Jeremiah 50:7

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

All that found {H4672} them have devoured {H398} them: and their adversaries {H6862} said {H559}, We offend {H816} not, because they have sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068}, the habitation {H5116} of justice {H6664}, even the LORD {H3068}, the hope {H4723} of their fathers {H1}.

Everyone finding them ate them up. Their enemies said, 'We aren't guilty; for they sinned against ADONAI, the resting place of justice; yes, against ADONAI, their ancestors' hope.'

All who found them devoured them, and their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’

All that found them have devoured them; and their adversaries said, We are not guilty, because they have sinned against Jehovah, the habitation of righteousness, even Jehovah, the hope of their fathers.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 50 is part of a larger prophetic message concerning the future judgment of Babylon, the nation that had conquered Judah and taken its people into exile. However, this specific verse, Jeremiah 50:7, provides a crucial insight into why Israel itself suffered this calamity. It reflects on the prevailing attitude of the conquering nations towards Israel, acknowledging that their actions were seen as justified due to Israel's profound disobedience to God. This period of Babylonian exile was a direct consequence of Judah's turning away from the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justification for Judgment: The verse reveals the adversaries' perspective: "We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD." This highlights God's sovereignty, where He can use even pagan nations as instruments of His judgment against His own people when they persist in sin. This principle is also seen in God using Assyria against Israel in Isaiah 10:5.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Israel's vulnerability and suffering ("All that found them have devoured them") are directly attributed to their sin against the LORD. This underscores a foundational biblical truth: disobedience to God's covenant leads to severe consequences, a theme extensively warned about in the Law, particularly in Deuteronomy 28.
  • God as the True Source of Justice and Hope: Despite Israel's failures and the ensuing judgment, the verse powerfully describes God as "the habitation of justice" and "the hope of their fathers." This emphasizes His unchanging character—He is inherently just and remains the ultimate source of hope, even when His people are unfaithful.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "the habitation of justice" (Hebrew: נְוֵה־צֶדֶק, n'veh-tzedeq) is profound. It portrays God not merely as possessing justice, but as being the very dwelling place, source, and embodiment of righteousness. His nature is the standard and origin of all true justice.
  • "The hope of their fathers" connects Israel's present suffering with their rich covenant history. Despite their current plight, the Lord remains the same faithful God who made promises to their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). This serves as a reminder that even in judgment, God's covenant faithfulness and His past acts of deliverance provide the true basis for future hope, as seen in Psalm 22:4.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the serious nature of sin and its consequences. Just as ancient Israel faced judgment for its unfaithfulness, so too do individuals and nations experience the repercussions of turning away from God's righteous standards. It highlights:

  • The Gravity of Sin: Disobeying God makes us vulnerable and can lead to difficult circumstances. Our actions have consequences, and ultimately, sin is against God Himself (Psalm 51:4).
  • God's Unchanging Character: Even amidst judgment, God remains "the habitation of justice" and the "hope of their fathers." He is consistently righteous and faithful to His promises. Our hope should always be anchored in His steadfast character, not in our own merits or fleeting circumstances.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: While human adversaries may feel justified in their actions, ultimate justice resides with God. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect judgment and His eventual restoration for those who turn to Him, even when the path is difficult.
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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

  • Jeremiah 14:8 (5 votes)

    O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man [that] turneth aside to tarry for a night?

  • Jeremiah 2:3 (5 votes)

    Israel [was] holiness unto the LORD, [and] the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.

  • Zechariah 11:5 (4 votes)

    Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed [be] the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.

  • Jeremiah 40:2 (4 votes)

    And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place.

  • Jeremiah 40:3 (4 votes)

    Now the LORD hath brought [it], and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you.

  • Jeremiah 31:23 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, [and] mountain of holiness.

  • Jeremiah 50:17 (3 votes)

    Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.