Jeremiah 50:34

KJV

Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their Redeemer {H1350} is strong {H2389}; the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}: he shall throughly {H7378} plead {H7378} their cause {H7379}, that he may give rest {H7280} to the land {H776}, and disquiet {H7264} the inhabitants {H3427} of Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But their redeemer is strong; ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name. He will thoroughly plead their cause, so that he can give rest to the land but unrest to those who live in Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.

American Standard Version

Their Redeemer is strong; Jehovah of hosts is his name: he will thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:34 stands as a powerful declaration of divine justice and redemption within the broader prophetic narrative of Babylon's downfall. It portrays Yahweh as the strong Kinsman-Redeemer (Go'el) of His exiled people, Israel, whose very name, "LORD of hosts," signifies His supreme authority and power. This verse assures Israel that God will meticulously advocate for their cause, bringing ultimate peace and restoration to their land while simultaneously inflicting turmoil and disquiet upon their oppressors, the inhabitants of Babylon. It is a profound statement of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His righteous judgment against those who oppose His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:34 is situated within a lengthy and detailed oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. These chapters serve as a climactic counterpoint to the preceding prophecies of judgment against Judah and other nations. While Judah suffered divine chastisement for its unfaithfulness, these specific chapters reveal God's righteous indignation against Babylon, the instrument of that chastisement, for its excessive cruelty, pride, and idolatry. The verse itself functions as a pivotal declaration of God's active intervention on behalf of His people, providing a theological rationale for Babylon's impending destruction. It contrasts Babylon's might with God's superior strength and unwavering commitment to Israel's vindication, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of Babylon's fall that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 50-51 was delivered during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. Judah had fallen to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, and its people were in exile (c. 586 BCE). Babylon, at this time, was the dominant world power, renowned for its formidable military, vast wealth, and impressive architectural achievements, including its towering walls and the Hanging Gardens. The cultural context includes the widespread worship of Marduk and other Babylonian deities, which stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The concept of a "kinsman-redeemer" (Go'el) was deeply embedded in Israelite law and culture, referring to a close relative obligated to protect family interests, buy back lost property, or avenge wrongs. This cultural understanding illuminates God's self-identification as Israel's Go'el, emphasizing His intimate relationship and legal right to act on their behalf against their oppressors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly empires are subject to God's ultimate authority and judgment. Babylon's fall is not merely a political shift but a divinely orchestrated act of justice for its arrogance and its mistreatment of God's chosen people, echoing themes found in other prophetic judgments against nations (e.g., [the prophecy against Babylon](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). The theme of **Redemption and Restoration** for Israel is central, as God is explicitly identified as their "Redeemer," promising to "give rest to the land" after the period of exile and suffering. This foreshadows the eventual return from exile, a promise of hope amidst despair, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Contrast Between God's People and Their Oppressors**, portraying a clear dichotomy between the "rest" promised to Israel and the "disquiet" ordained for Babylon, a motif present throughout the Old Testament's portrayal of the righteous and the wicked (e.g., [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This term (H1350) is a primitive root signifying to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship. It implies being the next of kin, with the responsibility to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, or avenge his blood. In this context, God assumes the role of Israel's Go'el, indicating His intimate relationship with His people and His legal and moral obligation to act on their behalf, intervening to deliver them from bondage and restore their inheritance.
* **strong (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** Derived from H2389, this adjective describes the Redeemer as "strong," often used in a sense of being hard, bold, or violent. Here, it emphasizes God's immense power and capability to execute His redemptive plan and judgment. It signifies that God is not merely willing but also supremely able to confront and overcome the formidable might of Babylon, ensuring the success of His intervention.
* **plead (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This primitive root (H7378) means to toss, grapple, or, more figuratively, to wrangle or hold a controversy. It implies a legal or judicial process where one defends a cause. When God "throughly pleads" Israel's cause, it means He acts as their advocate, meticulously presenting their case and vindicating them against their oppressors in a divine courtroom, ensuring that justice is fully served.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their Redeemer is strong;"**: This opening clause immediately establishes God's identity and capability. "Their Redeemer" refers to Yahweh as the Go'el of Israel, the one who possesses the right and obligation to deliver and restore. The declaration that He "is strong" emphasizes His omnipotence and unwavering power, assuring the exiled Israelites that no force, including the mighty Babylonian empire, can withstand His will or prevent Him from fulfilling His redemptive purposes.
* **"the LORD of hosts is his name:"**: This clause further identifies and magnifies the Redeemer. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a majestic divine title, signifying God's supreme authority as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. It underscores His absolute sovereignty over all nations and forces, reinforcing the idea that His power is unmatched and His name (representing His character and authority) guarantees the execution of His promises and judgments.
* **"he shall throughly plead their cause,"**: This phrase highlights God's active and thorough advocacy for Israel. "Throughly plead" (a double emphasis from the Hebrew root) suggests a comprehensive and decisive legal vindication. God will not merely observe but will actively intervene as an advocate and judge, meticulously addressing every injustice and wrong committed against His people, ensuring a complete and undeniable verdict in their favor.
* **"that he may give rest to the land,"**: This clause reveals the first positive outcome of God's intervention, specifically for Israel. "The land" refers to Judah/Israel. "Give rest" signifies peace, security, and restoration after the turmoil of war, exile, and oppression. It speaks of the re-establishment of a stable and flourishing society, free from external threats and internal strife, a promise of shalom for God's covenant people.
* **"and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon."**: This final clause presents the contrasting, negative outcome for Babylon. "Disquiet" implies turmoil, unrest, fear, and ultimate destruction. While Israel receives rest, Babylon will experience the very opposite, a direct consequence of their pride, cruelty, and opposition to God's people. This demonstrates God's righteous judgment, bringing the oppressor to ruin while delivering the oppressed.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:34 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Epithets** are prominent, with "Redeemer" and "LORD of hosts" serving as majestic titles that underscore God's character, power, and relationship with Israel. The concept of God as a "Redeemer" is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like role (kinsman-redeemer) to God to make His actions relatable and understandable within the cultural context. There is a strong use of **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, particularly in the final two clauses: "give rest to the land" versus "disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon." This stark opposition highlights the dual nature of God's justice—blessing for His people and judgment for their oppressors. The phrase "throughly plead" uses **Intensification** or **Emphasis** (from the repetition of the Hebrew root *rîyb*), stressing the comprehensive and decisive nature of God's advocacy. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events that serves to both warn and encourage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:34 profoundly articulates God's character as both a loving Kinsman and a sovereign Judge. It reveals that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people nor to the injustices perpetrated by wicked nations. His identity as "Redeemer" underscores His covenant faithfulness and His deep commitment to Israel's well-being, while "LORD of hosts" affirms His absolute power to execute His will. This verse serves as a foundational statement that God will ultimately vindicate His own and bring down all oppressive powers, ensuring that His justice prevails and His people find lasting rest. This dual action of redemption for His people and judgment for their enemies is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, culminating in the eschatological victory of God's kingdom.

* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God as Israel's Redeemer")
* [Psalm 9:4](/psalms/9-4 "Psalm 9:4 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:34 offers profound encouragement and a call to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly bleak. For believers today, this verse reminds us that our God is not a distant deity but an active, powerful, and intimately involved Redeemer who sees our struggles, hears our cries, and is fully capable of advocating for us. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and turmoil, this passage assures us that God will have the final word. It invites us to rest in His sovereign power, knowing that He will ultimately bring peace to His people and disquiet to all that opposes His righteous rule. This truth should inspire patience, perseverance in faith, and a confident hope in the eventual triumph of God's kingdom, where all wrongs will be righted and true rest will be found.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as a "strong Redeemer" (Go'el) impact your trust in Him during times of personal or collective oppression?**
* **What comfort do you draw from the title "LORD of hosts" in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges or powerful adversaries?**
* **In what ways can you "rest in the land" of God's promises, even when the world around you is in "disquiet"?**
* **How does this verse shape your understanding of divine justice and the ultimate fate of those who oppose God's purposes?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Redeemer" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "Redeemer" in Jeremiah 50:34 is Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Hebrew term used is *Go'el* (H1350), which refers to a close kinsman who has the right and obligation to act on behalf of a wronged family member. This included duties like buying back property, avenging blood, or marrying a deceased relative's widow. By identifying Himself as Israel's *Go'el*, God emphasizes His intimate covenant relationship with His people and His divine commitment to deliver them from their oppressors, restore their inheritance, and vindicate them from all injustice. He is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, powerful and fully able to fulfill this role.

**What does "LORD of hosts" signify?**

Answer: "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*, H3068 and H6635) is one of the most majestic and frequently used titles for God in the Old Testament. It signifies God's supreme authority and power as the commander of all heavenly armies (angelic hosts) and earthly forces. It emphasizes His omnipotence, His sovereignty over all creation, and His ability to orchestrate events and overcome any opposition. When God is called the "LORD of hosts," it underscores His unmatched might and His capacity to execute His will, whether in judgment or in redemption, against any nation or power, including the formidable Babylonian empire mentioned in this verse.

**How does this prophecy relate to modern-day believers?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 50:34 specifically addresses ancient Israel and Babylon, its core theological truths are timeless and highly relevant for modern-day believers. It assures us that God remains a strong and faithful Redeemer who is actively involved in the affairs of humanity. When we face injustice, oppression, or spiritual battles, this verse reminds us that God is our ultimate Advocate who will "throughly plead our cause." It offers hope that despite the presence of evil and turmoil in the world, God will ultimately bring His people to "rest" and will "disquiet" all forces that oppose His righteousness. This provides comfort, strengthens faith, and encourages perseverance, knowing that God's justice will ultimately prevail and His kingdom will triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:34, with its declaration of a strong Redeemer who pleads His people's cause to bring rest and disquiet their enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent [Kinsman-Redeemer](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse"), not merely for a nation, but for all humanity, purchasing us from the bondage of sin and death through His sacrificial blood on the cross. Just as God was the advocate for Israel, Jesus now serves as our [heavenly Advocate](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate") before the Father, meticulously pleading our cause and ensuring our vindication against the accusations of the enemy. The "rest" promised to the land of Israel foreshadows the spiritual rest that Jesus offers to all who are weary and burdened, inviting them to [find rest for their souls in Him](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest"). Furthermore, the "disquiet" brought upon Babylon, the oppressive empire, points to Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual "Babylon"—the systems of evil, sin, and rebellion that oppose God. His final return will see Him triumphantly [conquer all hostile powers](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), bringing eternal rest to His redeemed people and eternal disquiet to those who reject His reign, thereby perfectly fulfilling the dual promise of this ancient prophecy.

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 54:5

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

Isaiah 47:4

[As for] our redeemer, the LORD of hosts [is] his name, the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 15:21

And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

Micah 7:9

I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, [and] I shall behold his righteousness.

Psalms 43:1

¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.