Jeremiah 50:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Israel {H3478} is a scattered {H6340} sheep {H7716}; the lions {H738} have driven him away {H5080}: first {H7223} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} hath devoured {H398} him; and last {H314} this Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} hath broken his bones {H6105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Isra'el is a stray lamb, driven away by lions. First to devour him was Ashur's king; and the last to break his bones is this N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel."

Berean Standard Bible

Israel is a scattered flock, chased away by lions. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.”

American Standard Version

Israel is a hunted sheep; the lions have driven him away: first, the king of Assyria devoured him; and now at last Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:17 profoundly portrays Israel's historical suffering through the poignant metaphor of a scattered sheep, relentlessly pursued and ravaged by predatory empires. The verse specifically identifies the king of Assyria as the initial devourer and Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, as the ultimate oppressor who broke Israel's bones, illustrating a progression of escalating severity in divine judgment. This lament serves as a powerful reminder of Israel's vulnerability due to covenant unfaithfulness, while simultaneously setting the stage for the broader prophetic message of Babylon's impending judgment and the eventual restoration of God's scattered people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's extensive oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50-51. While the overarching theme of these chapters is the pronouncement of God's righteous judgment upon Babylon, Jeremiah 50:17 serves as a crucial retrospective interlude. By recalling the profound historical oppression endured by Israel and Judah at the hands of powerful empires, the prophet underscores the justice and severity of their current exile. This reflection on past suffering is not merely a lament but a narrative device that intensifies the anticipation for Babylon's downfall, creating a dramatic reversal of fortunes where the oppressor will become the oppressed, and the scattered flock will ultimately be gathered. The contrast between Israel's broken state and Babylon's impending ruin highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Jeremiah 50:17 is the tumultuous period of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a time characterized by the decline of the mighty Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The "first" oppressor, the king of Assyria, refers to the formidable Assyrian Empire which conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, leading to the dispersion and assimilation of its ten tribes. The "last" oppressor, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, signifies the Babylonian Empire, which decisively defeated the Southern Kingdom of Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and its sacred Temple in 586 BC, and carried the remaining population into a seventy-year exile. The imagery of sheep and lions was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture. Kings were often depicted as benevolent shepherds protecting their flock (their people), while powerful, aggressive empires or tyrannical rulers were frequently likened to predatory animals, symbolizing their destructive power and ruthless nature. Israel, as God's chosen flock, was meant to be under His divine protection, but their persistent idolatry and covenant disobedience led to the withdrawal of this protective hand, making them vulnerable to these "lions" as instruments of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:17 contributes significantly to several foundational themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Discipline and Consequences**, demonstrating that Israel's suffering was not arbitrary misfortune but a direct and just outcome of their covenant unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, as explicitly forewarned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). The "lions" were not acting independently but were instruments of God's judgment, allowed to bring about the necessary discipline. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Vulnerability Without God's Protection**, portraying Israel as defenseless "sheep" when they strayed from their divine Shepherd, a concept echoed in [Ezekiel 34:6](/ezekiel/34-6 "Ezekiel 34:6 - Scattered Sheep Without a Shepherd"). This underscores the critical importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God for the security and well-being of His people. Thirdly, it speaks to the profound **Sovereignty of God over Nations**, illustrating how God uses even powerful pagan empires like Assyria and Babylon as tools to accomplish His divine purposes, a truth also articulated in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger"). Finally, the progression from "devoured" to "broken his bones" vividly illustrates the **Severity of Oppression** and the escalating consequences of persistent disobedience, leading to the complete ruin and exile of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scattered (Hebrew, _pâzar'_):** From H6340, a primitive root meaning to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty; to disperse or scatter abroad. In Jeremiah 50:17, it vividly describes Israel's state of disarray and dispersion, emphasizing their vulnerability and lack of cohesion, much like a flock of sheep driven apart from its shepherd and from one another. This scattering is a direct consequence of the predatory actions of the "lions," symbolizing the loss of national unity, territory, and identity.
* **devoured (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning to eat (literally or figuratively); to consume, burn up, or devour. When applied to the king of Assyria's actions against Israel, it conveys a sense of total consumption and destruction. This implies that Assyria not only conquered the Northern Kingdom but also sought to obliterate its distinct identity, culture, and very existence as a nation, absorbing its people and resources into its vast empire.
