Jeremiah 50:41
Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֥ם
Behold a people
H5971
עַ֥ם
Behold a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִצָּפ֑וֹן
from the north
H6828
מִצָּפ֑וֹן
from the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וְג֤וֹי
nation
H1471
וְג֤וֹי
nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 11
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
גָּדוֹל֙
and a great
H1419
גָּדוֹל֙
and a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
6 of 11
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
רַבִּ֔ים
and many
H7227
רַבִּ֔ים
and many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
8 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Historical Context
Cyrus the Persian formed alliance with Medes (Astyages's kingdom) and conquered Lydia (546 BC), creating the vast Persian Empire. His coalition included diverse peoples: Elamites, Babylonians (rebels), Greeks (Ionian mercenaries). This multinational force fulfilled the 'many kings' prophecy against Babylon.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reversal of the 'foe from the north' demonstrate God's poetic justice in judgment?
- What does God 'raising up' pagan kings reveal about His sovereignty over international politics?
- How should Christians respond when God uses ungodly powers to discipline other ungodly powers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, a people shall come from the north (הִנֵּה עַם בָּא מִצָּפוֹן, hinneh am ba mittsafon)—The 'foe from the north' motif used for Babylon attacking Jerusalem (1:14-15, 4:6, 6:1) is now inverted: a northern coalition attacks Babylon. And a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth (וְגוֹי גָּדוֹל וּמְלָכִים רַבִּים יֵעֹרוּ מִיַּרְכְּתֵי־אָרֶץ, v'goy gadol um'lakhim rabbim ye'oru miyarketei-arets)—The Medo-Persian empire under Cyrus indeed represented a coalition: Medes, Persians, and subject peoples from earth's 'coasts' (remote regions).
The verb ur (to rouse, awaken) indicates God's agency—He stirs up Babylon's conquerors. This echoes Isaiah 13:17 ('I will stir up the Medes against them'). History's actors think they move autonomously; Scripture reveals God's hand orchestrating their steps. Cyrus didn't know he fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 45:4), yet God directed every decision. This truth should comfort God's people: our enemies are on His leash.