Chapter 50 – The Fall of Bavel and Israel’s Redemption

1. Announcement of Babylon’s Fall (50:1–3)

G‑d speaks through Yirmiyahu concerning Bavel (Babylon) and the land of the Kasdim (Chaldeans). The nations are told to proclaim openly: “Bavel has been taken! Bel and Merodach are shamed; her idols are disgraced.” A nation from the north will come and turn her land into desolation, leaving it empty of man and beast.

2. Israel and Yehudah’s Return (50:4–7)

In those days, the children of Israel and Yehudah will return together, weeping and seeking G‑d. They will ask for Zion and renew an everlasting covenant. G‑d laments that His people were like lost sheep, led astray by corrupt shepherds. Their enemies devoured them, claiming innocence because Israel sinned against G‑d, the source of justice.

3. Call to Flee Babylon (50:8–16)

G‑d commands His people to flee from Bavel like strong he-goats leading the flock. He is stirring up a coalition of nations from the north to attack Babylon. Her land will become prey, and her pride will be shattered. Her walls will fall, her foundations will collapse, and her harvest will cease. Babylon will face the vengeance of G‑d for desecrating His Temple.

4. Retribution and Restoration (50:17–20)

Israel is described as a scattered sheep devoured first by Assyria and then by Babylon. G‑d promises to punish Babylon as He punished Assyria and to restore Israel to its land—Carmel, Bashan, Ephraim, and Gilad. In those days, Israel’s sins will be sought but not found, for G‑d will forgive the remnant.

5. Babylon’s Humiliation (50:21–32)

The prophecy portrays Babylon as the “hammer of the whole earth” now broken. G‑d lays a snare for her; her warriors will fall, and fire will consume her cities. Her arrogance and wickedness will meet divine judgment. Babylon’s day of reckoning has come.

6. G‑d as Israel’s Redeemer (50:33–34)

Israel and Yehudah are held captive together, but their Redeemer is mighty—G‑d of Hosts is His Name. He will plead their cause, bringing rest to the earth and turmoil to Babylon.

7. Total Desolation of Babylon (50:35–46)

A sword is upon Babylon’s princes, wise men, imposters, warriors, horses, chariots, and treasures. Her waters will dry up, and her land will become a haunt for wild creatures, never inhabited again—like the overturning of Sodom and Amorah. A great nation from the north will come with cruelty and strength, causing terror. The king of Babylon will tremble as the destroyer swoops down like a lion. The earth will quake at Babylon’s fall, and her cry will echo among the nations.