* **broken his bones (Hebrew, _ʻâtsam'_):** From H6105, a primitive root meaning to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; also denominatively (from עֶצֶם, meaning bone), to crunch the bones. In this context, it signifies a brutal, deep, and irreparable damage. Unlike merely "devouring," which implies consumption, "breaking bones" suggests a more profound, painful, and debilitating act of subjugation, crippling the victim and leaving them utterly broken, without strength, and unable to recover. This imagery powerfully conveys the complete and devastating ruin brought upon Judah by Nebuchadrezzar and the Babylonian Empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Israel [is] a scattered sheep;"**: This initial clause establishes the central metaphor, portraying the nation of Israel as a vulnerable, dispersed, and disoriented flock. The imagery evokes a profound sense of helplessness, disunity, and lack of direction, highlighting the nation's state of fragmentation and exile. It immediately sets a tone of lament and sorrow for God's chosen people, emphasizing their lost and exposed condition.
* **"the lions have driven [him] away:"**: This clause introduces the agents of Israel's distress: "the lions." These predatory animals powerfully symbolize the ruthless, powerful, and destructive foreign empires that have attacked and dispersed Israel. The verb "driven away" (from the Hebrew _nâdach_) suggests a forceful expulsion, a violent scattering that dislocates and disorients the "sheep," severing their connection to their land and their sense of security.
* **"first the king of Assyria hath devoured him;"**: This part of the verse specifies the first "lion" and its devastating action. The Assyrian Empire, historically responsible for the conquest and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) in 722 BC, is depicted as having "devoured" Israel. This implies a complete consumption, a destruction of national identity, sovereignty, and even physical presence, leaving little behind of the original nation.
* **"and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones."**: The final clause identifies the second and ultimate "lion," Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, who was responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The action "hath broken his bones" signifies an even more severe, brutal, and agonizing form of destruction than "devouring." It implies a deep, crippling, and irreparable injury, symbolizing the complete subjugation, loss of strength, profound suffering, and utter ruin endured by Judah, including the destruction of their capital city and their sacred Temple.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:17 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily portraying Israel as a "scattered sheep" and the oppressive empires of Assyria and Babylon as "lions." This central metaphor effectively conveys Israel's vulnerability, defenselessness, and disarray in the face of overwhelming power, while simultaneously highlighting the predatory, ruthless, and destructive nature of their enemies. The verse also employs a powerful form of **Parallelism** and **Contrast** by juxtaposing "first the king of Assyria" with "last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon," and their respective actions, "devoured him" versus "broken his bones." This creates a sense of escalating judgment and suffering, demonstrating a progression of severity and increasing devastation in the divine discipline. Furthermore, the verse uses striking **Imagery**, particularly the visceral descriptions of being "devoured" and having one's "bones broken." These vivid and painful images evoke a strong emotional response, emphasizing the profound, agonizing, and debilitating impact of the foreign invasions upon God's people, underscoring the completeness of their ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:17 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, covenant consequences, and the enduring nature of God's relationship with His people. It underscores that even the most powerful human empires are ultimately instruments in God's hand, used to enact His righteous judgment upon a disobedient Israel. The suffering of Israel, though severe and agonizing, is presented not as arbitrary misfortune but as a direct and just consequence of their unfaithfulness to the covenant, a necessary discipline intended to bring them to repentance and ultimately, restoration. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is unwavering, and His people are not immune to the consequences of rebellion. Yet, within the broader prophetic context, it also subtly points to God's ultimate redemptive purpose, even when executed through painful means, as He prepares to judge the very nations He used as His instruments.
* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")
* [Habakkuk 1:6-7](/habakkuk/1-6-7 "Habakkuk 1:6-7 - The Rise of the Chaldeans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:17 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the profound consequences of spiritual wandering and the inherent vulnerability of those who stray from God's protective care. Like a scattered sheep, we can become disoriented, defenseless, and susceptible to the destructive forces of the world when we neglect our vital relationship with our divine Shepherd. This verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination: Are we faithfully abiding in God's will, or are we drifting into areas where we become easy prey for spiritual "lions"—whether they be the subtle temptations of sin, the seductive allure of worldly systems, the corrosive effects of unaddressed bitterness, or the direct schemes of spiritual adversaries? The progression from "devoured" to "broken his bones" warns us that persistent disobedience and neglect of God's ways can lead to increasingly severe and debilitating consequences, eroding our spiritual vitality, fracturing our relationships, and leaving us profoundly broken. Yet, even in this somber reflection, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecy offers a glimmer of hope: God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately aimed at restoration and drawing His people back to Himself. It calls us to humble repentance, to return to Him, to seek His unfailing protection, and to find our true security not in our own strength or worldly alliances, but in the unwavering, compassionate care of our Good Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like a "scattered sheep," drifting away from the Shepherd's guidance and protection?**
* **What "lions" (spiritual or worldly dangers, temptations, or destructive patterns) might be preying on me when I am not fully surrendered to God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's use of discipline in Israel's history shape my perspective on personal hardships, trials, or the consequences of my own choices?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can I take today to remain more closely connected to my Shepherd and find enduring security and wholeness in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is Israel called a "scattered sheep" and what does this imagery convey?**

