Jeremiah 50:23
How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!
Original Language Analysis
נִגְדַּע֙
cut asunder
H1438
נִגְדַּע֙
cut asunder
Strong's:
H1438
Word #:
2 of 11
to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the whole earth
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the whole earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 11
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
הָיְתָ֧ה
H1961
הָיְתָ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Written around 593 BC when Babylon was at its zenith under Nebuchadnezzar II, this prophecy seemed impossible. Babylon had defeated Assyria (612 BC), Egypt (605 BC), and Judah (586 BC). The city's massive walls, hanging gardens, and wealth made it appear impregnable. Yet in 539 BC, Cyrus the Persian conquered Babylon without a battle, diverting the Euphrates and entering through the riverbed gates. The 'hammer' that crushed nations was itself crushed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of Babylon as His 'hammer' and then its judgment illustrate that earthly powers serve God's purposes but remain accountable?
- What does the reversal of Babylon teach about the temporary nature of human empires versus God's eternal kingdom?
- Where do you see modern 'hammers'—powerful institutions or nations—that appear permanent but remain subject to divine judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! Babylon is called the pattish (פַּטִּישׁ, hammer), a striking metaphor for the empire that shattered nations and forged empires. God used Babylon as His instrument of judgment (Jeremiah 51:20), but now the hammer itself is gada (גָּדַע, cut down, hewn off) and shabar (שָׁבַר, shattered). The irony is devastating: the breaker is broken.
How is Babylon become a desolation (shammah, שַׁמָּה)—the same word describing what Babylon inflicted on others (Jeremiah 25:9, 12). Divine justice operates on the principle of measure-for-measure retribution. This anticipates Revelation 18:6-7, where Babylon the Great receives double according to her works. The rhetorical questions express astonishment at Babylon's reversal—the seemingly invincible empire reduced to ruins.