Jeremiah 50:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 50:14
14 Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 50 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, holiness, prayer. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 50:14
14 Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.
Analysis
Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about—God commands the Medo-Persian coalition to arrange for battle, surrounding the city. Arak (עָרַךְ, put in array) is military terminology for organizing troops strategically. The divine commander orders the siege that will bring His judgment.
All ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD—the archers (likely referring to the famed Persian bowmen) are commanded to unlimited assault. 'Spare no arrows' emphasizes total warfare, holding nothing back. The justification is theological: she hath sinned against the LORD. The Hebrew chata (חָטָא, sinned) means to miss the mark, to transgress covenant or moral law. Though Babylon never knew Yahweh's covenant, they sinned against His moral order and against His people. God holds all nations accountable to His righteousness (Amos 1-2). This demonstrates that divine judgment falls not only on covenant-breakers but on all who violate God's justice and oppress His people.
Historical Context
The Medo-Persian army under Cyrus besieged Babylon in 539 BC. Herodotus and the Cyrus Cylinder describe the conquest. Persian archery was legendary—their arrow volleys were so dense they 'darkened the sun' according to Greek historians. Yet the conquest was achieved not only by military might but by diverting the Euphrates River to enter under the walls. Daniel 5 records that Babylon fell during Belshazzar's feast—they were confident in their defenses, but God had decreed their time was finished.
Reflection
- How does God's command to 'spare no arrows' against Babylon demonstrate that He takes sin seriously, especially oppression of His people?
- What does it mean that even pagan nations who don't know God's covenant can still 'sin against the LORD' and face judgment?
- How should the certainty of God's judgment on oppressive powers comfort those who currently suffer under injustice?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 50:29
- References Babylon: Jeremiah 50:9, 50:42
- Sin: Jeremiah 50:7
- Parallel theme: Habakkuk 2:8, 2:17