◄ Jeremiah 50:23 ►
How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become among the nations!
Study Bible
How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered!
This phrase refers to Babylon, which was once a dominant world power, symbolized as a "hammer" due to its military might and ability to crush nations. Historically, Babylon was known for its conquests and influence over the ancient Near East. The imagery of a broken and shattered hammer signifies the sudden and complete downfall of Babylon, fulfilling the prophecies of its destruction. This aligns with the biblical theme of divine justice, where God humbles the proud and powerful. The fall of Babylon is also a precursor to the ultimate judgment against all worldly powers that oppose God, as seen in Revelation 18.

What a horror Babylon has become among the nations!
Babylon's transformation from a feared empire to a "horror" highlights the dramatic reversal of its fortunes. This serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of pride and idolatry. In the biblical narrative, Babylon often represents human arrogance and rebellion against God, as seen in the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). The horror Babylon becomes is not just its physical destruction but also its moral and spiritual downfall. This echoes the prophetic literature where Babylon's fall is a symbol of God's judgment against sin and a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. The phrase also connects to the eschatological themes in the New Testament, where Babylon is depicted as a symbol of worldly corruption and is ultimately judged by God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and the surrounding nations. He is the author of the Book of Jeremiah.

2. Babylon
An ancient city and empire known for its wealth, power, and influence. In the context of Jeremiah 50, Babylon is depicted as a powerful oppressor that will face divine judgment.

3. The Hammer of the Whole Earth
This metaphor refers to Babylon's role as a dominant force and oppressor in the ancient world. The imagery of a hammer suggests strength and the ability to crush opposition.

4. Nations
The various peoples and kingdoms that were under Babylon's influence or control. The prophecy indicates that Babylon's fall will be a significant event among these nations.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution against Babylon for its pride, idolatry, and oppression. This judgment is a central theme in Jeremiah 50.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God
God's control over nations and empires is absolute. No power, no matter how mighty, can withstand His judgment.

The Consequences of Pride
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Nations and individuals alike must recognize their dependence on God.

The Certainty of Divine Justice
God's justice may seem delayed, but it is certain. Believers can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs.

The Transience of Earthly Power
Earthly power and influence are temporary. True security and significance are found in God's eternal kingdom.

Hope for the Oppressed
The fall of Babylon is a message of hope for those who suffer under oppression, reminding them that God hears their cries and will act on their behalf.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of Babylon as "the hammer of the whole earth" enhance our understanding of its role in the ancient world?

2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 50:23 serve as a warning to modern nations and leaders?

3. How can the themes of divine justice and judgment in Jeremiah 50:23 encourage believers facing personal or communal oppression today?

4. What parallels can you draw between the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah and the depiction of Babylon in Revelation 18?

5. How does understanding the historical context of Babylon's fall deepen your appreciation for God's sovereignty and justice in your own life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 14
This chapter also speaks of the fall of Babylon, using similar imagery and themes of judgment and the reversal of fortunes for the oppressor.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, where Babylon symbolizes the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.

Daniel 5
The account of Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall provides a historical account of Babylon's fall, illustrating the fulfillment of prophetic judgment.
Sermons
Hammer Versus HammerS. Conway Jeremiah 50:23
The Hammer BrokenA.F. Muir Jeremiah 50:21-23
People
Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, Zion
Topics
Apart, Astonishment, Asunder, Babylon, Broken, Cut, Desolate, Desolation, Hammer, Horror, Nations, Object, Shattered, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 50:23

     5583   tools

Jeremiah 50:23-24

     5801   brokenness

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 Scripture

Covenanting 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

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