Jeremiah 51:50

KJV

Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye that have escaped {H6405} the sword {H2719}, go away {H1980}, stand not still {H5975}: remember {H2142} the LORD {H3068} afar off {H7350}, and let Jerusalem {H3389} come {H5927} into your mind {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You who escaped the sword, go! Don't stand still! Remember ADONAI from afar, let Yerushalayim come into your minds.

Berean Standard Bible

You who have escaped the sword, depart and do not linger! Remember the LORD from far away, and let Jerusalem come to mind.”

American Standard Version

Ye that have escaped the sword, go ye, stand not still; remember Jehovah from afar, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:50 delivers an urgent divine command to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, urging them to flee the city before God's prophesied judgment falls upon it. It is a dual call to physical escape from impending destruction and a spiritual imperative to maintain active remembrance of the Lord and a hopeful longing for Jerusalem, even while geographically distant. This verse encapsulates themes of divine deliverance, enduring faith amidst exile, and the unwavering hope for restoration to their homeland.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's extensive prophetic pronouncements against Babylon, specifically in chapters 50-51. These chapters are a detailed oracle of judgment against Babylon, portraying it as God's instrument for punishing Judah, but now itself facing divine retribution for its arrogance and cruelty against God's people. Jeremiah 51 describes the impending downfall of Babylon, often using vivid imagery of destruction and desolation. Verse 50 serves as a direct instruction to the Jewish exiles within Babylon, providing a clear escape route and a spiritual directive amidst the chaos. It follows warnings of Babylon's impending fall and precedes further descriptions of its complete ruin, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even in their captivity. The call to remember the LORD and Jerusalem is a counter-cultural command, urging them to fix their minds on God's promises rather than succumbing to despair or assimilating into Babylonian society.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian Exile, which began in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar II. The Jewish people had been forcibly deported to Babylon, a powerful and sophisticated empire. Life in exile, while not always overtly oppressive, presented significant challenges to their religious and cultural identity. They were far from their homeland, the Temple, and the traditional centers of worship. The impending judgment on Babylon, prophesied by Jeremiah, refers to the rise of the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great, who would conquer Babylon in 539 BC. This historical event aligns with God's promise to deliver His people and bring them back to their land. Culturally, the command to "go away, stand not still" is a stark contrast to the natural human tendency to cling to familiar surroundings, even in danger. The instruction to "remember the LORD afar off" challenged them to maintain their distinct Yahwistic faith in a polytheistic environment, emphasizing a spiritual connection that transcended physical location. Their longing for Jerusalem was not merely nostalgia but a deep theological yearning for the place of God's dwelling and the restoration of their national identity.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:50 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God, who used Babylon as His rod of discipline against Judah, is also sovereign over Babylon itself and will bring about its downfall. This reveals God's ultimate control over history and nations, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 25:12](/jeremiah/25-12 "Jeremiah 25:12 - Judgment on Babylon"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Restoration** to His covenant people. Despite their exile as punishment for sin, God does not abandon them but provides a way of escape and promises a future return, a theme powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Spiritual Resilience and Remembrance**, calling the exiles to actively recall God's character and promises even when physically separated from their sacred land and Temple. This active "remembering" is not passive recollection but a dynamic engagement with God's covenant, crucial for maintaining faith and identity during prolonged adversity. Finally, it speaks to the enduring **Hope for Jerusalem and Zion**, portraying the city not just as a physical location but as the spiritual heart of their identity and the symbol of God's presence, a hope that would eventually culminate in the return from exile and the rebuilding efforts, as foreshadowed in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus and the Rebuilding of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **escaped (Hebrew, _pallêṭ'_):** This word, derived from the root meaning "to escape" or "to be delivered," emphasizes the precarious situation of the exiles. It highlights that their survival is not by their own might but by divine intervention and provision. The command to flee is for those who have already experienced a measure of God's protective hand, having survived the initial judgments and deportations. It implies a continued need for vigilance and obedience to secure ongoing deliverance from the coming destruction.
* **go away (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies movement, walking, or going in a variety of applications. In this context, it carries an urgent imperative to depart swiftly and decisively. Coupled with "stand not still," it conveys a sense of urgency and a complete disengagement from Babylon. It's not merely a suggestion but a divine command to initiate immediate action, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's timing and instruction for their preservation.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This word is far richer than simple intellectual recall. It means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." It often implies an active, intentional bringing to mind with a view to action, loyalty, or acknowledgment. For the exiles, it meant actively recalling God's past faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His sovereign character, even in their desperate situation. This active remembrance was intended to inspire trust, obedience, and hope, preventing assimilation into pagan culture and fostering a distinct identity rooted in their relationship with Yahweh.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This name, likely meaning "founded peaceful," refers to the capital city of Palestine, the spiritual and political heart of Israel. In this verse, "let Jerusalem come into your mind" signifies more than mere nostalgia for a lost city. It represents the profound longing for their homeland, the place of God's Temple, and the center of their national and religious identity. It points to a future hope of restoration, the re-establishment of their worship, and the fulfillment of God's promises concerning His holy city. It serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding them of their true heritage and ultimate destination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye that have escaped the sword,"**: This opening clause identifies the recipients of the message: those Jewish exiles who have already survived the initial devastation of Judah and the subsequent deportations. The "sword" here is a metonymy for the destructive power of war and judgment, specifically referring to the Babylonian conquest. It highlights their status as survivors, already spared by God's providence, and now being given further instruction for their preservation from Babylon's impending fall.
* **"go away, stand not still:"**: This is a double imperative, emphasizing the urgency and decisiveness required. "Go away" (Hebrew: _hâlak_) commands immediate departure, while "stand not still" (Hebrew: _ʻâmad_) prohibits lingering, hesitation, or attachment to Babylon. It's a call to complete disengagement from a system marked for divine judgment, stressing the importance of obedience to God's timing and direction for their safety.
* **"remember the LORD afar off,"**: This clause shifts from physical action to spiritual disposition. "Remember" (Hebrew: _zâkar_) implies an active, intentional recollection that leads to loyalty and action. "The LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to the covenant God of Israel. "Afar off" signifies their physical distance from Jerusalem and the Temple, the traditional locus of God's presence. Despite this distance, they are commanded to maintain a vibrant, active remembrance of God's character, His promises, and His past acts of salvation, fostering spiritual resilience in a foreign land.
* **"and let Jerusalem come into your mind."**: This final clause complements the remembrance of the Lord, focusing on their homeland. "Jerusalem" (Hebrew: _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_) represents not just a city, but their national and spiritual identity, the place of God's presence, and the symbol of their covenant. To "let Jerusalem come into your mind" (literally, "let Jerusalem ascend upon your heart/mind") means to hold it in their thoughts, to long for its restoration, and to maintain hope for their return. It serves as a powerful reminder of their true home and future, preventing assimilation and fostering a sense of divine purpose even in exile.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The use of **Imperative Mood** in "go away," "stand not still," and "remember" creates a strong, direct command, emphasizing the divine authority behind the instruction and the necessity of immediate obedience. The phrase "escaped the sword" uses **Metonymy**, where "sword" stands for the violence and destruction of war, specifically the Babylonian conquest and its aftermath. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Warning**, delivering a divine message about future events (Babylon's fall) and providing specific instructions for those affected. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between staying and going, between forgetting and remembering, highlighting the critical choice facing the exiles. Furthermore, the two spiritual commands—"remember the LORD afar off" and "let Jerusalem come into your mind"—exhibit a form of **Parallelism**, linking their devotion to God with their hope for their homeland, showing that these two aspects of their faith are intrinsically connected.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:50 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over nations, His faithfulness to His covenant people, and the nature of true spiritual remembrance. It reveals that even in the midst of divine judgment on a wicked empire, God meticulously cares for His scattered flock, providing a path to safety and a call to spiritual steadfastness. The command to flee Babylon foreshadows a broader biblical principle of separation from corrupt systems that stand in opposition to God. The dual call to remember the LORD and Jerusalem highlights the inseparable link between active devotion to God and the hope for His promised future, demonstrating that true faith is sustained not by physical proximity to sacred sites, but by an internal, active recollection of God's character and promises. This active remembrance serves as a spiritual anchor, preserving identity and hope amidst displacement and despair, ultimately pointing to God's unwavering commitment to His people's restoration and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

