Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time. In the face of the oppressor's sword, each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land. Cut off the sower from BabylonThis phrase indicates a cessation of agricultural activity, symbolizing the end of prosperity and sustenance in Babylon. In ancient times, agriculture was the backbone of any civilization, and cutting off the sower signifies a divine judgment leading to famine and desolation. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s judgment on nations that oppose His will, as seen in Isaiah 13:19-22, where Babylon's downfall is prophesied. The imagery of cutting off the sower also reflects the cessation of life and productivity, a common motif in prophetic literature. and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time
The sickle is a tool used for reaping, and its mention here underscores the complete disruption of the harvest, a critical time for any agrarian society. This disruption is a direct consequence of divine judgment. The harvest is often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent judgment or the gathering of people, as seen in Matthew 13:39, where the harvest symbolizes the end of the age. The cessation of the harvest in Babylon signifies the end of its abundance and the beginning of its downfall. In the face of the oppressor’s sword
The oppressor's sword represents the invading forces that God uses as instruments of His judgment. Historically, this refers to the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon, as prophesied in Isaiah 21:2 and fulfilled in Daniel 5. The sword is a common biblical symbol for war and divine retribution, as seen in Ezekiel 21:9-11. The oppressor's sword indicates the inevitability of Babylon's defeat and the execution of divine justice. each will turn to his own people
This phrase suggests a scattering of the Babylonian population and foreign residents returning to their homelands. It reflects the disintegration of Babylon's power and influence, as people seek safety and identity among their own kin. This dispersion is reminiscent of the scattering at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:8-9), where God confounded human pride and ambition. It also parallels the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:14. each will flee to his own land
The flight to one's own land signifies the collapse of Babylon's empire, as people abandon the city in fear and desperation. This mirrors the exodus motif found throughout Scripture, where God delivers His people from oppression, as seen in the Israelites' escape from Egypt (Exodus 12:31-42). The phrase underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His purposes, as affirmed in Daniel 2:21. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonA significant empire in biblical history, known for its conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem. In this context, Babylon is the subject of God's judgment. 2. The Sower and the ReaperThese represent the agricultural workers in Babylon, symbolizing the cessation of normal life and productivity due to impending judgment. 3. The OppressorRefers to the invading forces or the instruments of God's judgment against Babylon, causing fear and prompting people to flee. 4. The SwordSymbolizes warfare and divine judgment, a common biblical metaphor for God's instrument of justice. 5. Each to His Own People/LandIndicates the scattering of Babylon's inhabitants, a reversal of the exile experienced by the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and empires. No power is beyond His reach or judgment. This should encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice. The Inevitability of Divine JudgmentJust as Babylon faced judgment, all nations and individuals are accountable to God. This serves as a reminder to live righteously and align with God's will. The Transience of Earthly PowersEarthly powers and empires are temporary. Believers should focus on eternal values and God's kingdom rather than worldly success or power. The Call to ReturnThe scattering of Babylon's people symbolizes a return to one's roots. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to return to God and His ways, especially in times of crisis. The Role of Fear in JudgmentFear can drive people to seek safety and security. For Christians, true security is found in God, not in fleeing or relying on human strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:16 reflect God's justice and sovereignty? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals? 3. How does the imagery of the sower and reaper being cut off relate to the broader theme of divine judgment in the Bible? 4. What parallels can be drawn between the scattering of Babylon's people and the spiritual journey of returning to God? 5. How can believers find security and peace in God's sovereignty amidst the "sword of the oppressor" in today's world? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about their downfall. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," drawing a parallel to the historical fall of Babylon as a symbol of God's ultimate judgment on worldly powers. Jeremiah 51Continues the theme of Babylon's judgment, reinforcing the message of divine retribution and the futility of opposing God's will. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Babylon, Blade, Cruel, Curved, Cut, Fear, Flee, Flight, Grain-cutting, Handles, Handleth, Handling, Harvest, Oppressing, Oppressor, Planter, Reaper, Return, Seed, Sickle, Sower, Sword, Turn, Using, WieldsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:16 4406 agriculture
4464 harvest
4508 sickle Library The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCovenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 50:16 NIVJeremiah 50:16 NLTJeremiah 50:16 ESVJeremiah 50:16 NASBJeremiah 50:16 KJV
Jeremiah 50:16 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
