Jeremiah 50:21

KJV

¶ Go up against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go up {H5927} against the land {H776} of Merathaim {H4850}, even against it, and against the inhabitants {H3427} of Pekod {H6489}: waste {H2717} and utterly destroy {H2763} after {H310} them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, and do {H6213} according to all that I have commanded {H6680} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Attack the land of Meratayim; attack it and those living in P'kod. Waste them, utterly destroy them; do all I have ordered you," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Kill them and devote them to destruction. Do all that I have commanded you,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: slay and utterly destroy after them, saith Jehovah, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:21 issues a powerful divine command for the utter and complete destruction of specific Babylonian territories, Merathaim and Pekod. This prophetic decree serves as a stark declaration of Yahweh's sovereign judgment against the formidable empire that had oppressed His people, underscoring God's absolute authority over nations and His unwavering commitment to executing His righteous will, demanding precise obedience from those He commissions to carry out His punitive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Command Against Babylon") is embedded within the extensive "Burden Against Babylon" found in [Jeremiah chapters 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). These chapters constitute a significant prophetic oracle detailing the complete and irreversible downfall of the Babylonian Empire, which had served as God's instrument for Judah's chastisement but had subsequently overstepped its divine commission through its arrogance and cruelty. Specifically, [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - God's Command for Destruction") issues a direct, imperative command to the agents of God's judgment – likely referring to the Medes and Persians, though not explicitly named here – to march against and utterly destroy specific regions associated with Babylon. This immediate context follows broader declarations of Babylon's impending desolation and precedes further detailed descriptions of its destruction and the subsequent restoration of Israel. The specificity of "Merathaim" and "Pekod" within this larger judgment narrative emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's wrath, leaving no part of the oppressive empire untouched.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Historical Context of Judgment") is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian Empire's zenith, following its conquest of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant superpower of its time, seemingly invincible. However, Jeremiah's prophecy declares its inevitable collapse, which historically occurred with the fall of Babylon to Cyrus the Great and the Persian Empire in 539 BC. Culturally, the naming of "Merathaim" and "Pekod" carries significant weight. "Merathaim" (מְרָתַיִם) is often interpreted as "double rebellion" or "double bitterness," a symbolic name for Babylon highlighting its egregious sins and the severe retribution it would face. "Pekod" (פְּקוֹד), meaning "visitation" or "punishment," directly alludes to the divine reckoning that would befall these regions, signifying God's active intervention to hold Babylon accountable. These names, whether actual regions or symbolic epithets, underscore the theological conviction that no nation, however mighty, operates outside the purview of God's justice. The command to "waste and utterly destroy" reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where conquered cities and lands were often laid desolate as a display of dominance and a warning.
* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes resonate within [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Key Themes of Divine Justice"). Primarily, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice and His readiness to punish nations that defy His moral order and oppress His chosen people. The severity of the command—"waste and utterly destroy"—underscores the totality of this impending judgment, a just recompense for Babylon's arrogance and cruelty, especially against Judah, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:12](/jeremiah/25-12 "Jeremiah 25:12 - Punishment of Babylon"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty over Nations**. The repeated declaration "saith the LORD" and the imperative "do according to all that I have commanded thee" emphasize Yahweh's supreme authority and control over human history, demonstrating that even powerful empires like Babylon are mere instruments in His hands, subject to His ultimate will and judgment. This aligns with themes found in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, the passage speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness in executing His declared word. The detailed nature of Jeremiah's oracle concerning Babylon's fall assures that God's plans for nations, whether for judgment or restoration, will inevitably come to pass, reinforcing the truth that God declares "the end from the beginning" ([Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waste (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This primitive root signifies to parch, to desolate, or to destroy, often implying the drying up or laying waste of a place. In [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - The Command to Waste"), it denotes a thorough and devastating destruction, rendering the land uninhabitable and barren, reflecting the complete undoing of Babylon's prosperity and power.
* **Utterly destroy (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This powerful verb carries the connotation of devotion to destruction, often in a religious sense, implying a ban or an act of consecration for utter annihilation. It signifies a complete and irreversible destruction, leaving nothing remaining, often associated with divine judgment and the concept of *herem* (devotion to God by destruction), as seen in [Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - The Ban on Jericho"). Here, it underscores the divinely ordained and total eradication of Babylon's influence and presence in the targeted regions.
