Jeremiah 50:8

KJV

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remove {H5110} out of the midst {H8432} of Babylon {H894}, and go forth {H3318}{H3318} out of the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, and be as the he goats {H6260} before {H6440} the flocks {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Flee from Bavel! Leave the land of the Kasdim! Be like male goats leading the flock;

Berean Standard Bible

Flee from the midst of Babylon; depart from the land of the Chaldeans; be like the he-goats that lead the flock.

American Standard Version

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he-goats before the flocks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:8 issues a divine imperative for the exiled people of Judah to depart swiftly and decisively from Babylon, the land of their captivity, before God's impending judgment falls upon the oppressive empire. This prophetic command not only calls for a physical exodus but also an active, courageous leadership in their return, likening them to he-goats leading a flock, emphasizing a bold and unified movement away from the doomed city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:8 is embedded within a comprehensive oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. These chapters represent one of the longest prophetic denunciations in the Old Testament, detailing Babylon's impending destruction as divine retribution for its arrogance against God and its cruel treatment of Judah. Amidst these pronouncements of judgment, the prophet Jeremiah interjects a direct command to the exiled Israelites to separate themselves from Babylon, highlighting God's protective care for His people even as He executes judgment on their oppressors. This verse serves as a crucial pivot, shifting from the declaration of Babylon's doom to a specific instruction for Judah's deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian Exile, which began with the siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC and culminated in the destruction of the city and temple in 586 BC. The Chaldeans were the dominant ethnic group within the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had conquered Judah and deported its inhabitants. Babylon itself was a magnificent, powerful, and idolatrous city, considered the pinnacle of ancient Near Eastern civilization. For the exiles, Babylon represented both their captor and a place of potential assimilation. The command to "remove out of the midst of Babylon" was a call to physically escape a place of impending destruction, but also culturally and spiritually to disengage from its pagan influence. This echoes earlier divine calls for separation, such as Abraham's departure from Ur of the Chaldees or the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Departure from Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God uses nations as instruments of His will (like Babylon punishing Judah) but also holds those nations accountable for their pride and cruelty (Babylon's downfall). Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Restoration** of His covenant people; even in exile, God provides a way for their return and renewal. Thirdly, the command to "remove" and "go forth" emphasizes **Separation and Purity**, urging God's people to distinguish themselves from the corrupting influences of the world. Finally, the imagery of "he goats before the flocks" introduces the theme of **Courageous Leadership and Initiative** in response to God's call, contrasting with passive resignation or fear, and foreshadowing the eventual return to Zion as seen in passages like [Isaiah 48:20](/isaiah/48-20 "Isaiah 48:20 - Call to Depart from Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remove (Hebrew, _nûwd'_):** This primitive root means "to nod, i.e. waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear." While it can imply a gentle movement, in this imperative context, it conveys an urgent and decisive departure, a shaking off or a fleeing from a place. It suggests a complete disassociation and movement away from the impending disaster.
* **go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** A very common and versatile primitive root, meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out." It denotes an active, outward movement or exit. Paired with "remove," it reinforces the imperative for a clear and unambiguous departure from Babylon, emphasizing not just leaving but actively stepping out and away.
* **he goats (Hebrew, _ʻattûwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "prepared" or "full grown," this term refers specifically to mature male goats or rams. Figuratively, it is used to describe leaders of the people. These animals are known for their strength, their tendency to lead the flock, and their decisive, often fearless, movement. This metaphor powerfully conveys the expected manner of departure: not timidly or hesitantly, but with strength, confidence, and leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remove out of the midst of Babylon":** This is a direct, urgent command for the exiles to physically evacuate the city of Babylon. "Midst" (H8432, _tâvek_) implies leaving the very heart and center of the empire, suggesting a complete break from its influence and impending doom. It is a call to disentangle themselves from the system and society of their captors.
* **"and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans":** This clause reinforces the previous command, broadening the scope from the city itself to the entire territory controlled by the Chaldeans (H3778, _Kasdîy_). The repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the departure – not just from the city, but from the entire dominion of the Babylonian empire, signifying a total separation from their oppressive rule.
* **"and be as the he goats before the flocks":** This powerful metaphorical command instructs the exiles on *how* they are to depart. Instead of being like timid sheep, they are to act like strong, leading he-goats (H6260, _ʻattûwd_), who confidently lead the way for the rest of the flock (H6629, _tsôʼn_). This implies a swift, organized, and courageous exodus, with the exiles taking initiative and demonstrating bold leadership rather than passively waiting or hesitating.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "be as the he goats before the flocks." This vivid imagery immediately conjures a picture of strong, decisive leadership, contrasting sharply with the typical portrayal of sheep as vulnerable and dependent. It transforms the exiles from passive captives into active, courageous agents of their own deliverance. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood** throughout ("Remove," "go forth," "be"), creating a sense of direct command and urgency, demanding immediate action rather than contemplation. Furthermore, there is a degree of **Parallelism** in the repeated calls to depart ("Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans"), which serves to emphasize the comprehensive and unavoidable nature of the required exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:8 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, particularly His call for His people to separate from worldly systems and anticipate His ultimate judgment. This command to depart from Babylon is not merely a historical instruction but a prophetic archetype for divine separation and the urgency of responding to God's call for deliverance. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, demonstrating His power to raise up empires and to bring them down, always with the ultimate purpose of preserving and purifying His covenant people. The call to be "as the he goats" also highlights God's expectation for His people to act with courage and initiative in their faith journey, not passively awaiting deliverance but actively participating in their spiritual and physical liberation.

