Jeremiah 50:17
Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הִדִּ֑יחוּ
have driven him away
H5080
הִדִּ֑יחוּ
have driven him away
Strong's:
H5080
Word #:
5 of 15
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
הָרִאשׁ֤וֹן
first
H7223
הָרִאשׁ֤וֹן
first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
6 of 15
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
9 of 15
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וְזֶ֤ה
H2088
הָאַחֲרוֹן֙
him and last
H314
הָאַחֲרוֹן֙
him and last
Strong's:
H314
Word #:
11 of 15
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
עִצְּמ֔וֹ
hath broken his bones
H6105
עִצְּמ֔וֹ
hath broken his bones
Strong's:
H6105
Word #:
12 of 15
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:15The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.Jeremiah 50:6My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.Joel 3:2I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Historical Context
This verse summarizes Israel's history: Assyria conquered the northern kingdom (722 BC), then Babylon conquered Judah (586 BC). Yet they remain God's flock.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's identification of Israel as 'scattered sheep' reveal His heart?
- What does it mean that God claims His people even when they're scattered and broken?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel is described as 'a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away.' The lion imagery represents conquering empires - first Assyria devoured Israel (northern kingdom), then Babylon 'hath broken his bones.' Despite being prey to predatory nations, God calls Israel 'my sheep,' affirming covenant relationship despite scattering. The Good Shepherd will gather His flock (John 10:11-16).