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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 50:33–46. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have in these verses,
I.Israel's sufferings, and their deliverance out of those sufferings.
God takes notice of the bondage of his people in Babylon, as he did of their bondage in Egypt; he has surely seen it, and has heard their cry. Israel and Judah were oppressed together, Jer 50:33. Those that remained of the captives of the ten tribes, upon the uniting of the kingdoms of Assyria and Chaldea, seem to have come and mingled with t hose of the two tribes, and to have mingled tears with them, so that they were oppressed together. They were humble suppliants for their liberty, and that was all; they could not attempt any thing towards it, for all that took them captives held them fast, and were much too hard for them. But this is their comfort in distress, that, though they are weak, their Redeemer is strong (Jer 50:34), their Avenger (so the word signifies), he that has a right to them, and will claim his right and make good his claim. He is stronger than their enemies that hold them fast; he can overpower all the force that is against them, and put strength into his own people though they are very weak. The Lord of hosts is his name, and he will answer to his name, and make it to appear that he is what his people call him, and will be that to them for which they depend upon him. Note, It is the unspeakable comfort of the people of God that, though they have hosts against them, they have the Lord of hosts for them and he shall thoroughly plead their cause, pleading he shall plead it, plead it with jealousy, plead it effectually, plead it and carry it, that he may give rest to the land, and to his people's land, rest from all their enemies round about. This is applicable to all believers, who complain of the dominion of sin and corruption, and of their own weakness and manifold infirmities. Let them know that their Redeemer is strong; he is able to keep what they commit to him, and he will plead their cause. Sin shall not have dominion over them; he will make them free, and they shall be free indeed; he will give them rest, that rest which remains for the people of God.
II.Babylon's sin, and their punishment for that sin.
1.The sins they are here charged with are idolatry and persecution.
(1.)They oppressed the people of God; they held them fast, and would not let them go. They opened not the house of his prisoners, Isa 14:17. This was God's quarrel with them, as of old with Pharaoh; it cost him dear, and yet they would not take warning. The inhabitants of Babylon must be disquieted (Jer 50:34) because they have disquieted God's people, whose honour and comfort he is jealous for, and therefore will recompense tribulation to those that trouble them, as well as rest to those that are troubled, Th2 1:6, Th2 1:7.
(2.)They wronged God himself, and robbed him, giving that glory to others which is due to him alone; for (Jer 50:38) it is the land of graven images. All parts of the country abounded with idols, and they were mad upon them, were in love with them and doted on them, cared not what cost and pains they were at in the worship of them, were unwearied in paying their respects to them; and in all this they were wretchedly infatuated and acted like men out of their wits; they were carried on in their idolatry without reason or discretion, like men in a perfect fury. The word here used for idols properly signifies terrors - Enim, the name given to giants that were formidable, because they made the images of their gods to look frightful, to strike a terror upon fools and children. Their idols were scarecrows, yet they doted on them. Babylon was the mother of harlots (Rev 17:5), the source of idolatry. Note, It is the maddest thing in the world to make a god of any creature; and those who are proud against the Lord, the true God, are justly given up to strong delusions, to be mad upon idols that cannot profit. But this madness is wickedness, for which sinners will be certainly and severely reckoned with.
2.The judgments of God upon them for these sins are such as will quite lay them waste and ruin them.
(1.)All that should be their defence and support shall be cut off by the sword. The Chaldeans had long been God's sword, wherewith he had done execution upon the sinful nations round about: but now, they being as bad as any of them, or worse, a sword is brought upon them, even upon the inhabitants of Babylon (Jer 50:35), a sword of war; and, as it is in God's hand, sent and directed by him, it is a sword of justice. It shall be,
[1.]Upon their princes; they shall fall by it, and their dignity, wealth, and power, shall not secure them.
[2.]Upon their wise men, their philosophers, their statesmen, and privy-counsellors; their learning and policy shall neither secure them nor stand the public in any stead.
[3.]Upon their soothsayers and astrologers, here called the liars (Jer 50:36), for they cheated with their prognostications of peace and prosperity; the sword upon them shall make them dote, so that they shall talk like fools, and be as men that have lost all their wits. Note, God has a sword that can reach the soul and affect the mind, and bring men under spiritual plagues.
[4.]Upon their mighty men. A sword shall be upon their spirits; if they are not slain, yet they shall be dismayed, and shall be no longer mighty men; for what stead will their hands stand them in when their hearts fail them?
[5.]Upon their militia (Jer 50:37): The sword shall be upon their horses and chariots; the invaders shall make themselves masters of all their warlike stores, shall seize their horses and chariots for themselves, or destroy them. The troops of other nations that were in their service shall be quite disheartened: The mingled people shall become as weak and timorous as women.
