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Jeremiah 50:13

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Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Because of the wrath {H7110} of the LORD {H3068} it shall not be inhabited {H3427}, but it shall be wholly desolate {H8077}: every one that goeth {H5674} by Babylon {H894} shall be astonished {H8074}, and hiss {H8319} at all her plagues {H4347}.

Because of the anger of ADONAI, no one will live there any more; all of it will be desolate. Everyone passing Bavel will whistle in shock at all her plagues.

Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.

Because of the wrath of Jehovah she shall not be inhabited, but she shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 50:13 (KJV)

Jeremiah 50:13 is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the utter destruction and desolation of ancient Babylon. It emphasizes that this catastrophic end would be a direct result of God's divine wrath, leaving the once-mighty city abandoned and a spectacle of ruin for all who passed by.

Context

This verse is part of a significant section in the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 50-51) dedicated entirely to prophecies against Babylon, the Neo-Babylonian Empire. At the time of Jeremiah's ministry, Babylon was the dominant world power, having conquered Judah and carried its people into exile. While God had used Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Judah for its sins (as seen in Jeremiah 25:11), these chapters make it clear that Babylon itself would face severe judgment for its own immense pride, idolatry, and cruelty towards God's people. The prophecy foretells a complete and lasting downfall, a recurring theme also found in the prophecies of Isaiah and echoed in the Book of Revelation concerning 'Babylon the Great'.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The phrase "Because of the wrath of the LORD" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous judgment against nations that oppose Him and oppress His people. This is not arbitrary anger but a just response to Babylon's immense sin.
  • Total Desolation: The declaration that Babylon "shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate" emphasizes the complete and lasting ruin of the city. This was not a temporary setback but an irreversible abandonment, a stark warning about the ultimate consequences of rebellion against God.
  • Public Spectacle of Ruin: The image of passersby being "astonished, and hiss at all her plagues" signifies the public shame and utter contempt that would accompany Babylon's catastrophic end. It serves as a powerful testament to the irreversible nature of divine retribution and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse convey a profound sense of devastation and public reaction. The word for "desolate" (šammâ) often implies not just emptiness but a horrifying ruin that evokes astonishment. Similarly, "astonished" (šāmam) shares a root with desolation, suggesting that the very state of ruin would cause shock. To "hiss" (šāraq) implies a sound of contempt, scorn, or even a mournful whistle, conveying the utter disdain and horror of those witnessing Babylon's demise.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 50:13 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Justice is Sure: This prophecy serves as a timeless reminder that no empire, no matter how powerful or seemingly invincible, is beyond God's ultimate judgment. It reassures God's people that He sees their suffering and will bring justice to their oppressors.
  • Warning Against Pride: The downfall of Babylon, a city renowned for its arrogance and defiance, challenges us to consider the dangers of pride and arrogance, which were hallmarks of ancient Babylon and remain destructive forces today.
  • Affirmation of God's Word: Ultimately, this verse affirms the certainty of God's prophetic word and His unwavering commitment to justice. What God declares will surely come to pass, providing comfort and hope to those who trust in Him.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Jeremiah 18:16 (5 votes)

    To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

  • Jeremiah 49:17 (4 votes)

    Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

  • Zephaniah 2:15 (2 votes)

    This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

  • Zechariah 1:15 (2 votes)

    And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

  • Jeremiah 25:12 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

  • Job 27:23 (2 votes)

    [Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

  • Lamentations 2:15 (2 votes)

    All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?