejoice in their downfall, even if they are perceived as adversaries?**
* **How can I ensure that any power or influence I possess is used responsibly and compassionately, reflecting God's character rather than worldly pride?**

### FAQ
**Why was Babylon judged if they were God's instrument for punishing Judah?**

Answer: While God indeed used Babylon as an instrument of His judgment against Judah's sin (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Instrument")), Babylon's own actions went beyond divine commission. They acted with excessive cruelty, pride, and an unholy glee in the destruction of God's "heritage." God holds all nations accountable for their moral choices, even those He uses. Babylon's sin was not merely conquest, but their motives and methods, particularly their arrogant rejoicing and plundering, which demonstrated a lack of mercy and a defiance of God's ultimate sovereignty. This principle is consistent throughout scripture, where God judges nations for their wickedness, as seen in the prophecies against other nations in [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against Nations").

**What does "mine heritage" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Mine heritage" (Hebrew: _nachălâh_) refers specifically to Israel, God's chosen people, and by extension, the land of Judah and Jerusalem. This term emphasizes the special covenant relationship God had with Israel, viewing them as His treasured possession, His inheritance. Babylon's destruction of Judah was not just a geopolitical conquest; it was an assault on what God considered His own sacred possession. This highlights the severity of Babylon's sin—they were not merely conquering a nation, but gleefully devastating God's beloved people and land.

**How does this verse apply to modern nations or individuals today?**

Answer: Jeremiah 50:11 offers timeless principles. For nations, it warns against the dangers of unchecked power, imperialistic ambition, and the temptation to gloat over the downfall of others. It reminds leaders that ultimate accountability rests with God, who judges nations for their pride, injustice, and cruelty. For individuals, it serves as a powerful caution against schadenfreude—taking pleasure in others' misfortunes. It also warns against allowing personal prosperity or success to breed arrogance, spiritual insensitivity, or a lack of compassion. The verse encourages humility, empathy, and a recognition that all blessings and power come from God and should be used to honor Him and serve others, not to oppress or boastfully celebrate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:11, with its vivid portrayal of Babylon's arrogant triumph and impending judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Jesus over all oppressive powers and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Babylon, as the epitome of worldly power, pride, and anti-God rebellion, foreshadows the spiritual forces of darkness and the "Babylon" of Revelation that opposes Christ and His people. Just as ancient Babylon rejoiced in the destruction of God's "heritage" (Israel), so too do the forces of evil seek to destroy God's new covenant people, the Church, and gloat over their perceived weaknesses. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ, the true King, has already triumphed over "every rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His cross, which seemed like a defeat, was actually the decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. The "bellowing" of Babylon's pride is silenced by the quiet, yet infinitely powerful, 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")). Ultimately, the "heritage" that Babylon sought to destroy is not merely physical Israel, but the spiritual Israel—the Church—which Christ purchased with His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - God Purchased the Church with His Own Blood")). The final judgment on Babylon in Revelation ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon")) is the ultimate vindication of God's justice against all who oppose Him and oppress His people, culminating in the reign of Christ, where all pride is abased and His kingdom of righteousness and peace prevails forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Isaiah 47:6

I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Psalms 83:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

Psalms 83:5

For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:

Ezekiel 26:2

Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken [that was] the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, [now] she is laid waste:

Ezekiel 26:3

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.