Jeremiah 50:28

KJV

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

KJV (with Strong's)

The voice {H6963} of them that flee {H5127} and escape out {H6405} of the land {H776} of Babylon {H894}, to declare {H5046} in Zion {H6726} the vengeance {H5360} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, the vengeance {H5360} of his temple {H1964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hear the sound of the fugitives, of those escaping from Bavel, coming to proclaim in Tziyon the vengeance of ADONAI our God, vengeance over his temple.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for His temple.

American Standard Version

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of Jehovah our God, the vengeance of his temple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:28 powerfully articulates the prophetic vision of God's decisive judgment against the oppressive Babylonian Empire, celebrating the joyous liberation of the exiled Israelites. It depicts the triumphant returnees proclaiming in Zion that the Lord God has executed His righteous vengeance, not only against the nation that enslaved His people but specifically for the desecration of His holy temple. This verse stands as a profound testament to divine justice, the sanctity of God's dwelling place, and the unwavering certainty of His covenant faithfulness to His people, promising their ultimate vindication and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:28 is nestled within a grand prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. This extensive section is unique within Jeremiah, dedicated solely to the destruction of the very empire that had conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. The preceding chapters primarily dealt with prophecies concerning Judah and other surrounding nations, making this shift to Babylon's downfall a climactic and highly anticipated declaration of divine retribution. Within chapter 50, the immediate context describes the complete desolation of Babylon, the gathering of nations against it, and the explicit call for Israel and Judah to flee and return to their land, portraying them as sheep led back to their pasture. Verse 28 specifically highlights the *voice* of these escapees, emphasizing that their return is not merely a political event but a public testimony to God's righteous judgment and vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this prophecy is the traumatic period of the Babylonian Exile in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon had risen to become the dominant superpower, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC, and the subsequent deportation of the Jewish elite to Babylon. For the Jewish people, the Temple was more than a building; it was the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh, the visible sign of His covenant presence among them. Its destruction was a profound theological crisis, challenging their understanding of God's power and faithfulness. Jeremiah's prophecy, delivered during or shortly after this devastation, offered a message of hope and divine justice, assuring the exiles that their suffering was not overlooked. The phrase "the vengeance of his temple" directly addresses this deep wound, affirming God's commitment to His sacred space and His honor, ensuring that such an act of desecration would not go unpunished.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several foundational themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in history, holding nations accountable for their actions, especially their oppression of His people and defiance of His holiness. The "vengeance of the LORD our God" is a righteous act of recompense, not arbitrary wrath, echoing the principle found throughout Scripture that God judges the proud and exalts the humble (e.g., [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). Secondly, it highlights the **Sanctity of God's Temple**, emphasizing its profound importance as God's dwelling place and the severe consequences for its desecration. The specific mention of "the vengeance of his temple" reveals that the attack on Jerusalem was an attack on God Himself. Finally, the "voice of them that flee and escape" speaks to the theme of **Restoration and Hope** for Israel, a recurring motif in Jeremiah's prophecies (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration and Hope")) and a cornerstone of God's covenant faithfulness, promising the eventual return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Zion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." This term signifies a bold, public, and often authoritative announcement or proclamation. In Jeremiah 50:28, it underscores the confidence and clarity with which the returning exiles proclaim God's justice, emphasizing that their message is not whispered but openly declared in the heart of Zion.
* **vengeance (Hebrew, _nᵉqâmâh'_):** Feminine of _nâqâm_, meaning "avengement, whether the act of the passion." In a divine context, this term denotes righteous retribution, justice, and the vindication of God's honor and His people. It is not personal spite or uncontrolled anger, but a holy act of setting right what has been wronged, particularly in response to the systemic oppression of His covenant people and the egregious desecration of His sacred dwelling place.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** Probably from _yākhōl_ (in the sense of capacity), meaning "a large public building, such as a palace or temple." In this specific context, it refers to the Jerusalem Temple, the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh. Its explicit mention here underscores the profound offense Babylon committed by destroying God's house, making its desecration a direct affront to God Himself and a primary catalyst for His righteous judgment. The "vengeance of his temple" highlights the unique gravity of this sacrilege.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon,"**: This opening clause identifies the agents of the proclamation: those who have miraculously survived and been delivered from the oppressive Babylonian Empire. Their "fleeing and escaping" signifies a divinely orchestrated liberation, not merely a human effort, setting the stage for their powerful testimony. The "voice" emphasizes the audible, public, and collective nature of their witness.
* **"to declare in Zion"**: This phrase specifies the purpose and location of their declaration. "Zion" (Jerusalem) is the designated place for this public proclamation, symbolizing the restoration of God's people to their homeland and the re-establishment of His presence among them. The act of declaring in Zion signifies a public testimony before God's gathered people and the world, affirming His sovereignty.
* **"the vengeance of the LORD our God,"**: This is the core message of the escapees' declaration. They proclaim that "vengeance"—righteous retribution and divine vindication—has been executed by Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This affirms God's active involvement in human history, His justice against oppressors, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to His people, serving as a declaration of divine triumph.
* **"the vengeance of his temple."**: This final clause specifies the particular nature and provocation for God's vengeance. It highlights that Babylon's destruction of the Jerusalem Temple was a direct affront to God's holiness and presence, serving as a primary catalyst for His righteous judgment. This phrase underscores the sanctity of God's dwelling place and His commitment to defending its honor and avenging its desecration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:28 is rich with powerful **literary devices**. The most striking is **Personification**, where "the voice" of the escapees embodies the collective testimony and triumphant spirit of the liberated remnant. This voice is not merely an auditory phenomenon but a living, vibrant proclamation of God's mighty acts. There is also significant **Emphasis** achieved through the deliberate repetition of "the vengeance," which underscores the certainty, righteousness, and divine origin of God's retribution against Babylon. The phrase "the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple" also functions as a form of **Parallelism**, specifically a synonymous or intensifying parallelism, where the second clause clarifies and intensifies the first, linking God's general vengeance to the specific, profound desecration of His holy sanctuary. Furthermore, the passage employs potent **Symbolism**, where "Babylon" represents all oppressive world powers that defy God and His people, and "Zion" symbolizes God's restored people and His dwelling place. The declaration in Zion thus becomes a symbolic act of restored covenant relationship, divine vindication, and the triumph of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:28 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His covenant faithfulness. It reveals that God is not a passive observer of human history but an active sovereign who intervenes to right wrongs, protect His people, and uphold the sanctity of His name and dwelling. The "vengeance" described here is not an act of petty revenge but a righteous, divine recompense for the systemic oppression of His chosen people and the egregious desecration of His holy Temple. This act of judgment against Babylon serves as a powerful demonstration of God's omnipotence and His ultimate control over all nations, assuring His people that their suffering is seen and will be addressed. It also foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers that oppose Him, establishing His reign of righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Psalm 94:1-2](/psalms/94-1-2 "Psalm 94:1-2 - God of Vengeance, Shine Forth")
* [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Rejoicing Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:28 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and apparent impunity for the wicked, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees, God hears, and God will ultimately act. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing and His righteous judgment, even when His justice seems delayed from our perspective. Just as God delivered Israel from Babylonian captivity, He remains faithful to His promises to His church, offering hope and ultimate deliverance from all forms of spiritual and physical oppression. Furthermore, the emphasis on "the vengeance of his temple" reminds us of the profound reverence due to God's presence, whether in a physical place of worship, in the community of believers, or, most intimately, within the heart of each individual believer, who is now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This calls us to live lives that honor God's indwelling presence, maintaining purity and holiness as vessels of His Spirit, and to boldly declare His justice and faithfulness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "vengeance" in this verse differ from human revenge, and what comfort does this distinction offer in the face of injustice?**
* **In what ways does the "voice of them that flee and escape" inspire us to bear witness to God's deliverance and faithfulness in our own lives?**
* **How does understanding God's commitment to His ancient Temple inform our understanding of His presence and holiness in the church today, as the new spiritual temple?**
* **What "Babylons" (systems of oppression, injustice, or ungodliness) do we see in our world today, and how does Jeremiah 50:28 encourage our prayers for God's justice and ultimate triumph?**

