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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 50:42 presents a chilling and precise prophetic vision of the formidable army destined to conquer Babylon. It graphically depicts their military prowess, their absolute lack of compassion, and their overwhelming presence, underscoring the certain and devastating divine judgment awaiting the arrogant Babylonian empire. This verse serves as a stark declaration of poetic justice, emphasizing that Babylon, which showed no mercy to its captives, would receive none in return.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 50:42 is embedded within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This extensive prophecy stands out within Jeremiah's work due to its singular and prolonged focus on Babylon's downfall, contrasting sharply with the preceding chapters that primarily address Judah's sin and impending exile. The oracle meticulously details the specific reasons for Babylon's impending judgment—its rampant idolatry, its overweening pride, and, most significantly, its cruel oppression of God's chosen people, Judah. Earlier in this oracle, verses like Jeremiah 50:1 introduce the overarching theme of Babylon's destruction, while Jeremiah 50:33-34 explicitly link Israel's suffering to Babylon's actions, thereby setting the theological and narrative stage for the divine vengeance described in our verse. The immediate verses leading up to 50:42 describe the gathering of nations against Babylon and the terror that will grip its inhabitants, further intensifying the sense of impending doom and inevitability.
Historical & Cultural Context
During the period of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BC), Babylon, under the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was the undisputed dominant world power. It had successfully overthrown the Assyrian Empire and subsequently conquered Judah, leading to the devastating Babylonian Exile of 586 BC. The empire was renowned for its formidable military might, the architectural splendor of its capital city, and its often brutal policies towards conquered peoples, including the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred temple. The "they" in this verse refers prophetically to the Medes and Persians, who, under the strategic leadership of Cyrus the Great, would indeed conquer Babylon in a swift and decisive manner in 539 BC, fulfilling this prophecy with astonishing historical precision. The description of their military formation, weaponry, and merciless nature reflects the common, often ruthless, understanding of ancient warfare, where conquering armies frequently showed no quarter to their enemies, particularly those who resisted. The phrase "daughter of Babylon" is a common poetic personification in prophetic literature, referring to the city or empire itself, much like "daughter of Zion" refers to Jerusalem.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of Divine Retribution and Poetic Justice. Babylon, having shown no mercy to its captives and having acted with egregious pride against God, would suffer the very same fate, a principle clearly highlighted in passages such as Jeremiah 50:29. Secondly, the vivid description of the invading army as an Irresistible Force emphasizes God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all nations and the course of human history. Despite Babylon's immense power, its formidable fortifications, and its reputation for invincibility, God orchestrates its downfall through instruments of His choosing, demonstrating that no human empire, however mighty, can ultimately withstand His divine decree. This profound theme resonates throughout other prophetic books, as seen in Isaiah 45:1-3 where Cyrus is explicitly named as God's chosen instrument for this very purpose. Thirdly, the verse powerfully highlights the severe Consequences of Pride and Oppression. Babylon's arrogance, its idolatry, and its systematic cruelty, particularly against God's covenant people, are presented as the direct and undeniable cause of its catastrophic judgment, serving as a timeless and universal warning against the abuse of power and the failure to acknowledge divine authority.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "terrible," this word signifies not merely harshness but a complete and utter absence of compassion, often associated with the ferocity and remorselessness of wild animals. In this context, it describes an invading force utterly devoid of human feeling or pity, reflecting the ruthless efficiency and unyielding determination with which they will execute divine judgment upon Babylon. This attribute underscores the severity of the impending retribution.
This primitive root describes making a loud sound, often implying great commotion, tumult, or rage. It powerfully evokes the deep, resonant, and terrifying sound of a massive, advancing army, akin to the tumultuous and overwhelming noise of a raging sea. This potent auditory imagery emphasizes the sheer scale, overwhelming presence, and fear-inducing nature of the invaders, designed to strike terror into the hearts of their enemies.
While literally meaning "daughter," in this context, it is a common and significant poetic personification of a city or nation. "Daughter of Babylon" refers specifically to the city of Babylon or the Babylonian empire itself, often implying its collective identity, character, and ultimate destiny. Here, it serves as a direct and poignant address to the entity facing God's judgment, emphasizing its collective responsibility and identity as the direct recipient of the prophesied destruction.
