Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?" Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture.This phrase evokes the imagery of a powerful and unstoppable force, likened to a lion emerging from the dense vegetation along the Jordan River. The Jordan River's thickets were known for their dense growth, providing cover for predators. The lion symbolizes strength and ferocity, often used in Scripture to represent God's judgment or a conquering force ( Hosea 5:14, Amos 3:8). The "watered pasture" suggests a place of abundance and prosperity, indicating that the coming force will invade and take over a land of plenty. This imagery is consistent with the prophetic style of Jeremiah, who often used vivid natural metaphors to convey divine messages. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land.
This statement underscores the suddenness and decisiveness of Babylon's downfall. Historically, Babylon was a dominant empire, known for its wealth and military prowess. However, God's judgment is portrayed as swift and inevitable. The phrase reflects the historical context of the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon in 539 BC, when Cyrus the Great captured the city with minimal resistance. This event fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy and demonstrated God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah 13:19 and Daniel 5. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this?
This rhetorical question highlights God's sovereign choice in appointing a leader or nation to execute His judgment. In the historical context, Cyrus the Great is often seen as the chosen instrument for Babylon's fall, as prophesied in Isaiah 45:1. This reflects the biblical theme of God raising up leaders according to His purposes, regardless of their awareness of being used by Him. The concept of a "chosen one" also foreshadows the ultimate chosen one, Jesus Christ, who fulfills God's redemptive plan. For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me?
This phrase emphasizes God's unparalleled power and authority. It echoes the declarations of God's uniqueness found throughout Scripture, such as in Exodus 15:11 and Isaiah 46:9. The rhetorical questions assert that no one can rival God's might or question His decisions. This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His ability to bring about His will, reinforcing the message of divine sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him. What shepherd can stand against Me?”
The term "shepherd" is often used in the Bible to denote leaders or rulers (Ezekiel 34:2-10). Here, it signifies that no earthly leader, regardless of their power or influence, can withstand God's purposes. This imagery is consistent with the biblical portrayal of God as the ultimate shepherd, guiding and protecting His people (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11). The rhetorical question underscores the futility of human resistance against divine will, affirming God's supreme authority over all creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. LionSymbolic of strength and power, often used in the Bible to represent God's might and judgment. 2. Thickets of the JordanA dense, wild area near the Jordan River, symbolizing a place of origin for the lion, representing God's sudden and powerful intervention. 3. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and idolatry, often symbolizing human pride and opposition to God. 4. Chosen OneRefers to the instrument of God's judgment, possibly a leader or nation appointed by God to execute His will. 5. ShepherdRepresents leaders or rulers, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand God's purposes. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's power is unmatched, and His plans cannot be thwarted by any human authority. We must trust in His ultimate control over all events. Divine JudgmentJust as God judged Babylon, He will hold all nations and individuals accountable. We should live in a way that honors Him, knowing that His justice is sure. The Role of LeadersEarthly leaders are under God's authority. We should pray for our leaders and seek to influence them towards righteousness, recognizing that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. The Certainty of God's PlansGod's plans are certain and will come to pass. We should align our lives with His will, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all things. The Call to HumilityRecognizing that no one can challenge God should lead us to humility. We should submit to His authority and seek to serve Him faithfully. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a lion in Jeremiah 50:44 help us understand God's character and actions? 2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's judgment on Babylon in history, and how does this encourage us about His future promises? 3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nations to our personal lives and current world events? 4. What does the reference to "shepherds" teach us about the responsibility of leaders, and how can we support godly leadership today? 5. How can the certainty of God's plans, as seen in this passage, influence our daily decisions and priorities? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 31:4This verse also uses the imagery of a lion to describe God's power and determination, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention. Ezekiel 34:10Discusses God's judgment against unfaithful shepherds, connecting to the idea that no leader can stand against God's will. Revelation 18:2Describes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Appoint, Assign, Babylon, Behold, Cause, Challenge, Charge, Chase, Choose, Chosen, Convene, Court, Enduring, Enemy, Flight, Forward, Growth, Habitation, Instant, Jordan, Jordan's, Jungle, Keeper, Lay, Lion, Pasture, Pastureland, Perennially, Pride, Rest, Resting-place, Rich, Rising, Run, Selection, Sheep, Sheepfold, Shepherd, Stand, Standeth, Strong, Suddenly, Summon, Swelling, Teman, Thick, Thicket, Thickets, Watered, WhomeverDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:44 7786 shepherd, king and leader
8401 challenges 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 50:44 NIVJeremiah 50:44 NLTJeremiah 50:44 ESVJeremiah 50:44 NASBJeremiah 50:44 KJV
Jeremiah 50:44 Commentaries
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