Jeremiah 50:42

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Jeremiah 50:42 describes the terrifying and relentless nature of the invading army destined to conquer Babylon, highlighting their military might and absolute lack of mercy. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Babylon, detailing its inevitable downfall as a consequence of its pride and cruelty against God's people.

Context

Chapters 50 and 51 of Jeremiah contain an extensive prophecy concerning the destruction of Babylon, the dominant world power during Jeremiah's time and the nation responsible for the Babylonian exile of Judah. This specific verse vividly portrays the characteristics of the conquerors, likely referring to the Medes and Persians, who under Cyrus the Great, would eventually overthrow Babylon in 539 BC. The description serves as a stark warning to Babylon, assuring them that the same harshness they inflicted upon others would be returned to them. The phrase "daughter of Babylon" is a poetic personification of the Babylonian empire itself.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution: The verse powerfully illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping. Babylon, which showed no mercy to its conquered peoples, especially Judah, would receive no mercy from its own conquerors. This reflects God's justice in holding nations accountable for their actions.
  • Irresistible Force: The imagery of "bow and lance," "riding upon horses," and their voice "roaring like the sea" emphasizes the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of the invading army. Their disciplined formation, "every one put in array, like a man to the battle," underscores their readiness and determination.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Empires: While Babylon was a mighty empire, this prophecy reaffirms that God is ultimately in control of world history, raising up and bringing down nations according to His divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "cruel" ('akhzari) signifies not merely harshness but a complete absence of compassion, often associated with wild animals. This highlights the invaders' ruthless efficiency and lack of human feeling towards their enemies.
  • The simile "their voice shall roar like the sea" (Hebrew: qolam kayam yehemeh) evokes the sound of a massive, tumultuous ocean, conveying the terrifying, overwhelming noise of an advancing army, designed to instill fear and panic in the enemy.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 50:42 serves as a timeless reminder of several enduring truths:

  • Justice Prevails: Even when injustice seems to triumph, God's ultimate justice will prevail. Nations and individuals are held accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of others.
  • Warning Against Arrogance: The fall of Babylon, a proud and powerful empire, is a caution against arrogance and the abuse of power. Those who wield power without mercy often face similar consequences.
  • Comfort for the Oppressed: For those suffering under oppressive regimes, this prophecy offers hope that God sees their plight and will ultimately bring about justice. The mercilessness shown by Babylon's conquerors mirrors the suffering Babylon inflicted, as seen in the laments over Jerusalem's fall.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.