Answer: Israel is called a "scattered sheep" to vividly portray their state of vulnerability, disarray, and dispersion. In the ancient world, sheep were entirely dependent on their shepherd for protection, guidance, and provision. When scattered from the flock or separated from their shepherd, they become defenseless prey, easily lost or devoured. This metaphor highlights Israel's political and spiritual condition: without God's direct protection due to their covenant disobedience, they were easily dispersed and oppressed by powerful foreign empires, much like a flock without a shepherd. This imagery also points to the physical dispersion of the Israelites through exile, first by Assyria and then by Babylon, fulfilling prophetic warnings of judgment found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion Among Nations").

**Who are the "lions" mentioned in this verse, and what do their actions ("devoured" and "broken his bones") signify?**

Answer: The "lions" represent the powerful, predatory empires that attacked and oppressed Israel. Specifically, the verse names "the king of Assyria" and "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon." These were the two dominant imperial powers that successively conquered and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, respectively. The actions attributed to them signify the escalating severity of God's judgment. Assyria "devoured" Israel, indicating a complete consumption and destruction of their national identity and land, as seen in the conquest of Samaria in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Conquest of Samaria"). Babylon, under Nebuchadrezzar, "broken his bones," which implies an even more brutal, crippling, and irreparable damage. This refers to the utter devastation of Judah, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the profound suffering of the people during the Babylonian exile, as described in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:17, while a lament over Israel's historical suffering and the consequences of their unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel, as a "scattered sheep," perfectly foreshadows humanity's lost and vulnerable state, scattered by sin, disoriented by rebellion, and preyed upon by spiritual adversaries. Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), comes precisely to seek and gather these scattered sheep, promising to lay down His life for them so that they might have abundant life and eternal security. The "lions" of Assyria and Babylon, though instruments of God's temporal judgment, ultimately point to the ultimate spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—whose crushing power Jesus decisively broke through His sacrifice on the cross. Where earthly kings "devoured" and "broken bones," Jesus allowed His own body to be broken and His life "devoured" by death, not as a helpless victim, but as the conquering Lamb of God, who triumphs over all. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where prophetically His [bones were not broken](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - No Bone Broken"), yet He endured the full crushing weight of sin and divine wrath, provides profound healing for our brokenness and impenetrable protection from all spiritual predators. Through His glorious resurrection, He established an eternal kingdom that no earthly empire or spiritual foe can ever devour or break, offering true and lasting refuge for all who trust in Him, gathering them into His one, eternal flock, as prophesied in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd").

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 2:15

The young lions roared upon him, [and] yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.

2 Kings 18:9

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

2 Kings 18:13

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Joel 3:2

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

John 10:12

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Jeremiah 50:6

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.