Jeremiah 50:25
The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.
Original Language Analysis
פָּתַ֤ח
hath opened
H6605
פָּתַ֤ח
hath opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
1 of 16
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיּוֹצֵ֖א
and hath brought forth
H3318
וַיּוֹצֵ֖א
and hath brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּלֵ֣י
the weapons
H3627
כְּלֵ֣י
the weapons
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
7 of 16
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
זַעְמ֑וֹ
of his indignation
H2195
זַעְמ֑וֹ
of his indignation
Strong's:
H2195
Word #:
8 of 16
strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְלָאכָ֣ה
for this is the work
H4399
מְלָאכָ֣ה
for this is the work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
הִ֗יא
H1931
הִ֗יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
14 of 16
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
Cross References
Jeremiah 51:55Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:Jeremiah 51:25Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.Jeremiah 50:15Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.Revelation 18:8Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.Psalms 45:3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.Psalms 45:5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.Jeremiah 51:20Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;Amos 3:6Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
Historical Context
The Medo-Persian coalition under Cyrus II conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Isaiah had prophesied this 150 years earlier, even naming Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28-45:1). The Persian strategy of religious tolerance contrasted with Babylonian policy—Cyrus allowed conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This policy enabled the Jewish return under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1-4), fulfilling Jeremiah's seventy-year prophecy (Jeremiah 29:10). What seemed like Persian benevolence was actually God's 'work' to restore His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of God's 'armoury' comfort believers facing opposition and persecution?
- What does this verse teach about God's sovereignty over human military and political power?
- How should understanding that earthly armies are 'weapons' in God's hands shape our response to global conflicts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD hath opened his armoury—the Hebrew otsar (אוֹצָר, treasure house, storehouse) suggests God's arsenal of judgment weapons stored and ready for appointed times. And hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation—the kelei za'am (כְּלֵי זַעַם, instruments of wrath) are the Medes and Persians whom God deploys as His agents (Isaiah 13:5, 17-19).
For this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts—Adonai Yahweh Tseva'ot (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת, Sovereign LORD of armies). The full divine title emphasizes absolute authority over all military forces, earthly and heavenly. What appears as Persian military strategy is actually God's sovereign work. Human armies serve as instruments in divine hands, accomplishing purposes they may not comprehend.