Jeremiah 50:42

KJV

They shall hold the bow and the lance: they [are] cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, [every one] put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall hold {H2388} the bow {H7198} and the lance {H3591}: they are cruel {H394}, and will not shew mercy {H7355}: their voice {H6963} shall roar {H1993} like the sea {H3220}, and they shall ride {H7392} upon horses {H5483}, every one put in array {H6186}, like a man {H376} to the battle {H4421}, against thee, O daughter {H1323} of Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are armed with bow and spear; they are cruel, without compassion; their sound is like the roaring sea, as they ride forth on horses. Their men take their battle positions against you, daughter of Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon.

American Standard Version

They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, every one set in array, as a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:42 vividly portrays the terrifying and relentless characteristics of the invading army destined to conquer Babylon. It highlights their formidable military might, their absolute lack of mercy, and their overwhelming presence, emphasizing the certain and devastating judgment awaiting the proud Babylonian empire. This verse serves as a stark declaration of divine retribution, underscoring the principle that Babylon, which showed no mercy to others, would receive none in return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:42 is situated within a lengthy and comprehensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This extensive prophecy is unique in its singular 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 reasons for Babylon's judgment—its pride, idolatry, and especially its cruel oppression of God's people, Judah. Verses like [Jeremiah 50:1](/jeremiah/50-1 "Jeremiah 50:1 - The Prophecy Against Babylon") introduce the theme of Babylon's destruction, while [Jeremiah 50:33-34](/jeremiah/50-33 "Jeremiah 50:33-34 - Israel's Redeemer") explicitly links Israel's suffering to Babylon's actions, setting the 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BC), Babylon was the dominant world power, having overthrown Assyria and conquered Judah, leading to the Babylonian Exile (586 BC). The empire was renowned for its military prowess, its magnificent capital city, and its brutal policies towards conquered peoples, including the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. The "they" in this verse refers to the Medes and Persians, who, under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, would indeed conquer Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling this prophecy with astonishing precision. The description of their military formation, weaponry, and merciless nature reflects the common understanding of ancient warfare, where conquering armies often showed no quarter to their enemies. 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 within Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution** and **Poetic Justice**. Babylon, having shown no mercy to its captives, would suffer the same fate, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Deserved Punishment"). Secondly, the description of the invading army as an **Irresistible Force** emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history. Despite Babylon's immense power and fortifications, God orchestrates its downfall through instruments of His choosing, demonstrating that no human empire can ultimately withstand His decree. This theme is echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-3 - God Anoints Cyrus") where Cyrus is named as God's chosen instrument. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Oppression**. Babylon's arrogance and cruelty, particularly against God's covenant people, are presented as the direct cause of its catastrophic judgment, serving as a timeless warning against the abuse of power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cruel (Hebrew, _ʼakzârî'_):** From the root meaning "terrible," this word signifies not merely harshness but a complete and utter absence of compassion, often associated with the ferocity 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.
* **Roar (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** This primitive root describes making a loud sound, often implying great commotion, tumult, or rage. It evokes the deep, resonant, and terrifying sound of a massive, advancing army, akin to the tumultuous noise of a raging sea. This auditory imagery emphasizes the overwhelming and fear-inducing presence of the invaders, designed to strike terror into the hearts of their enemies.
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** While literally meaning "daughter," in this context, it is a common poetic personification of a city or nation. "Daughter of Babylon" refers to the city of Babylon or the Babylonian empire itself, often implying its identity, character, and destiny. Here, it serves as a direct address to the entity facing God's judgment, emphasizing its collective identity as the recipient of the prophesied destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall hold the bow and the lance":** This clause immediately establishes the military nature and formidable armament of the invading army. The "bow" (Hebrew: _qesheth_) and "lance" (Hebrew: _kîydôwn_) represent their primary offensive weapons, indicating their readiness for direct combat and their skill in warfare. This imagery paints a picture of a well-equipped and dangerous foe.
* **"they are cruel, and will not shew mercy":** This is a critical characterization of the invaders. Their "cruelty" (Hebrew: _ʼakzârîy_) and refusal to "shew mercy" (Hebrew: _râcham_) underscore their ruthless and unyielding nature. This attribute is particularly significant as it mirrors Babylon's own merciless treatment of its conquered peoples, especially Judah, highlighting the principle of divine retribution.
* **"their voice shall roar like the sea":** This vivid simile conveys the overwhelming and terrifying sound of the approaching army. The "roar" (Hebrew: _hâmâh_) suggests a deep, tumultuous, and deafening clamor, like the crashing waves of a vast ocean. This auditory imagery is designed to evoke fear and panic, emphasizing the sheer scale and unstoppable momentum 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 detail about the army's composition and disciplined approach. Their use of "horses" (Hebrew: _çûwç_) signifies speed and mobility, typical of formidable ancient armies. The phrase "every one put in array" (Hebrew: _ʻârak_) emphasizes their organized, disciplined, and unified formation, not a chaotic mob but a professional military force. The comparison "like a man to the battle" reinforces their singular focus and determination. The direct address, "against thee, O daughter of Babylon," makes the target of this overwhelming force explicit, confirming Babylon's inevitable confrontation with this merciless judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:42 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. **Simile** is prominently used, comparing the sound of the invading army to the "roar like the sea," which evokes a sense of overwhelming power, vastness, and terrifying inevitability. Another simile, "like a man to the battle," emphasizes the disciplined, unified, and determined nature of the soldiers, each focused on the singular purpose of combat. **Personification** is evident in the address "O daughter of Babylon," which gives the empire a human identity, making the prophecy feel more direct and personal, as if Babylon itself is being confronted. The verse also relies heavily on **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 mental picture of a formidable and disciplined military force. The auditory imagery of their "voice" roaring like the sea adds to the sense of terror and overwhelming presence, making the prophecy viscerally impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:42 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no empire, however mighty or cruel, can ultimately escape divine accountability. Babylon's fall is not merely a political shift but a divinely orchestrated act of retribution for its pride, idolatry, and especially its merciless oppression of God's people. This highlights the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and those who sow cruelty will reap destruction. God uses even pagan nations as instruments of His judgment, demonstrating His ultimate control over human history to accomplish His purposes, both in bringing judgment upon the wicked and in ultimately delivering His people.

