Jeremiah 50:33

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah [were] oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; The children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} and the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} were oppressed {H6231} together {H3162}: and all that took them captives {H7617} held them fast {H2388}; they refused {H3985} to let them go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus says ADONAI-Tzva'ot: "The people of Isra'el are oppressed, and so are the people of Y'hudah. Those who took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to release them.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together; and all that took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:33 provides a poignant divine declaration regarding the prolonged and unjust oppression of both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. It vividly portrays their shared suffering under the unyielding grip of their Babylonian captors, who adamantly refused to release them. This verse serves as a powerful preamble to God's impending judgment against Babylon, underscoring the profound helplessness of His people and the deliberate cruelty of their enemies, thereby justifying the Lord of hosts' decisive intervention as their righteous deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a monumental prophetic oracle spanning Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51, which is entirely dedicated to pronouncing God's severe judgment against Babylon. This extended prophecy marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's book; previous chapters meticulously detail Judah's persistent apostasy and the consequent, divinely ordained Babylonian exile. Chapters 50-51, however, pivot dramatically to Babylon's inevitable downfall, demonstrating that even God's instruments of discipline are not exempt from His righteous judgment when they exceed their mandate or act with excessive cruelty and pride. Jeremiah 50:33 specifically highlights the dire predicament of the exiles, building a compelling case for God's forthcoming intervention by emphasizing the utter powerlessness of His covenant people and the unyielding obstinacy of their oppressors. This portrayal not only justifies the severe judgment pronounced upon Babylon but also offers profound reassurance to the exiled Israelites and Judeans that their suffering is fully seen and will be avenged by their sovereign God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Jeremiah 50:33 is one of profound national trauma and despair. By the time this prophecy was delivered, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had already been brutally conquered and dispersed by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. The Southern Kingdom of Judah had more recently endured multiple waves of deportation to Babylon, culminating in the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred temple in 586 BC. The Babylonian Empire, under the formidable Nebuchadnezzar, stood at the zenith of its power, celebrated for its military might, architectural marvels, and a ruthless imperial policy towards conquered peoples. Captives were typically integrated into the Babylonian economy, often as forced labor, and their release was virtually unheard of unless it served a specific political or economic advantage for the empire. The phrase "held them fast; they refused to let them go" accurately reflects this imperial strategy of retaining valuable human resources and maintaining absolute control over subjugated territories. The prophecy thus speaks directly into a context of deep despair among the exiles, who had lost their land, their temple, and their political independence, feeling utterly abandoned by their God and completely at the mercy of a seemingly invincible empire.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, affirming that God, identified as the "LORD of hosts," will ultimately hold all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their mistreatment of His covenant people. This motif is a consistent thread throughout biblical narrative, evident in God's decisive judgment against Egypt at the Red Sea, as recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"), and against Assyria, depicted as God's rod of anger in [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Assyria, God's Rod of Anger"). Secondly, the verse vividly portrays the **Suffering and Oppression of God's People**, highlighting their profound vulnerability and desperate need for divine intervention. The shared plight of "the children of Israel and the children of Judah" also powerfully introduces the theme of **Restoration and Reunion**, foreshadowing a future era when God would gather His scattered people and bring them back to their land, a promise richly elaborated upon in [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant") with the New Covenant. Finally, the authoritative declaration, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," unequivocally reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty over History and Nations**, asserting that even the most formidable human empires are ultimately subject to His supreme will and overarching redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this term, while literally meaning "son" or "descendant," is used here in a broader, collective sense to refer to a nation or people. Its application to "Israel" and "Judah" emphasizes their familial and covenantal relationship with God, portraying them not merely as conquered subjects but as God's own "children" who are suffering. This highlights the intimate nature of their oppression from God's perspective and His personal concern for their plight.
* **oppressed (Hebrew, _ʻâshaq'_):** From H6231, this root signifies "to press upon," "defraud," or "do violence." It conveys a strong sense of active, unjust, and forceful subjugation. The use of the passive voice ("were oppressed") underscores their victimhood and the external, coercive force exerted upon them, emphasizing the severity, injustice, and burden of their captivity.
* **held them fast (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, this word means "to fasten upon," "seize," "be strong," or "retain." It vividly describes the firm, unyielding, and determined grip of the captors, implying a resolute refusal to release their prisoners. This word choice emphasizes the human impossibility of escape or liberation without divine intervention, highlighting the captors' strength and resolve.
* **refused (Hebrew, _mâʼên'_):** From H3985, meaning "to refuse" or "utterly deny." This term highlights the deliberate, intentional, and unyielding will of the captors. It signifies that their continued bondage was not an oversight or a temporary situation, but a hardened, conscious decision to maintain their hold, underscoring the depth of their cruelty and the utter hopelessness of the exiles' situation from a human vantage point.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening phrase functions as a quintessential prophetic formula, unequivocally asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. The title "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) emphasizes God's supreme power and sovereignty over all creation, including heavenly armies and earthly nations, setting the tone for a declaration of ultimate authority that transcends and confronts seemingly insurmountable human power.
* **"The children of Israel and the children of Judah [were] oppressed together:":** This clause precisely identifies the suffering parties—both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah)—acknowledging their shared experience of suffering despite their historical political and spiritual divisions. The term "oppressed" underscores the unjust, burdensome, and violent nature of their captivity, emphasizing their collective plight under foreign domination and the injustice they endured.
* **"and all that took them captives held them fast;":** This segment vividly describes the relentless and firm grip of the captors, primarily the Babylonian Empire. The phrase "held them fast" powerfully conveys the strength, determination, and unyielding resolve of the oppressors to maintain their control, indicating the immense difficulty, if not outright impossibility, of the exiles' liberation through any human effort or negotiation.
* **"they refused to let them go.":** This final clause underscores the deliberate, conscious, and unyielding will of the captors. It signifies a conscious and persistent denial of freedom, illustrating the depth of the exiles' bondage and the complete lack of any human prospect for release. This emphasizes the profound hopelessness of their situation, thereby amplifying the urgent and absolute necessity for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:33 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message of divine justice and human suffering. The verse opens with the classic "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," an exemplary **prophetic oracle formula** that immediately establishes the divine authority and the absolute certainty of the pronouncement. The phrase "the children of Israel and the children of Judah" utilizes **synecdoche**, a rhetorical device where a part (the children or descendants) represents the whole (the nations or kingdoms), effectively emphasizing their identity as God's unique covenant people. The parallel structure observed in "held them fast" and "refused to let them go" creates a powerful sense of **emphatic repetition** and **intensification**, underscoring both the severity and the deliberate, unyielding nature of the captors' oppression. This also functions as a form of **hyperbole**, highlighting the seemingly insurmountable nature of their bondage to magnify the eventual, miraculous power of God's intervention. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **lament**, articulating the deep suffering and desperate plight of God's people, which serves as a poignant prelude to the divine promise of justice and ultimate liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:33 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their deepest suffering, dispersion, and apparent abandonment. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who intimately sees the injustice inflicted upon His "children" and is moved to righteous action. The divine title "LORD of hosts" is far more than a ceremonial designation; it signifies God's active power, His supreme authority, and His readiness to marshal all resources—both heavenly armies and earthly forces—to execute His sovereign will, especially in delivering the oppressed and judging their oppressors. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortunes, where the seemingly invincible empire of Babylon will inevitably fall, and God's people will be miraculously released. It powerfully demonstrates that no human power, however mighty or entrenched, can ultimately thwart God's redemptive purposes or escape His righteous judgment. It offers profound reassurance to the faithful that their cries are heard and that God's justice will prevail, even when human circumstances appear utterly hopeless and irreversible.