[6.]Upon their exchequer: The sword shall be upon her treasures, which are the sinews of war, and they shall be robbed, and made use of by the enemy against them. See what universal destruction the sword makes when it comes with commission.
(2.)The country shall be made desolate (Jer 50:38): The waters shall be dried up, the water that secures the city. Cyrus drew the river Euphrates into so many channels as made it passable for his army, so that they got with ease to the walls of Babylon, which, if was thought, that river had rendered inaccessible. "The water likewise that made the country fruitful shall be dried up, so that it shall be turned into barrenness, and shall be no more inhabited by the children of men, but by the wild beasts of the desert," Jer 50:39. This was foretold concerning Babylon, Isa 13:19-22. It shall become like Sodom and Gomorrah, Jer 50:40. The same was foretold concerning Edom, Jer 49:18. As the Chaldeans had laid Edom waste, so they shall themselves be laid waste.
(3.)The king and kingdom shall be put into the utmost confusion and consternation by the enemies' invading them, Jer 50:41-43. All the expressions here used to denote the formidable power of the invaders, the terrors wherewith they should array themselves, and the great fright which both court and country should be put into thereby, we met with before (Jer 6:22-24) concerning the Chaldeans' invading the land of Judah. The battle which is there said to be against thee, O daughter of Zion! is here said to be against thee, O daughter of Babylon! to intimate that they should be paid in their own coin. God can find out such as shall be for terror and destruction to those that are for terror and destruction to others; and those who have dealt cruelly, and have shown no mercy, may expect to be cruelly dealt with, and to find no mercy. Only there is one difference between these passages; there it is said, We have heard the fame thereof and our hands wax feeble; here it is said, The king of Babylon has heard the report and his hands waxed feeble, which intimates that that proud and daring prince shall, in the day of his distress, be as weak and dispirited as the meanest Israelites were in the day of their distress.
(4.)That they shall be as much hurt as frightened, for the invader shall come up like a lion to tear and destroy (Jer 50:44) and shall make them and their habitation desolate (Jer 50:45), and the desolation shall be so astonishing that all the nations about shall be terrified by it, Jer 50:46. These three verses we had before (Jer 49:19-21) in the prophecy of the destruction of Edom, which was accomplished by the Chaldeans, and they are here repeated, mutatis mutandis - with a few necessary alterations, in the prophecy of the destruction of Babylon, which was to be accomplished upon the Chaldeans, to show that though the distributions of Providence may appear unequal for a time its retributions will be equal at last; when thou shalt make an end to spoil thou shalt be spoiled, Isa 33:1; Rev 13:10.
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Summary
Jeremiah 50:38 delivers a powerful divine judgment against Babylon, prophesying a catastrophic "drought" upon its life-sustaining "waters," leading to their complete desiccation. This profound withdrawal of vital resources and security is directly attributed to Babylon's pervasive and intense idolatry, explicitly identifying it as a "land of graven images" where the populace is "mad upon their idols." The verse encapsulates God's righteous indignation against false worship, serving as a stark declaration of the inevitable downfall of a seemingly impregnable empire due to its profound spiritual rebellion and misplaced trust.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 50:38 is embedded within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51, which stands as the longest single prophecy in the book of Jeremiah. This extensive denunciation serves as a theological counterpoint to the earlier judgments against Judah, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty over all nations, even those He employed as instruments of His wrath. The preceding verses in chapter 50 detail the military defeat, widespread desolation, and flight of Babylon's inhabitants, portraying a scene of utter ruin. Verse 38 specifically shifts the focus from external conquest to the internal spiritual corruption that undergirds this collapse. By linking the physical desolation (drought, dried waters) directly to the spiritual offense of idolatry, the verse provides the profound theological rationale for the severity of the impending judgment, emphasizing that Babylon's downfall is not merely a political or military event but a divinely orchestrated reckoning for its deep-seated spiritual rebellion. It highlights the principle that sin, particularly idolatry, inevitably leads to destruction.
Historical & Cultural Context
At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BC), Babylon was the preeminent world power, having decisively conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. The city of Babylon itself was an architectural marvel, renowned for its formidable fortifications, including massive double walls (said to be wide enough for chariots to turn on) and an intricate system of moats and canals fed by the mighty Euphrates River, which flowed directly through the city. These "waters" were not merely a source of life and commerce but were central to Babylon's defensive strategy and symbolized its prosperity, fertility, and perceived invincibility. Culturally, Babylon was a deeply polytheistic empire, boasting a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, with elaborate cultic practices, grand temples, and countless "graven images" (idols) that were central to their religious and civic life. The phrase "mad upon their idols" vividly captures the intense, almost fanatical devotion of the Babylonians to their deities, whom they believed were the source of their power, protection, and national identity. The prophecy of a "drought upon her waters" would have been particularly terrifying and incomprehensible to a people whose very existence and security were so intimately intertwined with their abundant water supply.
