Jeremiah 50:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 50:31
31 Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 50 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, covenant, sacrifice. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 50:31
31 Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
Analysis
Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud—God directly addresses Babylon as zdon (זָדוֹן, pride, arrogance, presumption). Pride was Babylon's characteristic sin: the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Nebuchadnezzar's boast (Daniel 4:30), Belshazzar's sacrilege (Daniel 5:22-23). I am against thee is one of Scripture's most terrifying phrases—when God sets Himself against someone, no defense avails.
Saith the Lord GOD of hosts—Adonai Yahweh Tseva'ot (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת), the full title emphasizing sovereign authority over all armies. For thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee—the appointed yom (day) and eth paqadtik (time of your reckoning) arrive with certainty. God's longsuffering has limits; the 'day' of grace ends, judgment begins.
Historical Context
Pride characterized Babylon from its founding. The Tower of Babel represented humanity's arrogant attempt to make a name for themselves independent of God (Genesis 11:4). Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to seven years of madness until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37). Belshazzar's pride in drinking from Jerusalem's temple vessels the night Babylon fell epitomized the empire's arrogance (Daniel 5:2-5, 22-23). When Cyrus conquered Babylon, he claimed that Marduk (Babylon's chief god) had chosen him—ironic confirmation that Babylon's gods could not save them. Pride indeed preceded Babylon's fall.
Reflection
- What makes pride such a dangerous sin that God directly opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5)?
- How did Babylon's pride manifest, and where do you see similar arrogance in modern institutions or nations?
- What does it mean to have God 'against' you, and how does this motivate humility and repentance?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 21:13, 50:29, Nahum 2:13
- References God: Ezekiel 39:1, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5