This truth finds powerful echoes throughout Scripture:
* [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "God Hears Israel's Cry")
* [Psalm 105:13-15](/psalms/105-13-15 "God Protects His Anointed")
* [Isaiah 49:24-26](/isaiah/49-24-26 "God Will Deliver His Captives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:33 offers a profound source of both comfort and challenge for believers navigating the complexities of life today. In a world frequently marked by systemic injustice, personal oppression, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is neither distant nor indifferent to the plight of the suffering. He actively sees, He intimately hears, and He decisively acts. Just as He heard the cries of Israel and Judah in their Babylonian captivity, so too does He hear the cries of His people today, whether they are oppressed by societal injustice, personal struggles, spiritual bondage, or the weight of despair. The "LORD of hosts" remains the sovereign commander, fully capable of breaking chains that human effort or political maneuvering cannot possibly loosen. This truth calls us to cultivate a deep and unwavering faith in God's ultimate justice and His omnipotent power to deliver, even when the "captors" of our circumstances "refuse to let us go." Furthermore, it challenges us to actively embody God's justice and compassion in the world, standing in solidarity with the oppressed, advocating for liberation, and working towards the dismantling of all forms of bondage and injustice, knowing that we serve a God who is fundamentally against all forms of oppression. Our ultimate hope is not to be found in human strength, political solutions, or fleeting circumstances, but in the unfailing power, righteous character, and immutable promises of the Lord of hosts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "held fast" or "oppressed," seemingly without human hope of release?**
* **How does meditating on the title "LORD of hosts" encourage and strengthen your faith when facing overwhelming or unjust circumstances?**
* **What is your specific role, as a follower of Christ, in actively standing with, advocating for, or working towards the liberation of those who are oppressed in our world today?**
* **How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's multifaceted character as both a righteous judge who holds oppressors accountable and a compassionate deliverer who liberates His suffering people?**