Key Themes
Jeremiah 50:38 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Judgment against Idolatry. God's unwavering opposition to the worship of false gods is a consistent and foundational motif throughout the Old Testament. Babylon's impending judgment serves as a stark and severe example of the consequences of rejecting the one true God for man-made deities, highlighting the futility of relying on idols that cannot provide true security or sustenance. This concept is echoed in passages that ridicule the impotence of idols, such as Psalm 115:4-8. Secondly, the verse underscores the Sovereignty of God over Nations. Even though Babylon was providentially used by God as an instrument to punish Judah, God holds Babylon fully accountable for its own egregious sins, demonstrating His ultimate authority and control over all empires and their destinies. This divine orchestration of historical events is a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah's prophecies concerning various nations. Finally, it highlights the theme of Spiritual Blindness and Folly. The description of the Babylonians being "mad upon their idols" vividly portrays a profound spiritual delusion, where irrational and frenzied devotion to impotent objects leads directly to national destruction. This serves as a timeless warning against the deceptive and destructive nature of sin and false worship, a warning that resonates deeply with New Testament teachings against covetousness as a form of idolatry, as seen in Colossians 3:5.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root signifying desolation or waste, denotes a state of extreme dryness and barrenness. In this prophetic context, it transcends a mere meteorological phenomenon, representing a divinely ordained judgment that leads to the complete depletion of vital resources. It symbolizes the drying up of Babylon's strength, prosperity, and defensive capabilities, which were intrinsically linked to its extensive water systems. The "drought" is a powerful metaphor for the utter collapse of what was once abundant, secure, and seemingly invincible.
This word specifically refers to idols that are sculpted, carved, or hewn, emphasizing their man-made origin. The term highlights the inherent powerlessness of these objects, underscoring the absurdity of worshipping something fashioned by human hands. Babylon was infamous for its multitude of cultic images and statues, which permeated its religious and civic life. Their pervasive presence defined the spiritual character of the land, marking it as a prime target for divine wrath due to its widespread idolatry.
This root carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "to shine," "to boast," "to rave," and "to be foolish." In the context of Jeremiah 50:38, particularly in its participial form, it conveys a sense of frenzied, irrational, or deluded devotion. The Babylonians' worship of their idols is depicted not merely as adherence but as an intense, almost fanatical obsession, bordering on spiritual intoxication. This "madness" signifies a profound spiritual blindness that renders them incapable of discerning the futility of their worship and the impending divine judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"A drought [is] upon her waters;"
This opening clause announces a devastating and divinely imposed calamity targeting Babylon's most essential resource. The "waters" refer to the Euphrates River and the extensive network of canals, moats, and irrigation systems that were crucial for Babylon's defense, commerce, and sustenance. A "drought" upon these waters signifies a supernatural drying up, symbolizing the imminent depletion of Babylon's power, prosperity, and defensive strength, rendering the city utterly vulnerable and desolate.
"and they shall be dried up:"
This phrase confirms the inevitable and irreversible outcome of the prophesied "drought." It emphasizes the complete and definitive nature of the desolation, indicating that the drying up of the waters is not a temporary setback but a permanent act of judgment. This signifies the total collapse of Babylon's perceived invincibility, self-sufficiency, and the very foundations of its existence.
"for it [is] the land of graven images,"
This clause provides the explicit and foundational reason for the impending divine judgment. Babylon's identity is intrinsically defined by its pervasive and deeply entrenched idolatry, characterized by its countless "graven images" or carved idols. This spiritual offense, the widespread worship of false gods and the rejection of the one true God, is presented as the primary sin that provokes God's wrath and necessitates the nation's catastrophic destruction.
"and they are mad upon [their] idols."
