OVERVIEW: God’s judgment upon Babylon (50:1–51:64); the fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah’s torment (52:1–11); the Babylonians destroy the temple (52:12–23); the people are exiled (52:24–30); God has not forgotten and will not forsake David’s descendants (52:31–34).
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
To this point, Babylon has been the tool God used to mete out His judgment upon the many nations we read about in chapters 44–49. In chapter 50, this time, Jeremiah prophesies God’s judgment upon Babylon and her many gods.
Once Babylon would be defeated, the chosen people of God would once again be gathered and returned to their homeland. This was partially fulfilled in 538 B.C. when Cyrus made a decree permitting the Jews to go back to Jerusalem. The context, however, points to the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jews during the Great Tribulation. (notice all of the references to the Tribulation and Second Coming of Christ in this passage: “in those days” — 50:4; “it is the vengeance of the Lord” — 50:15; “in those days” — 50:20; “the vengeance of the Lord our God” — 50:28; “in that day” — 50:30.)
That “last days” fulfillment continues in chapter 51, as Jeremiah details Babylon’s judgment. Notice that his description is very similar to the description God gave of Babylon’s destruction through the Apostle John in Revelation 17 and 18. Note that God also points to Israel’s restoration in the last days. Despite all of Israel’s defiance against God, He still loves Israel, and has every intention of blessing her. Though the conflict in the Middle East rages today, Jeremiah (not to mention, John, Isaiah, Ezekiel, etc., etc.) points to the fact that in the very near future, the conflict will be over, and Israel will be sitting on top! That certainly is not to say that everything Israel does and is doing today is right, but don’t ever forget to factor into your equation the EVERLASTING (!!!) Abrahamic Covenant: “And I will bless them that bless thee (Abraham or Israel), and curse him that curseth thee.” (Gen. 12:3) Non-Christians think that is a fatalistic viewpoint. Fatalistic as it may be, it is just a settled fact! Any way you slice it, folks, Israel is going to end up on top, and her Messiah and King (and ours, hallelujah!!!), will rule the entire world from His throne in Jerusalem! America has made some incredibly sinful and stupid decisions in the last half of a century (or more!). Perhaps the only reason God has not unleashed His judgment upon us has been our faithfulness to bless Israel. When/if we curse them, I’m afraid we will finally be sealing our own doom!
In 51:59–64, one last time, God wants Jeremiah to give His message via an object lesson. Jeremiah “wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon,” (59:60) and then told Seraiah to take it and read it in Babylon. After reading it, he was to take the scroll, tie it to a rock and cast it into the Euphrates, explaining to the people that that’s exactly what God was going to do to them!
The Book of Jeremiah concludes in chapter 52 with a somewhat lengthy explanation about the fall of Jerusalem. It is almost word for word what is written in 2 Kings 18–25, 30, and very similar to what was detailed in Jeremiah 39:1–18. It recounts the city’s fall, Zedekiah’s attempt to escape, his capture, the murder of his sons “before his eyes,” (52:20) just before he lost his physical sight.
Back in 1 Kings 9:1–9, after Solomon built the temple, God promised to keep His name there as long as they served only Him. “But,” He said, “if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people.” (1 Kings 9:6–7) The people did not live up to their end of the bargain, but as you might would imagine, God most certainly did live up to His! Jeremiah 52:12–30 is the fulfillment of God’s warning to Israel in 1 Kings 9:6–7.
The Book of Jeremiah does end, however, with just a flicker of hope. After 37 years of being exiled in Babylon, Jehoiachin, king of Judah, is shown preferential treatment. It is a reminder that God has not forgotten the Davidic Covenant, and, just as Jeremiah 30–33 makes clear, God will ultimately fulfill His promises to bless Israel.
SPECIFIC REFERENCES TO “THE DAY OF THE LORD”:
- 51:2 – “In the day of trouble”
- 51:6 – “The time of the Lord’s vengeance”
- 51:11 – “It is the vengeance of the Lord”
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As the REDEEMER WHO PLEADS OUR CAUSE — Jeremiah 50:34 (Luke 1:68; Rom. 8:34)
As the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE — Jeremiah 51:15 (Col. 1:16)