Verse Breakdown
"They shall hold the bow and the lance"
This opening clause immediately establishes the formidable military nature and the primary offensive armament of the invading army. The "bow" (Hebrew: qesheth) and "lance" (Hebrew: kîydôwn) represent their key long-range and close-quarters weapons, indicating their readiness for direct, decisive combat and their proficiency in ancient warfare. This imagery paints a vivid picture of a well-equipped, professional, and highly dangerous foe.
"they are cruel, and will not shew mercy"
This is a profound and central characterization of the invaders. Their inherent "cruelty" (Hebrew: ʼakzârîy) and their explicit refusal to "shew mercy" (Hebrew: râcham) underscore their ruthless, unyielding, and unpitying nature. This attribute is particularly significant as it directly mirrors Babylon's own merciless treatment of its conquered peoples, especially Judah, thereby highlighting the principle of divine retribution and the fitting nature of the judgment.
"their voice shall roar like the sea"
This vivid and powerful simile conveys the overwhelming, terrifying, and all-encompassing sound of the approaching army. The "roar" (Hebrew: hâmâh) suggests a deep, tumultuous, and deafening clamor, like the crashing waves of a vast, unstoppable ocean. This potent auditory imagery is designed to evoke profound fear and panic, emphasizing the sheer scale, unstoppable momentum, and overwhelming presence of the invading force.
"and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon"
This final, expansive clause provides further crucial detail about the army's composition, mobility, and disciplined approach. Their extensive use of "horses" (Hebrew: çûwç) signifies speed, agility, and mobility, characteristics typical of formidable ancient armies known for swift conquests. The phrase "every one put in array" (Hebrew: ʻârak) powerfully emphasizes their organized, disciplined, and unified formation, indicating that this is not a chaotic mob but a highly professional, well-drilled military force. The comparison "like a man to the battle" reinforces their singular focus, unwavering determination, and readiness for intense combat. The direct and poignant address, "against thee, O daughter of Babylon," makes the target of this overwhelming and merciless force explicitly clear, confirming Babylon's inevitable and direct confrontation with this divinely orchestrated judgment.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:42 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom and divine judgment with visceral impact. Simile is prominently used, comparing the sound of the invading army to the "roar like the sea," which evokes a profound sense of overwhelming power, vastness, and terrifying inevitability, suggesting an unstoppable natural force. Another potent simile, "like a man to the battle," emphasizes the disciplined, unified, and singularly determined nature of the soldiers, each focused with unwavering resolve on the purpose of combat. Personification is powerfully evident in the direct address "O daughter of Babylon," which gives the empire a human identity, making the prophecy feel intensely direct, personal, and accusatory, as if Babylon itself is being confronted face-to-face with its judgment. The verse also relies heavily on vivid Imagery, particularly visual and auditory. The visual imagery of soldiers holding "the bow and the lance," "riding upon horses," and being "put in array" creates a clear and formidable mental picture of a well-equipped, disciplined, and highly threatening military force. The auditory imagery of their "voice" roaring like the sea adds to the overwhelming sense of terror and omnipresent threat, making the prophecy viscerally impactful and unforgettable.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jeremiah 50:42 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates unequivocally that no empire, however mighty, proud, or cruel, can ultimately escape divine accountability for its actions. Babylon's fall is presented not merely as a political or military shift but as a divinely orchestrated act of righteous retribution for its rampant idolatry, its overweening pride, and, most significantly, its merciless oppression of God's people. This highlights a fundamental biblical principle: actions have consequences, and those who sow cruelty and injustice will inevitably reap destruction. God, in His sovereign wisdom, uses even pagan nations as instruments of His judgment, demonstrating His ultimate control over the course of human history to accomplish His purposes, both in bringing righteous judgment upon the wicked and in ultimately delivering His covenant people.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 50:42, though a prophecy of ancient judgment against a historical empire, offers timeless and profound truths for reflection and application in our lives today. It powerfully reminds us that God is ultimately just, righteous, and sovereign over all human affairs and the rise and fall of nations. Even when injustice seems to prevail, and oppressors appear unstoppable or unpunished, God's divine timetable ensures that accountability will ultimately come. This truth should instill both a healthy reverence for God's righteous judgment and profound comfort for those who are oppressed, marginalized, or suffer injustice at the hands of powerful entities. It calls us, individually and collectively, to deeply examine our own hearts and actions, particularly regarding how we treat others and wield any influence or power we possess. Do we extend mercy and compassion, or are we prone to cruelty, indifference, or the abuse of authority? The fall of Babylon, a proud and merciless empire, stands as a stark and enduring warning against arrogance, the abuse of power, and the catastrophic failure to extend compassion. It urges us to walk in humility, recognizing that all authority and power ultimately derive from God and will be judged by His immutable standards of righteousness and mercy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "they" in this verse, and how did this prophecy come to pass?
