Jeremiah 50

Jeremiah 50:2

ANd set up] that being the way to give notice by such signes in unlookt for chances el, Merodach] the names of Chaldean idols, see Isaiah 46:1. Broken in pieces] or spoiled, or discomfited.

Jeremiah 50:3

A Nation] namely, the Medes and Persians, which lay Northward from Chaldea, by whom the Babylonian Empire was destroyed, and afterwards from time to time followed the entire ruine of the City, according to this prophecy Bothman] a representation of an extreame desolation.

Jeremiah 50:4

Shall come] shal returne into Judea, being freed out of captivity Weeping] for joy, and repentance for their sin: & for grief to behold yet the tracks of Gods judgements, and their miserable estate, in respect of their estate which was in former times, see Ezra 3:12:

Jeremiah 50:6

Their shepheards] namely, their Governours, as well Politick, as Ecclesiasticall, have caused them to wander out of the way of my obedience, and from the refuge and safeguard which they had in my grace and protection: of which being deprived, they were made a prey.

Jeremiah 50:7

We offend not] that is to say, God will have it so, Jeremiah 40:2. wherefore we may freely do it unto them, as to wicked men, as Zechariah 11:5. see the contrary, Jeremiah 23:1-40. The habitation]namely, whose protection was like a sacred habitation, and secure sheep-coat, in which their forefathers had lived very securely, Psalm. 90. 1. and 91. 1.

Jeremiah 50:8

Goats] the Italian, He goats] which goe freely and readily before the flocke.

Jeremiah 50:12

Mother] that is to say, your Countrey, or Babylon the seat of your Empire.

Jeremiah 50:15

Given] that is to say, she yeelds, and fainteth.

Jeremiah 50:16

Oppressing] namely Cyrus, Generall of the Medes and Persians Army, who shall oppresse and cast downe all his enemies Turne] he speakes of hired souldiers, or of strangers who lived in Babylon, for commerce or some other businesses.

Jeremiah 50:17

The King] that is to say, divers Kings of Assyria, Pul, Tiglath-Pileser, Shalmanezer, Sennacherib, which laid waste the whole Countrey, leaving nothing, but (as it were) the bones of a carcasse that is eaten up.

Jeremiah 50:20

Be sought for] that is to say, I will be reconciled to my people for any offences that are already done, freeing them from all penalties that they were already run into.

Jeremiah 50:21

Go up] the Prophet directs his speeches to Cyrus King of Persia, and chiefe of the enterprise against Babylon. Land of Merathaim, Pekod] the names of Babylonian Provinces,Ezekiel 23:23. Commanded thee] that is to say, which secretly inspired thee with, and directed thee in by my providence, according to these Prophesies, see 2 Kings 18:25. 2 Chronicles 36:23.

Jeremiah 50:23

The hammer] namely, the Babylonian Empire, which the Lord had before made use of to beat down and break the others.

Jeremiah 50:24

Laid a snare] that is to say, taken thee suddenly and overthrown thee: a hunting terme.

Jeremiah 50:26

Open] that is to say, Force her cities and strong holds, to the end that e may be destroyed without any resistance.

Jeremiah 50:27

Bullocks] that is to say, all her valiant souldiers and captains, and all her mighty and rich vassals and subjects.

Jeremiah 50:28

The voice] the Italian, there is a voice; a propheticall representation of the Jews return, declaring Gods wonderfull judgements upon Babylon, Ier. 51. 10

Jeremiah 50:37

The mingled people] he seems to mean the souldiers which were levied in Arabia, and the countries thereabouts, see Ier. 25. 20, 24.

Jeremiah 50:38

Upon her] he seemes to have a relation to that Euphrates, the chief strength of Babylon, was turned another way, and the channell dried up by Cyrus, whereupon he suddenly assaulted the City on two sides Idols] the Hebrew word signifieth properly Giants, the Chaldean idols being for the most part remembrances of ancient Kings and Worthies, which were of a vast and unreasonable stature, see Daniel 3:1.

Jeremiah 50:41

A people] namely, the Medes and Persians.

Jeremiah 50:44

He shall] namely, Cyrus. See the exposition of these words following, Jeremiah 49:19. Habitation] namely, against Babylon, a City which was very strong both by art and nature.