Jeremiah Chapter 50 · Verse 21
Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָאָ֤רֶץ
against the land
H776
הָאָ֤רֶץ
against the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
2 of 17
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
עֲלֵ֣ה
Go up
H5927
עֲלֵ֣ה
Go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
4 of 17
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יוֹשְׁבֵ֖י
even against it and against the inhabitants
H3427
יוֹשְׁבֵ֖י
even against it and against the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
חֲרֹ֨ב
waste
H2717
חֲרֹ֨ב
waste
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
9 of 17
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
וְהַחֲרֵ֤ם
and utterly destroy
H2763
וְהַחֲרֵ֤ם
and utterly destroy
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
10 of 17
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַעֲשֵׂ֕ה
and do
H6213
וַעֲשֵׂ֕ה
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The geographical references are debated, but most scholars identify them with regions in Babylonia. The use of symbolic names emphasizes that this is theological judgment, not merely political conquest. The Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon fulfilled this prophecy, though the city wasn't immediately and totally destroyed. However, over subsequent centuries Babylon was gradually and completely abandoned, fulfilling the total desolation prophesied. By the medieval period, it was uninhabited ruins—complete herem executed over time.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the use of symbolic names ('Double Rebellion,' 'Punishment') teach about God's perspective on Babylon's guilt?
- How does applying the language of <em>herem</em> (holy war/complete devotion to destruction) to Babylon reveal the seriousness of her sins?
- In what ways does Babylon's 'double rebellion' illustrate that privilege and knowledge increase accountability?
Analysis & Commentary
Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod—these names carry symbolic significance beyond geography. Merathaim (מְרָתַיִם) is a dual form meaning 'double rebellion' or 'double bitterness,' possibly punning on the region Marrattu in southern Babylonia. Pekod (פְּקוֹד) means 'punishment' or 'visitation,' punning on the Aramean tribe Puqudu east of Babylon. The wordplay is intentional: God commands attack on 'Double-Rebellion' and 'Punishment'—Babylon's double rebellion brings double punishment. This echoes Revelation 18:6: 'Reward her double according to her works.'
Waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee—charav (חָרַב, waste) means devastate, lay waste, make desolate. Charam (חָרַם, utterly destroy) is the term for herem, complete devotion to destruction—applied to Canaanite cities in the conquest (Joshua 6:17-21). Applying herem to Babylon shows she has become as morally reprehensible as the Canaanites, deserving total judgment. The phrase 'do according to all that I have commanded' emphasizes this is divine decree, not mere human warfare.