### FAQ
**What does "LORD of hosts" mean in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is a profound designation emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty, omnipotence, and military might. "Hosts" refers to vast multitudes or armies, encompassing both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces (nations, stars, all creation). In this context, it powerfully conveys that God is the ultimate commander and orchestrator of all forces, capable of marshaling events and delivering His people from even the mightiest and most seemingly invincible empires, such as Babylon. It serves as a profound reassurance to the oppressed that their divine deliverer is infinitely more powerful than their human captors, a truth vividly demonstrated throughout the Old Testament, for instance, when God delivered Israel from Pharaoh's formidable army at the Red Sea, as recorded in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing").

**Why are both "children of Israel" and "children of Judah" mentioned?**

Answer: The explicit mention of both "the children of Israel" and "the children of Judah" acknowledges the historical reality of the two distinct kingdoms that had emerged after the division of the united monarchy. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had been exiled by Assyria centuries earlier (722 BC), while the Southern Kingdom of Judah was more recently exiled by Babylon (586 BC). By including both, Jeremiah's prophecy highlights the collective suffering of God's entire covenant people, emphasizing that God remembers both branches of His family despite their historical divisions and separate exiles. It underscores His comprehensive concern for all His scattered flock and foreshadows a future restoration and reunion, a theme beautifully envisioned in prophecies like [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37-15-28 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Two Sticks"), where the two divided sticks representing Israel and Judah are rejoined.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:33, while speaking of the literal, historical captivity of Israel and Judah, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen and sinful state, is universally "oppressed" and "held fast" by spiritual captors—primarily sin, death, and the dominion of the devil, as profoundly articulated in passages like [Romans 7:23-24](/romans/7-23-24 "Romans 7:23-24 - The Law of Sin") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death"). These spiritual adversaries, much like Babylon, "refused to let them go," holding humanity in what appeared to be an unbreakable and hopeless bondage. However, just as the "LORD of hosts" intervened decisively for His covenant people against Babylon, so too did God, in the person of Jesus Christ, enter our human condition to confront and conquer these ultimate oppressors. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, definitively broke the power of sin and death, thereby declaring liberty to the spiritual captives and opening the prison to those who were bound ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord")). He is the ultimate deliverer who not only freed us from the penalty of sin but also empowers us to live in glorious freedom from its dominion ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Thus, the hope of liberation and restoration expressed in Jeremiah 50:33 is fully and eternally realized in the spiritual freedom and eternal salvation offered through faith in Jesus Christ, our victorious "LORD of hosts" who has conquered every enemy and will ultimately bring all His children into everlasting liberty ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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 14:17

[That] made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; [that] opened not the house of his prisoners?

Exodus 9:2

For if thou refuse to let [them] go, and wilt hold them still,

Exodus 9:3

Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: [there shall be] a very grievous murrain.

Isaiah 58:6

[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

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.

Jeremiah 50:18

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.

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.