Jeremiah 50:11
Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Written around 594-580 BC, this oracle predicted Babylon's fall—stunning when Babylon was at its zenith under Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon had conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC, destroyed the temple, and exiled God's people. Their arrogance is documented in Babylonian records boasting of conquests. Yet within decades, the Medo-Persian empire under Cyrus would conquer Babylon (539 BC), fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. Daniel 5 records Babylon's final night of feasting before its fall—they were indeed 'fat as heifers' celebrating when judgment came.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Babylon's accountability despite being God's instrument of judgment reveal both divine sovereignty and human moral responsibility?
- What does this passage teach about the danger of rejoicing in others' suffering, even when that suffering is deserved judgment?
- In what ways might prosperity and power lead to the kind of arrogant 'bellowing' God condemns here?
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Analysis & Commentary
Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage—Babylon's sin was not merely conquering Judah but rejoicing in Israel's downfall. The Hebrew samach (שָׂמַח, glad) and alaz (עָלַז, rejoiced) describe exultant, gloating celebration over God's people. Calling Israel mine heritage (nachalah, נַחֲלָה) emphasizes Babylon attacked not merely a nation but Yahweh's covenant possession. God used Babylon as His instrument of judgment (25:9), but their excessive cruelty and arrogant rejoicing made them guilty.
Because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls—vivid agricultural imagery portrays Babylon's arrogant prosperity. The heifer fattened on grain represents self-indulgent luxury gained from plundering nations. Abah (אָבָה, grown fat) suggests abundance that produces pride rather than gratitude. Their bellowing like bulls depicts boastful, aggressive power—making loud claims of invincibility. This echoes Isaiah's critique of nations that forgot they were merely God's instruments (Isaiah 10:5-15). Babylon's judgment illustrates that God holds accountable even the powers He uses for discipline.