Jeremiah 50:17

"Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him who handles the sickle in the time of harvest. For fear of the oppressing sword, they will each return to their own people, and they will each flee to their own land."

Key Reflection

The verse Jeremiah 50:17 envisions a devastating scenario for Babylon. It commands that both the sower and the reaper—representing agricultural workers who plant and harvest, symbolizing those who will be in charge of the land's resources—should be cut off or removed from Babylon. This imagery underscores the complete destruction of Babylon’s productivity and stability. Furthermore, due to the oppressive threat of war, people will abandon their roles and flee back to their native lands, reflecting a sense of panic and insecurity that grips even those with established responsibilities.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Israel is a scattered sheep -i. e., is like a flock which has been scared and driven in all directions, for lions have chased him. First the king ... -Rather, the first lion “ate him, even the king of Assyria; and this one, the last, heath picked his bones, even Nebuchadrezzar etc.” The constant wasting of the land by the Assyrians had so lessened the number of Israel, that Nebuchadnezzar had but the bones to pick.

More from Jeremiah 50

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