Jeremiah 50:11

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;

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};

"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;

“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,

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

Jeremiah 50:11 KJV delivers a powerful indictment against Babylon, the nation God used to punish Judah but which then overstepped its bounds with excessive pride and cruelty. This verse vividly portrays their arrogant triumph and eventual downfall.

Context

Chapters 50 and 51 of Jeremiah are dedicated prophecies detailing the coming judgment upon Babylon, the mighty empire that had conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. While Babylon was God's instrument for disciplining His people (as seen in Jeremiah 25:9), this verse highlights their egregious sin: they rejoiced in the destruction of God's chosen heritage, acting with a wanton cruelty that exceeded divine instruction. Their pride and oppressive actions against God's people sealed their own fate, leading to the ultimate prophesied destruction of Babylon itself.

Key Themes

  • Arrogant Triumph and Cruelty: The phrase "Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced" underscores Babylon's unholy glee at the suffering of Judah. They took pleasure in their role as "destroyers of mine heritage," demonstrating a severe lack of mercy and an abundance of hubris.
  • Prosperity Leading to Pride: Being "grown fat as the heifer at grass" is a vivid metaphor for Babylon's unchecked prosperity and indulgence, which led to a spiritual insensitivity and arrogance. Like a well-fed animal, they felt invincible and acted without restraint. This echoes the warning found in Proverbs 16:18 about pride preceding destruction.
  • Boisterous Arrogance: To "bellow as bulls" depicts their loud, unrestrained, and aggressive celebration of conquest. It signifies their overwhelming power and a lack of humility before God, despite being mere instruments in His hand.
  • Divine Justice for Oppressors: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and judges those who oppress His people and rejoice in their downfall. Even when God uses a nation for judgment, He holds them accountable for their motives and excessive cruelty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "grown fat" (שְׁמֵנָה, shemenah) literally means "fat" or "rich." In this context, it carries the connotation of being plump, well-fed, and therefore complacent or insensible due to luxury and unchecked power. The term "bellow" (צָהֲלוּ, tsahalu) suggests a loud, triumphant cry, often associated with the neighing of warhorses or the roaring of powerful animals, emphasizing their boastful and unrestrained exultation.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 50:11 offers timeless lessons for all generations. It warns against the dangers of deriving satisfaction from the misfortune of others, especially those who are suffering. It highlights how unchecked prosperity can breed arrogance and insensitivity, leading to a spiritual blindness that ignores divine principles. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that God is just and will hold all nations and individuals accountable for their actions, particularly for cruelty and pride. It encourages humility, compassion, and a sober understanding that all power and prosperity come from God and should be used responsibly, not for destructive gloating.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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