This final clause further elaborates on the depth of Babylon's spiritual corruption, describing the fervent intensity of their idolatrous devotion. The phrase "mad upon their idols" vividly portrays a frenzied, irrational, and almost intoxicated obsession with their false deities. This extreme spiritual blindness and deluded commitment to impotent objects underscore the profound rebellion of the Babylonian people and the undeniable justice of the severe divine judgment about to befall them.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:38 is rich with potent literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment and the consequences of idolatry. Metaphor is central, as the "drought upon her waters" is not a literal weather event but a powerful symbolic representation of the drying up of Babylon's power, security, and prosperity. The Symbolism of "waters" representing life, defense, and abundance is crucial, making their desiccation a vivid and impactful image of total collapse and vulnerability. The phrase "land of graven images" employs Metonymy or Synecdoche, where a defining characteristic (the pervasive presence of idols) stands in for the entire nation, emphasizing that idolatry was not merely an aspect but the very essence of Babylonian society. Furthermore, the description "mad upon their idols" utilizes Hyperbole to underscore the extreme, irrational, and fanatical nature of their devotion, highlighting the profound spiritual delusion that gripped the people. This vivid and evocative language powerfully conveys the severity of Babylon's sin and the inevitability of its divinely orchestrated downfall.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jeremiah 50:38 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical principle that idolatry inevitably leads to desolation and divine judgment. Babylon's reliance on its formidable physical defenses and its fervent, almost fanatical devotion to man-made idols proved utterly futile against the sovereign will of the Lord. This verse profoundly underscores that true security, sustenance, and flourishing come exclusively from the living God, and any attempt to find life, protection, or fulfillment in created things—whether tangible idols or abstract pursuits like wealth, power, or self-sufficiency—will ultimately result in a spiritual "drought." The drying up of Babylon's life-sustaining waters serves as a stark and enduring object lesson that God will not share His glory with false gods, and those who relentlessly pursue them will experience the barrenness and emptiness of a life devoid of His presence and blessing.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 50:38, though a specific prophecy against ancient Babylon, carries profound and timeless implications for individuals and societies in every age. The "drought upon her waters" serves as a powerful and sobering warning that anything we elevate to a position of ultimate trust, devotion, or reliance—whether it be wealth, career, relationships, reputation, personal ambition, or even our own perceived self-sufficiency—becomes an idol that ultimately fails to sustain us. Just as Babylon's physical waters eventually dried up, our spiritual lives can experience a profound "drought" when our deepest affections, energies, and trust are misplaced. This verse calls us to a radical and honest self-examination, prompting us to identify any "graven images" in our hearts that compete for the exclusive worship and allegiance due only to God. True fulfillment, lasting security, and vibrant spiritual vitality flow solely from an undivided devotion to the living God, who alone is the inexhaustible source of "living water" that never runs dry. To avoid the desolation and barrenness of misplaced trust, we must continually re-center our lives on Christ, ensuring that He holds the supreme and uncontested place in our hearts and minds, for only in Him do we find true life and abundance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "her waters" in this verse?
The "waters" of Babylon primarily refer to the mighty Euphrates River and the intricate, extensive network of canals, moats, and irrigation systems that surrounded and flowed through the city. These waters were absolutely crucial for Babylon's defense, commerce, agriculture, and daily life, symbolizing its immense prosperity, security, and perceived invincibility. Therefore, a "drought upon her waters" signifies a divinely orchestrated drying up of these vital resources, leading to the city's vulnerability, desolation, and ultimate downfall. This prophecy was famously fulfilled when Cyrus the Great diverted the Euphrates River, allowing his army to march into the city on the dry riverbed and conquer it, as foreshadowed in prophecies like Isaiah 44:27-28.
How does Babylon's idolatry connect to its destruction?
Jeremiah 50:38 explicitly states the direct causal link between Babylon's destruction and its pervasive idolatry: "for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols." This highlights a fundamental biblical principle that God judges nations and individuals for their rebellion against Him, especially through the worship of false gods. Babylon's fervent devotion to its numerous "graven images" and its "mad" obsession with them represented a profound and deliberate rejection of the one true God. Their idols were utterly powerless to protect them, and their misplaced trust ultimately led to divine judgment, demonstrating unequivocally that true power and sovereignty belong to the Lord alone, and all other gods are but futile creations of human hands (see Psalm 115:4-8).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jeremiah 50:38, with its pronouncement of judgment against Babylon for its pervasive idolatry and the drying up of its false sources of security, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Babylon, representing the pinnacle of human rebellion, self-sufficiency, and reliance on its own strength and false gods, stands in stark contrast to the true and eternal Kingdom of God established in Christ. The "drought upon her waters" foreshadows the ultimate futility and barrenness of all human systems, spiritual counterfeits, and misplaced trusts apart from Christ. In Jesus, we encounter the true "living water" (as He declares in John 4:14 and promises in John 7:37-38), which alone genuinely quenches spiritual thirst, provides eternal security, and leads to abundant life, unlike the ephemeral and ultimately deceptive "waters" of Babylon. Christ's decisive victory on the cross disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers and principalities that held humanity captive to "graven images" of all kinds, whether ancient idols or modern-day obsessions (see Colossians 2:15). He is the one who delivers us from the "madness" of idolatry, restoring us to a right and life-giving relationship with the Father. Ultimately, the judgment on Babylon points forward to the final and righteous judgment of all systems and hearts that reject God for idols, culminating in the glorious triumph of Christ's eternal kingdom, where He alone is worshipped and provides all true and everlasting sustenance (as depicted in Revelation 21:6 and Revelation 22:1).