"They" in Jeremiah 50:42 refers to the invading army that God would raise up to conquer Babylon. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled with astonishing precision by the Medes and Persians, united under the leadership of Cyrus the Great. In 539 BC, Cyrus's forces famously diverted the Euphrates River, which flowed under Babylon's walls, marched into the city through its dry riverbed, and captured the seemingly impregnable city without a major pitched battle. This event is recorded in ancient historical accounts (e.g., Herodotus, Xenophon) and is alluded to in biblical texts like Daniel 5, which describes the very night of Babylon's fall. The description of their ruthlessness and military precision in Jeremiah aligns remarkably with the historical accounts of their conquest.
Why is Babylon referred to as "daughter of Babylon"?
"Daughter of Babylon" is a common and significant poetic and prophetic personification used throughout the Old Testament to refer to the city or empire of Babylon itself. This literary device is similar to "daughter of Zion" (referring to Jerusalem) or "daughter of Tyre." It serves to emphasize the identity, character, and often the unique destiny of the entity being addressed. In this context, it directly addresses Babylon as the collective recipient of the prophesied judgment, making the declaration of impending destruction more poignant, personal, and inescapable for the entire empire.
How does this prophecy of judgment on Babylon relate to God's broader character and justice?
This prophecy profoundly reveals God's character as a just, righteous, and sovereign ruler who holds all nations accountable for their actions. Babylon's judgment is presented as a direct, divinely orchestrated retribution for its overweening pride, its rampant idolatry, and, most significantly, its cruel and merciless oppression of God's people, Judah. It demonstrates unequivocally that God sees injustice, hears the cries of the oppressed, and will ultimately intervene to bring about righteousness. This aligns with the pervasive biblical theme that God is not indifferent to human suffering or wickedness, and while He is abundantly merciful, He is also a God of perfect justice who ensures that what is sown will ultimately be reaped, a principle articulated clearly in Galatians 6:7.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Jeremiah 50:42 describes a specific historical judgment against ancient Babylon, its profound themes find ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all opposing powers. The merciless, irresistible force described here, with its overwhelming presence and unyielding determination, foreshadows the coming of Christ, not as an earthly conqueror wielding a bow and lance, but as the righteous Judge and victorious King, whose voice will roar with divine authority and whose judgment is absolute. Just as ancient Babylon's pride, idolatry, and cruelty led to its inevitable downfall, Christ's sacrificial work on the cross and His subsequent glorious resurrection represent the decisive victory over spiritual "Babylon"—the world system of sin, rebellion against God, and oppressive wickedness. He is the ultimate "man to the battle," perfectly arrayed, who conquers not with human weaponry but with truth, righteousness, and the power of His divine word, as vividly depicted in Revelation 19:11-16. Furthermore, while the invading army in Jeremiah showed no mercy, Christ's first coming was marked by an unparalleled outpouring of divine mercy, offering salvation and grace to all who believe, as profoundly declared in John 3:16. Yet, for those who persistently reject His gracious invitation and cling to spiritual "Babylon," His second coming will indeed be a time of righteous and unyielding judgment, where every spiritual "daughter of Babylon" will face the full weight of divine justice, ensuring that all wickedness is finally and eternally put in array against Him, as revealed in the climactic judgment scenes of Revelation 18. Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy ultimately points forward to the final, comprehensive victory of Christ, establishing a kingdom where true justice and perfect mercy will reign forevermore.