* **Pekod (Hebrew, _Pᵉqôwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to visit" or "to punish," Pekod serves as a symbolic name for a region within or associated with Babylon, signifying "punishment" or "visitation." Its inclusion in [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Pekod and Divine Punishment") directly foreshadows the divine reckoning that would befall Babylon, indicating that God's "visitation" would bring about its deserved judgment and destruction for its sins, particularly its oppression of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go up against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod":** This opening imperative issues a direct military command to an unnamed force, likely referring to the Medes and Persians, to launch an assault. "Merathaim" (meaning "double bitterness" or "double rebellion") and "Pekod" (meaning "visitation" or "punishment") are symbolic or regional names for parts of Babylonia, emphasizing the specific targets of divine wrath. The repetition ("against it, and against") intensifies the focus on the comprehensive nature of the impending attack, leaving no part untouched.
* **"waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD":** This clause reveals the devastating extent of the commanded action. "Waste" (Hebrew: *chârab*) implies desolation and ruin, while "utterly destroy" (Hebrew: *châram*) signifies a complete and irreversible annihilation, often with the connotation of being devoted to destruction as an act of divine judgment. The phrase "after them" suggests a thorough pursuit and eradication of all remnants. The emphatic declaration "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh*) underscores the divine origin and authority behind this decree, making it a non-negotiable command from the sovereign God.
* **"and do according to all that I have commanded thee":** This concluding imperative reinforces the absolute nature of God's command. It demands total obedience from the agents of judgment, ensuring that the destruction is executed precisely as Yahweh has decreed, without deviation or mercy. This highlights God's meticulous control over the unfolding of historical events and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
[Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Literary Devices") employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The verse opens with a direct **Apostrophe** or **Personification**, addressing an unnamed force ("Go up against the land...") as if it were a conscious agent receiving a divine command, thereby emphasizing the directness and urgency of God's decree. **Symbolism** is evident in the names "Merathaim" and "Pekod." "Merathaim," meaning "double bitterness" or "double rebellion," serves as a symbolic epithet for Babylon, highlighting its profound sinfulness and the severity of the retribution it deserves. "Pekod," meaning "visitation" or "punishment," directly foreshadows the divine reckoning, transforming geographical names into theological statements. The repeated and strong verbs "waste" (*chârab*) and "utterly destroy" (*châram*) constitute **Intensification** and a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality and severity of the judgment, leaving no room for partial destruction. Finally, the recurring phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Fiat** or **Authoritative Declaration**, lending an undeniable weight of divine authority to the entire command and underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Theological Connections") serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to national sin, particularly the oppression of God's people and defiance of His moral order. The specific targeting of "Merathaim" and "Pekod" illustrates that God's judgment is precise and comprehensive, reaching every corner of a rebellious empire. This verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that He raises up and casts down empires according to His divine purpose, using even pagan nations as instruments of His will before holding them accountable for their own transgressions. It offers both a warning to those who defy God and an assurance to the oppressed that their suffering is seen and will ultimately be avenged by a just God.
* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Nahum 1:2-8](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-8 - The Vengeance of the Lord")
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Reflection and Application") calls us to profound reflection on the nature of God and our place in His sovereign plan. While the immediate context is ancient Babylon, the underlying principles are timeless and universally applicable. This verse reminds us that no nation, institution, or individual can ultimately escape divine accountability. God's justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, is certain and comprehensive. For believers, this truth offers immense comfort: God sees injustice, hears the cries of the oppressed, and will ultimately right all wrongs. It encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and His righteous judgment, even when the world seems chaotic or unjust. Furthermore, it challenges us to examine our own lives and societies, asking if we are aligning with God's righteous standards or if we are, in any way, participating in systems or attitudes that oppress, exploit, or defy Him. Our response should be one of humility, repentance where necessary, and a renewed commitment to living justly and compassionately, reflecting the character of the God who judges righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against nations like Babylon shape our understanding of His character and justice today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, inadvertently participate in or condone actions that defy God's moral order, and how can we repent and align ourselves with His will?**
* **How does this passage encourage those who feel oppressed or witness injustice in the world?**

