Jeremiah 50:29

KJV

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Call together {H8085} the archers {H7228} against Babylon {H894}: all ye that bend {H1869} the bow {H7198}, camp {H2583} against it round about {H5439}; let none thereof escape {H6413}: recompense {H7999} her according to her work {H6467}; according to all that she hath done {H6213}, do {H6213} unto her: for she hath been proud {H2102} against the LORD {H3068}, against the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Call up archers against Bavel, all whose bows are strung. Besiege her from every side, let no one escape. Repay her for her deeds; as she has done, do to her. For she insulted ADONAI, the Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Summon the archers against Babylon, all who string the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

Call together the archers against Babylon, all them that bend the bow; encamp against her round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her; for she hath been proud against Jehovah, against the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:29 serves as a powerful divine decree against Babylon, summoning nations to execute God's judgment upon the empire that had oppressed Judah. This verse encapsulates the principle of divine justice, declaring that Babylon will be repaid precisely "according to her work" and "all that she hath done," with its downfall explicitly attributed to its profound "pride against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel." It is a pivotal statement within Jeremiah's extensive prophecy detailing Babylon's prophesied destruction, offering both a stern warning against spiritual arrogance and a profound assurance of God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:29 is situated within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This section, often referred to as "The Burden Against Babylon," stands as the longest single oracle against a foreign nation in the Old Testament. It follows a series of prophecies against other nations (Jeremiah 46-49), but the scope and intensity directed at Babylon underscore its unique significance as the instrument of God's judgment against Judah, and now, the object of His retribution. The immediate verses preceding Jeremiah 50:29 describe the gathering of nations against Babylon and the desolation that will befall it, setting the stage for the specific call to arms and the justification for judgment found in this verse. The subsequent verses continue to detail Babylon's utter ruin, portraying it as a just recompense for its actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East. Babylon had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BCE, and carried a significant portion of its population into exile. The Jewish exiles, and those remaining in Judah, faced immense despair and questioned God's faithfulness and power in the face of Babylon's seemingly invincible might. Culturally, Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, military prowess, grand architecture (like the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate), and its pervasive idolatry, particularly the worship of Marduk. The call for archers and a siege "round about" reflects common military tactics of the era, emphasizing the totality of the coming destruction. This prophecy served as a crucial message of hope and vindication for God's exiled people, assuring them that their oppressor would not escape divine justice, and that God remained sovereign over all earthly empires, even the mightiest.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression of His people and their spiritual arrogance. Babylon's destruction is explicitly linked to its "work" and "pride," demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to sin. This aligns with the principle seen in passages like [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God Repays According to Deeds"). Another crucial theme is **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**. Despite Babylon's perceived invincibility, this prophecy unequivocally asserts that its rise and fall are orchestrated by the Lord, who uses nations as instruments of His will (even to punish His own people) and then judges those instruments for their own wickedness. This theme resonates with prophecies against other empires, such as those found in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Kingdom"). Finally, the verse highlights **Pride as a Fatal Sin**. Babylon's "pride against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel" is presented as the ultimate catalyst for its downfall. This spiritual hubris, a refusal to acknowledge God's supremacy, is a recurring biblical motif for destruction, echoing the warning in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction") that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dârak (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** This primitive root means "to tread," but by implication, it refers to "to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)." In Jeremiah 50:29, "all ye that bend the bow" (כָּל־דֹּרְכֵי קֶשֶׁת, *kol-dorkê qesheth*) vividly depicts the archers preparing their weapons for battle. The act of treading on the bow to string it underscores the physical effort and readiness for war, emphasizing the impending, concerted military action against Babylon. It signifies a prepared, formidable force.
* **zûwd (Hebrew, _zûwd'_):** This root means "to seethe" or figuratively, "to be insolent" or "to be proud." The phrase "for she hath been proud" (כִּי זָדוֹן זָדָה, *kî zâdôn zâdâh*) uses this word to describe Babylon's arrogant and presumptuous behavior. It's not just a general sense of pride, but a deliberate, haughty defiance and insolence directed specifically "against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel." This spiritual arrogance, a refusal to acknowledge God's ultimate authority, is presented as the primary justification for divine judgment.
* **shâlam (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** This primitive root means "to be safe," "to be completed," or "to reciprocate." In the context of "recompense her" (שַׁלְּמוּ־לָהּ, *shallmû-lâh*), it carries the strong connotation of rendering a just repayment, making amends, or bringing something to completion. It implies a precise and equitable retribution, where the punishment perfectly fits the crime. God's judgment is not arbitrary but a full and complete payment for Babylon's deeds, ensuring that justice is served in its entirety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about;":** This initial command is a divine summons, a prophetic imperative for military forces to gather against Babylon. The "archers" (רַבִּים, *rabbîm*, literally "many," but here implying a multitude of archers) and "all ye that bend the bow" (כָּל־דֹּרְכֵי קֶשֶׁת, *kol-dorkê qesheth*) highlight the specific military strength to be deployed. The instruction to "camp against it round about" (חֲנוּ עָלֶיהָ סָבִיב, *ḥanû ‘alêhâ sâvîv*) signifies a comprehensive, encircling siege, leaving no avenue for escape. This imagery conveys the totality and inevitability of Babylon's impending downfall.
* **"let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her:":** This segment reinforces the absolute nature of the judgment. "Let none thereof escape" (אַל־יְהִי־לָהּ פְּלֵיטָה, *’al-y'hî-lâh p'lêṭâh*) emphasizes the complete eradication of Babylon's power and population, leaving no remnant. The core principle of divine justice is then articulated: "recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her." This is a forceful declaration of *lex talionis*, the law of retribution, ensuring that Babylon's punishment will be proportional and perfectly aligned with the severity and nature of its offenses. It underscores God's meticulous justice.
* **"for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.":** This final clause provides the explicit theological justification for Babylon's destruction. The phrase "for she hath been proud" (כִּי זָדוֹן זָדָה, *kî zâdôn zâdâh*) identifies spiritual arrogance as the root sin. Crucially, this pride was not merely against Judah or other nations, but a direct affront "against the LORD" (לַיהוָה, *laYHWH*), the covenant God of Israel, and specifically "against the Holy One of Israel" (אֶל־קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, *’el-q'dôsh Yisra’el*). This title emphasizes God's unique holiness, moral purity, and His exclusive relationship with Israel, making Babylon's pride an act of blasphemy and a direct challenge to divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Imperative Language** dominates the opening, with commands like "Call together," "camp," "let none thereof escape," and "recompense," creating a sense of divine urgency and absolute authority. This direct address underscores God's active orchestration of events. The verse also features powerful **Lexical Repetition** in the phrase "according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her." This deliberate repetition emphasizes the precise and inescapable nature of divine justice, ensuring that Babylon's punishment will be a mirror image of its crimes. Furthermore, the description of Babylon's sin as "proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel" uses **Personification**, attributing a moral failing (pride) to an entire nation as if it were an individual. This device allows for a direct moral indictment of the empire's collective character and actions. Finally, the instruction "let none thereof escape" could be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness and severity of the judgment, even if a literal interpretation might allow for some individual survivors. The overall effect of these devices is to create a vivid and unyielding portrayal of God's righteous wrath against a defiant empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:29 powerfully articulates core theological principles, particularly God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It demonstrates that while God may use nations as instruments of His will, He holds them accountable for their own actions, especially their pride and oppression. Babylon's fall is not merely a political event but a theological necessity, a vindication of God's character and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. The explicit mention of Babylon's pride "against the Holy One of Israel" highlights that sin, at its deepest level, is an affront to God's holiness and authority. This verse serves as a profound assurance to the oppressed that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, is absolutely certain, and that no human empire, no matter how powerful, can ultimately defy the Lord of Hosts.

