Jeremiah 50:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 50:27
27 Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 50 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, salvation, fellowship. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 50:27
27 Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.
Analysis
Slay all her bullocks—the parim (פָּרִים, young bulls) likely symbolize Babylon's warriors and princes (Jeremiah 46:21, 50:11). Bulls represented strength and virility; calling warriors 'bullocks' both acknowledges their power and ironically depicts their slaughter like sacrificial animals. Let them go down to the slaughter—the Hebrew tebach (טֶבַח, slaughter, butchering) often refers to preparing animals for sacrifice or meat.
Woe unto them! for their day is come—the yom (יוֹם, day) is the appointed time of divine visitation and judgment. The time of their visitation—pekudah (פְּקֻדָּה, reckoning, accounting, judgment) from the root paqad, meaning God's direct intervention to punish or reward. Babylon's 'day' of unchallenged dominance ends; God's 'day' of reckoning arrives.
Historical Context
During the conquest of Babylon, significant military losses occurred. The Nabonidus Chronicle records that Nabonidus fled, his army was defeated, and Babylon fell to Cyrus without prolonged resistance. Later Babylonian revolts against Persian rule (522 BC and 484 BC) resulted in severe Persian reprisals, decimating Babylon's population and military strength. The 'slaughter' came in stages, fulfilling this prophecy completely.
Reflection
- What does the 'day of visitation' teach about God's perfect timing in executing judgment?
- How does the imagery of bulls going to slaughter illustrate that human strength is powerless before God's appointed judgment?
- What warning does this verse offer to the proud and powerful who seem invincible in their 'day'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 46:21, 48:44, Psalms 22:12, 37:13, Isaiah 34:7