### FAQ
**Who are Merathaim and Pekod?**

Answer: Merathaim and Pekod are likely symbolic or regional names for parts of Babylonia. "Merathaim" (מְרָתַיִם) can be translated as "double bitterness" or "double rebellion," serving as a symbolic epithet for Babylon itself, highlighting its profound sinfulness and the severe retribution it would face. "Pekod" (פְּקוֹד), meaning "visitation" or "punishment," directly alludes to the divine reckoning that would befall these regions. While some scholars have attempted to identify them with specific geographical locations, their primary significance in [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Merathaim and Pekod") lies in their symbolic representation of Babylon's guilt and its destined judgment, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's wrath against the entire empire.

**Why is God commanding such extreme destruction?**

Answer: God's command for "waste and utterly destroy" reflects the severe nature of Babylon's sins and the ancient Near Eastern context of warfare. Babylon had not only conquered Judah but had done so with excessive cruelty, destroying Jerusalem, its Temple, and exiling its people. While God used Babylon as an instrument of His judgment against Judah ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God's Instrument of Judgment")), Babylon's arrogance and actions against God's people went beyond its divine commission. The extreme destruction serves as a just recompense for its pride, idolatry, and oppression, demonstrating God's unwavering justice and His commitment to avenging His people, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 50:11](/jeremiah/50-11 "Jeremiah 50:11 - Babylon's Cruelty"). It also serves as a powerful warning to all nations that defy the Lord and oppress the innocent.

**Does this prophecy have a future fulfillment beyond ancient Babylon?**

Answer: While [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and the surrounding chapters primarily refer to the historical fall of ancient Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 BC, the themes of divine judgment against oppressive empires resonate throughout biblical prophecy and theology. The concept of "Babylon" later becomes a powerful symbol in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, representing all systems and powers that oppose God and persecute His people. The prophetic declarations of its ultimate downfall in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great") echo the language and themes found in Jeremiah, suggesting a spiritual and eschatological fulfillment where God's final judgment will be executed against all forms of spiritual "Babylon" that stand in rebellion against Him. Thus, while historically fulfilled, its principles extend to future divine reckonings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Jeremiah 50:21](/jeremiah/50-21 "Jeremiah 50:21 - God's Judgment on Babylon") speaks of God's judgment against a specific earthly empire, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing powers, culminating in the reign of Jesus Christ. The "waste and utterly destroy" command, though physically executed against Babylon, foreshadows the spiritual destruction of all forces of sin, death, and evil that hold humanity captive. Christ, as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), is the ultimate executor of divine justice, not through earthly armies but through His redemptive work on the cross and His glorious return. He has already [triumphed over the principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") through His death and resurrection, disarming them. The final "Pekod" or "visitation" of judgment will be at Christ's second coming, where He will [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead") and establish His eternal kingdom, utterly destroying all forms of spiritual "Babylon" that rebel against God, as depicted in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Return of Christ and Judgment"). Thus, the judgment declared in Jeremiah finds its ultimate and perfect realization in the person and work of Christ, who brings both judgment upon sin and salvation to those who believe, ensuring that all that opposes God will ultimately be brought to nothing, and His righteous reign will prevail forever.

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

Ezekiel 23:23

The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, [and] all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses.

2 Samuel 16:11

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

1 Samuel 15:24

¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Jeremiah 50:15

Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it [is] the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

Jeremiah 50:9

¶ For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows [shall be] as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.