* [Isaiah 47:10-11](/isaiah/47-10 "Isaiah 47:10-11 - Babylon's Pride and Sudden Fall")
* [Revelation 18:6-8](/revelation/18-6 "Revelation 18:6-8 - Judgment on Babylon the Great")
* [Daniel 5:20-21](/daniel/5-20 "Daniel 5:20-21 - Nebuchadnezzar's Pride and Humiliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:29 offers profound lessons that transcend its ancient context, speaking directly to the human condition and God's enduring character. It serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of pride, particularly when it manifests as self-sufficiency or defiance against divine authority. For individuals and nations alike, the verse reminds us that true security and flourishing come not from arrogant self-assertion or oppressive power, but from humility and submission to God's righteous standards. In a world often marked by injustice and the apparent triumph of the wicked, this passage provides immense comfort and hope. It assures us that God sees every act of oppression, every instance of arrogance, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. This truth empowers believers to persevere in faith, knowing that God is actively working to right wrongs and that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His sovereign purposes or escape His judgment. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride and to trust in God's perfect timing for justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, exhibit "pride against the LORD" in subtle or overt ways?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice against Babylon encourage me when I witness injustice in the world today?**
* **What does "recompense her according to her work" teach me about the consequences of my own actions, both good and bad, in God's economy?**
* **How can this prophecy about Babylon deepen my trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and historical events?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's judgment against Babylon so severe, as depicted in this verse?**

Answer: God's judgment against Babylon is severe because its actions were severe, and its pride was directed specifically "against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel." Babylon had not only conquered Judah but had destroyed Jerusalem, God's holy city, and desecrated His Temple, carrying His people into exile. While God had used Babylon as an instrument of His judgment against Judah's sin (as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Servant")), Babylon itself acted with excessive cruelty, arrogance, and idolatry, taking credit for its victories rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. The severity of the judgment reflects the magnitude of Babylon's sin, particularly its spiritual hubris and its direct affront to God's holiness and covenant relationship with Israel. It demonstrates that God holds even the most powerful nations accountable for their deeds and their defiance of Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:29, with its declaration of divine judgment against Babylon's pride and its promise of recompense, finds its ultimate and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Babylon was a historical empire, it also serves as a biblical archetype for all systems and powers that stand in arrogant opposition to God and oppress His people. The call to "recompense her according to her work" foreshadows the perfect justice administered by Christ, who, as the righteous judge, will ultimately bring every deed into account ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")). Babylon's pride against the "Holy One of Israel" points to the universal rebellion of humanity against God, a rebellion that Christ decisively conquered not by military might, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that fueled such pride and oppression ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), securing the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil. The "escape" that Babylon was denied is contrasted with the glorious escape from judgment offered to all who believe in Christ, who bore the full recompense for our sins ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Ultimately, the final destruction of "Babylon the Great" in Revelation ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon the Great")) is a symbolic fulfillment of this prophetic principle, revealing Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords who will establish His eternal kingdom, where all pride is abased and perfect justice reigns ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse")).

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 51:56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

Isaiah 47:10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Jeremiah 50:14

Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

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.

Exodus 10:3

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

Revelation 18:6

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.