### FAQ
**What does "the vengeance of his temple" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The vengeance of his temple" specifically refers to God's righteous retribution against Babylon for their destruction and desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Temple was not merely a building; it was the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh, symbolizing His presence among His people and the very heart of their covenant relationship. Its destruction was a direct affront to God's holiness and honor, a profound act of sacrilege. Therefore, God's "vengeance" was a divine act of vindication, demonstrating His commitment to His own glory and the sanctity of His dwelling, and serving as a just response to Babylon's profound impiety and violence against His covenant people and His holy place. This act of judgment underscored that no power, however mighty, could defy the Lord God without ultimate consequence.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations?**

Answer: Jeremiah 50:28, situated within the larger oracle against Babylon (Jeremiah 50-51), powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. Babylon was the dominant world power of its time, seemingly invincible, yet God declares its predetermined downfall. The "voice of them that flee and escape" signifies that even the mightiest empires cannot ultimately thwart God's plans for His people or escape His judgment. God used Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Judah, but He also held Babylon accountable for its pride, cruelty, and desecration of His holy things. This verse affirms that God raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His divine will, demonstrating that He is the true ruler of history, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:28, with its declaration of divine vengeance and the joyous liberation of God's people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of Babylon's physical fall and Israel's earthly return, the underlying theological principles point to a greater spiritual deliverance. The "vengeance of the LORD our God" is fully executed not merely against an earthly empire, but supremely against sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness that hold all humanity captive. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, took upon Himself the full wrath and "vengeance" of God against sin, thereby liberating His people from spiritual Babylon—the kingdom of darkness and rebellion against God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). The "voice of them that flee and escape" foreshadows the joyous proclamation of the Gospel by those redeemed by Christ, declaring His victory over sin and death in the spiritual "Zion"—the church, the new Jerusalem, to which believers have come ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")). Furthermore, the "vengeance of his temple" points to Christ's ultimate vindication of God's holiness. Jesus Himself is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), and through His resurrection and ascension, God's righteous judgment against those who defile His presence was perfectly satisfied. This established a new covenant where believers become the living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")), indwelt by God Himself. Thus, Jeremiah 50:28 ultimately anticipates the cosmic triumph of Christ, who delivers His people from all oppression and establishes His eternal kingdom, where all injustice is finally rectified and God's glory is fully revealed.

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 48:20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Lamentations 1:10

The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen [that] the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command [that] they should not enter into thy congregation.

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.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Lamentations 2:6

And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as [if it were of] a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest.

Lamentations 2:7

The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.

Jeremiah 51:10

The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.