Bible Commentaries

The Fiftieth Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

and. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Aramaean, Syriac, and Vulgate, read this "and" in the text.

by. Hebrew idiom = by the hand of; "hand" being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for the instrumentality or agency, especially in the inspiration of the written words. See note on Zechariah 7:12.

publish . . . conceal not. Not now using symbols as in Jeremiah 25:15.

set up = lift up.

Babylon is taken. Compare Revelation 14:8; Revelation 18:6, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:21 : showing that this prophecy is still future.

Bel. Contracted from the Aramaic form of Ba"al, the national god of Babylon. See Isaiah 46:1.

Merodaoh. Another name for Bel (= Baal), Babylon"s god.

images = manufactured gods. Compare Leviticus 26:30.

the north. Referring to Medo-Persia, which was on the northwest of Chaldea. But a future enemy is foretold.

none shall dwell therein. Showing that the fulfilment is still future.

In those days. This prophecy awaits its fulfilment. The conquest by Medo-Persia did not exhaust it.

children = sons.

together. Another proof that this prophecy refers to the future. Never yet fulfilled.

going and weeping. Hebrew = weeping as they travel, so shall they journey on.

weeping. For their past sins. Compare Jeremiah 31:9, Jeremiah 31:18. Joel 2:12. Zechariah 12:10-14. Revelation 1:7.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah.(with "eth). App-4.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

thitherward. Hebrew = hitherward. Jeremiah was therefore not in Babylon, but in Egypt.

perpetual. Another evidence that this prophecy refers to the future covenant. Compare Jeremiah 3:18, Jeremiah 4:2; Jeremiah 11:1-6; Jeremiah 31:31.

lost sheep. Compare Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24.

shepherds: i.e. rulers.

they have turned them away on the mountains = on the mountains they seduced them: i.e. by the idolatrous worship practiced there.

We offend not, &c. Compare verses: Jeremiah 50:15, Jeremiah 50:23, Jeremiah 50:29; Jeremiah 2:3; Jeremiah 25:14, Jeremiah 25:15, &c.

offend. Hebrew. "asham. App-44.

sinned. Hebrew. chata.

Habitation = pasturage. Compare Jeremiah 31:23.

justice = righteousness. In Ch. Jeremiah 31:23 this is applied to Jerusalem. Here Jehovah Himself is the pasturage in which His People find rest.

the Hope of their fathers. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, by which "hope" is put for the God in Whom their fathers hoped. Compare 1 Timothy 1:1.

go forth. Hebrew text reads "they will go forth"; but margin, with some codices and two early printed editions, reads "go ye forth". Compare Jeremiah 51:4, Jeremiah 51:6. Revelation 18:4.

assembly = a gathered host, or convocation. great nations. Compare Isaiah 13:3, Isaiah 13:4.

mighty . . . man. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14.

expert = successful. Compare Jeremiah 10:21; Jeremiah 23:5.

shall be satisfied. Compare Jeremiah 49:9.

destroyers = spoilers, or plunderers.

the hindermost = the last. Compare Jeremiah 50:17; Jeremiah 25:26.

not be inhabited. Not yet fulfilled. Compare 1 Peter 5:13.

given her hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for what is done by it. Here the token of submission. Compare Lamentations 5:6. Ezekiel 17:18.

as = according as. Compare Revelation 18:6, Revelation 18:7.

every one. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

Israel. Now a united nation. See note on Jeremiah 50:4.

last. See note on "hindermost", Jeremiah 50:12.

the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 7:3.

mount = the hill country of.

Merathaim = double rebellion. So called, here, because the empire was founded in a double rebellion.

Pekod = Visitation: i.e. in judgment.

destroy = devote to extermination. Hebrew. karam. The same word as Jeremiah 50:26; not the same as verses: Jeremiah 50:11, Jeremiah 50:22.

destruction = smash; or, breaking down. Hebrew. shabar. Not the same word as in verses: Jeremiah 50:11, Jeremiah 50:21, Jeremiah 50:26.

His armoury. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia.

from the utmost border = from the farthest parts, or every quarter.

visitation. See note on "Pekod", Jeremiah 50:21.

vengeance = avenging. Song of Solomon 51:11. Compare Daniel 5:3.

recompense her. See Revelation 18:6.

according to. See note on "as", Jeremiah 50:15. Compare Revelation 18:6.

the Holy One of Israel. See note on Psalms 71:22.

Redeemer = Kinsman-Redeemer. Hebrew. ga"al. See notes on Isaiah 60:16, and Exodus 6:6.

strong = strong (to hold fast). Hebrew. hazak. Not the same word as in Jeremiah 50:44.

A sword. Note the Figure of speech Anaphora, in five successive sentences.

liars = praters.

dote = be shown to be foolish.

the mingled people = the rabble.

idols = horrors.

no more inhabited, &c. Therefore the fulfilment still future.

overthrew, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 19:25). App-92. Compare Jeremiah 49:18.

man. Hebrew "Ish. App-14.

a great nation: i.e. Medo-Persia.

coasts = sides: i.e. remote parts.

his hands, &c. See fulfilment in Daniel 5:6.

like a lion, &c. See note on Jeremiah 49:19 for this verse and Jeremiah 50:45, there spoken of Edom.

taken = counselled.

land. Some codices, with three early printed editions and Aramaean, read "inhabitants of the land".