* [Isaiah 48:20](/isaiah/48-20 "Isaiah 48:20 - Call to Flee Babylon")
* [Psalm 137:1-6](/psalms/137-1 "Psalm 137:1-6 - Longing for Zion in Exile")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:50 offers timeless principles for believers navigating a fallen world. Just as the exiles were called to physically flee a condemned Babylon, we are called to spiritually "go away" and "stand not still" from the "Babylon" of our age—any system, ideology, or cultural influence that opposes God's truth and seeks to compromise our faith. This involves a conscious, active disengagement from worldly values and pursuits that can hinder our spiritual walk, prioritizing God's kingdom over earthly attachments. Furthermore, the imperative to "remember the LORD afar off" remains vital. In a world that often feels distant from God's ideal, we are constantly challenged to actively recall His character, His unwavering promises, and His past faithfulness. This remembrance is not passive nostalgia but an active, intentional cultivation of our relationship with Him, strengthening our faith, providing comfort in adversity, and guiding our decisions. Finally, letting "Jerusalem come into your mind" translates to fixing our minds on our ultimate, heavenly hope in Christ—the New Jerusalem, our eternal home. This heavenly perspective empowers us to live with purpose and perseverance, knowing that our true citizenship is in heaven and our ultimate destiny is with God, enabling us to navigate earthly trials with joy and anticipation of His glorious return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylons" (systems, influences, or attachments) in my life might God be calling me to "go away" from or "stand not still" in?**
* **How can I cultivate a more active and intentional "remembrance of the LORD" in my daily life, especially when I feel distant or overwhelmed by circumstances?**
* **In what ways does my hope for the "New Jerusalem" (my eternal home with Christ) influence my present decisions, priorities, and resilience in the face of earthly challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "remember the LORD afar off" mean for the exiles in Babylon?**

Answer: For the exiles, "remember the LORD afar off" was a profound spiritual directive. It meant that despite being physically distant from Jerusalem and the Temple, the central place of their worship and God's manifest presence, they were to actively and intentionally recall God's character, His covenant promises, and His past acts of salvation. The Hebrew word for "remember" (_zâkar_) implies more than mere intellectual recollection; it suggests bringing something to mind with the intention to act upon it, to acknowledge, and to be loyal. It was a command to maintain their distinct Yahwistic faith and identity in a pagan land, trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness even when circumstances seemed bleak. This active remembrance was crucial for their spiritual survival and for sustaining their hope for restoration, as seen in [Psalm 137:1-6](/psalms/137-1 "Psalm 137:1-6 - Longing for Zion in Exile").

**Why was it so important for them to "go away, stand not still" from Babylon?**

Answer: The command to "go away, stand not still" was an urgent divine imperative for the exiles to physically separate themselves from Babylon before God's prophesied judgment fell upon the city. Babylon, though a powerful empire, was marked for destruction due to its arrogance, idolatry, and cruelty, especially towards God's people. Lingering in Babylon would have meant being caught in the impending devastation. This command highlights God's protective care for His people, even in judgment, and His desire for them to disassociate from a system that stood in direct opposition to Him. It foreshadows later biblical calls for God's people to "come out" of corrupt systems, as echoed in [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Babylon"). Their obedience to this command was essential for their physical safety and their spiritual distinction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:50, while directly addressing the Jewish exiles in Babylon, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The physical escape from a condemned earthly city foreshadows the spiritual deliverance offered through Christ from the "Babylon" of sin and the world system. Believers are called to "come out from them and be separate" ([2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Be Separate")) from the corrupting influences of the world, just as the exiles were to flee literal Babylon. The command to "remember the LORD afar off" points to the ongoing spiritual remembrance of God's character and promises, now fully revealed in Jesus Christ. We are called to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Fix Your Eyes on Jesus")), actively recalling His sacrifice, resurrection, and reign. This spiritual remembrance sustains us in our earthly pilgrimage, which often feels "afar off" from the perfect presence of God. Finally, the longing for Jerusalem finds its ultimate fulfillment in the heavenly Jerusalem, the New Jerusalem, which is Christ's eternal kingdom and the dwelling place of God with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Our minds are to be set on "things above, not on earthly things" ([Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")), anticipating the glorious return of Christ and our eternal home with Him, where there will be no more sorrow or separation ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, the ancient call to flee, remember, and hope becomes a powerful blueprint for the Christian life, lived in anticipation of Christ's full and final redemption.

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 44:28

Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs.

Psalms 122:6

¶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

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.

Ezra 1:3

Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.

Ezra 1:5

¶ Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all [them] whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem.

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.

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.