* [Isaiah 48:20](/isaiah/48-20 "Isaiah 48:20 - Departure from Babylon") - "Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob."
* [Zechariah 2:7](/zechariah/2-7 "Zechariah 2:7 - Flee from Babylon") - "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon."
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Her, My People") - "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:8 offers a timeless spiritual principle for believers today. While the literal command was for ancient Israel to flee geographical Babylon, its deeper meaning calls us to discern and separate from any "Babylon" in our lives – any system, ideology, or lifestyle that stands in opposition to God's kingdom and threatens to entangle us in its impending judgment. This separation is not merely physical but primarily spiritual and ethical, requiring us to actively disengage from worldly values, sinful practices, and corrupting influences that seek to hold us captive. Furthermore, the imagery of the "he goats" challenges us to move with courage, initiative, and leadership in our faith. We are not called to be timid or passive followers, but to be bold in our convictions, leading the way in righteousness and actively pursuing God's will, even when it means going against the current of popular culture or personal comfort. This verse urges us to live with an awareness of God's ultimate judgment on all unrighteousness and to align ourselves fully with His redemptive purposes, actively pursuing holiness and leading others towards the path of liberation found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylonian" influences or systems in my life or culture am I being called to "remove out of the midst of" today?**
* **In what areas of my faith walk am I called to act more like a "he goat" – with courage, initiative, and leadership – rather than passively following?**
* **How does the impending judgment on Babylon inform my urgency to live a life of separation and holiness in anticipation of God's ultimate justice?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the exiles to leave Babylon?**

Answer: It was crucial for the exiles to leave Babylon for several reasons. Primarily, God had declared impending judgment upon Babylon for its idolatry, arrogance, and cruelty, particularly against His people. Remaining in Babylon would mean being caught in the destruction. Secondly, their departure was essential for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding their return to the land of Judah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. It marked a physical and spiritual separation from a pagan empire, allowing them to reconstitute themselves as God's distinct people, preparing for the spiritual renewal and restoration that God had promised. This call to "go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans" was a divine act of rescue and a command for obedience, ensuring their safety and the continuation of their national and religious identity.

**What does "be as the he goats before the flocks" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, the command to "be as the he goats before the flocks" is a powerful metaphor for courageous and proactive spiritual leadership. He-goats are known for their strength, determination, and tendency to lead the flock. This imagery encourages us not to be timid, hesitant, or merely passive followers in our faith. Instead, it calls us to be bold, to take initiative in obedience to God's commands, to lead by example in righteousness, and to actively move forward in faith, even when facing challenges or uncertainty. It signifies a call to spiritual maturity and a willingness to step out in faith, guiding others through our steadfast commitment to Christ, much like Jesus Himself leads His flock as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:8 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the true and ultimate Leader of God's people in a new and greater exodus. Just as ancient Israel was called to depart from physical Babylon, believers in Christ are called to "come out" of spiritual Babylon—the world system alienated from God, characterized by sin, idolatry, and rebellion, as powerfully depicted in [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come out of her, my people"). Jesus Himself leads this spiritual exodus, not merely from a geographic location but from the dominion of sin and death. He is the "he goat" par excellence, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who decisively leads His flock through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, paving the way for our liberation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ provides the means for us to "remove" ourselves from the "midst" of spiritual bondage and "go forth" into the freedom of His kingdom. He is our Shepherd who goes before us, guiding us into truth and righteousness, enabling us to live as a distinct people, separated unto God, and anticipating the glorious consummation of His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more "Babylon" to flee from, only the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem") where God dwells with His people.

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 48:20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Jeremiah 51:6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Jeremiah 51:45

My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Numbers 16:26

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Zechariah 2:6

¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.