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Jeremiah 50:32

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And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

And the most proud {H2087} shall stumble {H3782} and fall {H5307}, and none shall raise him up {H6965}: and I will kindle {H3341} a fire {H784} in his cities {H5892}, and it shall devour {H398} all round about {H5439} him.

The arrogant [nation] will stumble and fall, and no one will lift him up again. I will set his cities on fire, and it will devour everything around him."

The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities to consume all those around him.”

And the proud one shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up; and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all that are round about him.

Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 50:32

Jeremiah 50:32 is part of a significant prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 50-51) detailing God's impending judgment against Babylon, the mighty empire that had conquered Judah and taken its people into exile. At the height of its power, Babylon was characterized by immense wealth, military strength, and notorious arrogance, particularly in its defiance of the God of Israel. This verse specifically targets Babylon, referred to as "the most proud," declaring its inevitable downfall as a divine act of retribution for its hubris and its actions against God's chosen people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment Against Pride: The verse powerfully asserts that Babylon's downfall is a direct consequence of its overwhelming arrogance. God unequivocally opposes human pride, especially when it manifests as defiance against Him or oppression of His people. This echoes the universal biblical principle that pride goeth before destruction.
  • Irreversible Ruin: The phrase "none shall raise him up" emphasizes the finality and totality of Babylon's destruction. Once God's judgment is unleashed, no human power, no alliance, and no military might will be able to restore the fallen empire. This underscores the absolute power of God's decree.
  • God's Sovereign Control: Despite Babylon's perceived invincibility, God declares, "I will kindle a fire in his cities." This highlights His ultimate sovereignty over nations and history, demonstrating that He is the one who raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His divine will.
  • Retribution for Injustice: While not explicit in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecy indicates that Babylon's judgment is also a just recompense for its cruelty towards Judah and its idolatrous defiance of the one true God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the most proud" translates the Hebrew word zadon (זָדוֹן), which signifies deep-seated insolence, arrogance, or presumptuous pride. It denotes a haughty spirit that is defiant and rebellious, often specifically against God or His established order. This is not merely confidence but an overbearing, self-exalting pride that refuses to acknowledge any higher authority, making it a particularly offensive characteristic in God's eyes.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jeremiah 50:32 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride, both for individuals and nations. It teaches us that:

  • Pride Precedes a Fall: Arrogance and self-sufficiency, especially when they lead to defiance of God, inevitably lead to a downfall. Humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty, is essential for stability and blessing.
  • God's Justice Prevails: Even when powerful, oppressive forces seem unchallengeable, God's justice will ultimately prevail. This offers hope to the oppressed and a sober warning to those who act with impunity.
  • No One Is Above God: The mightiest empires and the most influential people are still subject to God's ultimate authority. His judgment is certain and irreversible when His patience runs out. The historical fall of Babylon, a powerful empire, serves as a powerful testament to this truth, a theme echoed in prophetic visions of a symbolic Babylon's fall in Revelation 18:21.
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 21:14 (5 votes)

    But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.

  • Jeremiah 49:27 (5 votes)

    And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.

  • Isaiah 10:12 (4 votes)

    Wherefore it shall come to pass, [that] when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

  • Isaiah 10:15 (4 votes)

    Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

  • Amos 2:5 (3 votes)

    But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.

  • Revelation 18:8 (3 votes)

    Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

  • Amos 1:4 (2 votes)

    But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad.