Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come--the time of their punishment. Kill all her young bulls;This phrase symbolizes the destruction of Babylon's strength and power. In ancient cultures, bulls often represented strength, fertility, and wealth. The "young bulls" could be seen as the leaders or warriors of Babylon, indicating a complete overthrow of their military might. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where God judges nations by dismantling their power structures (e.g., Isaiah 34:7). let them go down to the slaughter.
The imagery of slaughter conveys the totality of the impending judgment. This phrase suggests a divinely ordained defeat, where the Babylonians are led to their demise as a consequence of their actions. The concept of going "down" may also imply a descent into Sheol, the realm of the dead, which is a common theme in prophetic literature (e.g., Ezekiel 32:18-32). Woe to them,
"Woe" is a term often used by prophets to announce impending doom or divine judgment. It serves as a lament and a warning, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This expression is frequently found in prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Ezekiel, where it underscores the gravity of turning away from God. for their day has come—
The "day" refers to the appointed time of judgment. In prophetic literature, the "day of the Lord" is a recurring theme, signifying a time when God intervenes in history to execute justice (e.g., Joel 2:1-11). This phrase indicates that the time for Babylon's reckoning has arrived, fulfilling the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets. the time of their punishment.
This phrase confirms that the judgment is a direct consequence of Babylon's sins. The concept of divine retribution is central to the prophetic message, where nations and individuals are held accountable for their actions. This punishment is not arbitrary but is portrayed as a just response to Babylon's idolatry, oppression, and defiance against God. The idea of a set "time" for punishment aligns with the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in passages like Ecclesiastes 3:17. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe empire being addressed in this passage, known for its power and oppression of Israel and other nations. 2. Young BullsSymbolic of the strong and mighty men of Babylon, representing the nation's military strength and leadership. 3. SlaughterRefers to the impending judgment and destruction that God is pronouncing upon Babylon. 4. JeremiahThe prophet through whom God delivers this message of judgment against Babylon. 5. The Day of PunishmentA specific time appointed by God for executing judgment on Babylon for its sins and transgressions. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod is in control of the rise and fall of nations. His judgments are just and timely. The Consequences of Pride and OppressionBabylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and the oppression of others. Nations and individuals must humble themselves before God. The Certainty of God's PromisesJust as God promised judgment on Babylon and fulfilled it, His promises of both judgment and salvation are sure. The Call to RepentanceUnderstanding God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a right relationship with Him. Hope for the OppressedGod's judgment on Babylon is also a message of hope for those who have been oppressed, showing that God will ultimately bring justice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "young bulls" in Jeremiah 50:27 help us understand the nature of Babylon's strength and its downfall? 2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals? 3. How can we see God's justice and mercy working together in the judgment of Babylon? 4. What lessons can we learn from Babylon's pride and subsequent punishment that apply to our personal lives? 5. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50 relate to the ultimate victory of God over evil as described in Revelation? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty in executing judgment. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," drawing a parallel to the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah. Daniel 5The account of the fall of Babylon under King Belshazzar, illustrating the fulfillment of prophetic judgment. Nahum 3Speaks of the downfall of Nineveh, another powerful city, showing a pattern of divine justice against oppressive nations. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Bullocks, Bulls, Death, Inspection, Kill, Kine, Oxen, Punished, Punishment, Slaughter, Slay, Sorrow, Sword, Theirs, Visitation, Wo, WoeDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:27 4615 bull 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 50:27 NIVJeremiah 50:27 NLTJeremiah 50:27 ESVJeremiah 50:27 NASBJeremiah 50:27 KJV
Jeremiah 50:27 Commentaries
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