Jeremiah 50:38

KJV

A drought [is] upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols.

KJV (with Strong's)

A drought {H2721} is upon her waters {H4325}; and they shall be dried up {H3001}: for it is the land {H776} of graven images {H6456}, and they are mad {H1984} upon their idols {H367}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A drought hangs over her waters; they will be dried up. For this is a land of idols; they go mad over these horrors of theirs.

Berean Standard Bible

A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.

American Standard Version

A drought is upon her waters, and they shall be dried up; for it is a land of graven images, and they are mad over idols.

Commentary

### 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](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols"). 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](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Covetousness as Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drought (Hebrew, _chôreb'_):** H2721. 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.
* **Graven Images (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_):** H6456. 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.
* **Mad (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** H1984. 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.

* [Isaiah 44:27](/isaiah/44-27 "Isaiah 44:27 - Prophecy of Drying Rivers")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Romans 1:21-25 - The Exchange of Truth for Lies")

### 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
* **What "waters" (sources of security, comfort, or identity) in my life might I be relying on more than God?**
* **In what ways might I be "mad upon" modern-day "idols" (e.g., social media validation, materialism, career advancement, or self-image) that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead to spiritual drought?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to God, ensuring that He remains the ultimate and sufficient source of my life and satisfaction?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "her waters" in this verse?**

Answer: 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](/isaiah/44-27-28 "Isaiah 44:27-28 - Prophecy of Cyrus and the Drying River").

**How does Babylon's idolatry connect to its destruction?**

Answer: 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](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Folly of Idols")).

### 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](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water") and promises in [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")), 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). 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](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The Fountain of the Water of Life") and [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of the Water of Life")).

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 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Revelation 16:12

¶ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Isaiah 44:27

That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:

Jeremiah 51:47

Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

Jeremiah 51:52

Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan.

Jeremiah 51:44

And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.

Jeremiah 51:32

And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.