* [Isaiah 13:17-18](/isaiah/13-17 "Isaiah 13:17-18 - Medes as God's Instrument"): Prophesies the Medes, who "do not regard silver and do not delight in gold," as God's instrument against Babylon, emphasizing their ruthless and unstoppable nature.
* [Psalm 137:8](/psalms/137-8 "Psalm 137:8 - Daughter of Babylon, Doomed to Destruction"): A lament that pronounces a blessing on those who will repay "daughter of Babylon" for the evil she inflicted upon Jerusalem, echoing the theme of poetic justice.
* [Revelation 18:6](/revelation/18-6 "Revelation 18:6 - Babylon's Judgment in Revelation"): In the New Testament, the judgment on "Babylon the Great" is described in terms that explicitly call for her to be "paid back double according to her deeds," directly reflecting the principle of retribution seen in Jeremiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:42, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, offers timeless truths for reflection and application in our lives today. It powerfully reminds us that God is ultimately just and sovereign over all human affairs. Even when injustice seems to prevail, and oppressors appear unstoppable, God's divine timetable ensures that accountability will come. This should instill both a healthy fear of God's righteous judgment and profound comfort for those who are oppressed or suffer injustice. It calls us to examine our own hearts and actions, particularly regarding how we treat others. Do we show mercy, or are we prone to cruelty and indifference? The fall of Babylon, a proud and merciless empire, stands as a stark warning against arrogance, the abuse of power, and the 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 standards of righteousness and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the invading army's cruelty challenge our understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or collectively, be tempted to act without mercy, and what are the potential consequences?**
* **How does the truth of God's sovereignty over nations provide comfort or challenge in our contemporary world?**
* **What practical steps can we take to embody mercy and justice in our daily lives, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in this verse, and how did this prophecy come to pass?**

Answer: "They" refers to the invading army that God would raise up to conquer Babylon. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled by the Medes and Persians, united under Cyrus the Great. In 539 BC, Cyrus's forces famously diverted the Euphrates River, marched into Babylon through its dry riverbed, and captured the city without a major battle, as recorded in historical accounts and alluded to in biblical texts like [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and Babylon's Fall"). The description of their ruthlessness and military precision aligns with the historical accounts of their conquest.

**Why is Babylon referred to as "daughter of Babylon"?**

Answer: "Daughter of Babylon" is a common poetic and prophetic personification used in 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 emphasizes the identity and character of the entity being addressed, often highlighting its unique destiny or role in God's plan. In this context, it directly addresses Babylon as the recipient of the prophesied judgment, making the declaration more poignant and personal.

**How does this prophecy of judgment on Babylon relate to God's broader character and justice?**

Answer: This prophecy profoundly reveals God's character as a just and righteous sovereign who holds nations accountable for their actions. Babylon's judgment is presented as divine retribution for its pride, idolatry, and especially its cruel oppression of God's people, Judah. It demonstrates that God sees injustice and will ultimately intervene to bring about righteousness. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is not indifferent to human suffering or wickedness, and while He is merciful, He is also a God of justice who ensures that what is sown will be reaped, as seen in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 50:42 describes a historical judgment against ancient Babylon, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing powers. The merciless, irresistible force described here foreshadows the coming of Christ, not as an earthly conqueror with a bow and lance, but as the righteous Judge and victorious King, whose voice will roar with divine authority. Just as Babylon's pride and cruelty led to its downfall, Christ's work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection represent the decisive victory over spiritual "Babylon"—the world system of sin, rebellion, and oppression. He is the ultimate "man to the battle," perfectly arrayed, who conquers not with human weaponry but with truth and righteousness, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Victorious Rider"). Furthermore, while the invading army showed no mercy, Christ's first coming was marked by an outpouring of divine mercy, offering salvation to all who believe, as declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). Yet, for those who reject His mercy, His second coming will be a time of righteous 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 [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great"). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy points to the final, comprehensive victory of Christ, establishing a kingdom where true justice and mercy will reign forever.

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 5:30

And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if [one] look unto the land, behold darkness [and] sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Jeremiah 8:16

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

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.

Jeremiah 47:3

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong [horses], at the rushing of his chariots, [and at] the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to [their] children for feebleness of hands;

Isaiah 13:17

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

Isaiah 13:18

[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Psalms 74:20

Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.