Jeremiah 50:13
Because of the wrath of the LORD she shall not be inhabited but shall be an utter desolation; everyone who passes by Babylon shall be appalled, and hiss because of all her wounds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that the desolation of Babylon isn't just about destruction, but that passersby will "hiss" in a kind of horrified fascination and mockery, not pity. This isn't just emptiness; it's a spectacle of divine judgment so profound it evokes a scornful reaction from anyone who witnesses it.
This passage describes the utter destruction of Babylon as a direct consequence of God's judgment. Jeremiah uses strong imagery, emphasizing that the city will become a desolate wasteland, uninhabited and a spectacle of divine wrath for all who pass by. This prophecy echoes earlier warnings given to other nations, underscoring that Babylon's fate serves as a stark warning about the consequences of opposing God's people and His purposes.
Why does God bring such utter destruction on a city? It's not random, but a direct response to sin.
The verse explicitly states that Babylon's desolation is "Because of the wrath of the LORD." This isn't merely bad luck or a political upset; it's divine judgment.
A Judgment for Sin
Babylon, as a powerful empire, had inflicted immense suffering on God's people. They had acted with pride and cruelty, defying God's sovereignty. Their idolatry, mistreatment of exiles, and profanation of sacred things were not small offenses in God's eyes. This judgment is a consequence of their actions against God and His chosen people.
Divine Sovereignty in Judgment
Mentioning God's wrath underscores His ultimate authority. It assures the faithful that this is not an uncontrollable disaster, but a purposeful act orchestrated by God. It serves as a reminder that all nations and rulers are accountable to Him.
What does it mean for people to 'hiss' at a fallen city? It's a visceral reaction to overwhelming ruin.
The prophecy doesn't just state Babylon will be destroyed; it describes the human reaction to its utter ruin. People passing by will be "appalled, and hiss because of all her wounds."
A Spectacle of Desolation
"Astonished" (or "stupefied") captures the shock of seeing a once-mighty city reduced to nothing. Travellers who might have heard of Babylon's glory would be stunned by its complete desolation. It would be a sight that defies comprehension, a spectacle of God's power.
Hissing as Scorn
The act of "hissing" is particularly striking. It's not pity or awe alone, but a gesture of scorn, derision, and perhaps even rejoicing in the downfall of such a wicked oppressor. It signifies that Babylon's fate will be a public spectacle, serving as a warning and a source of vindication for those who suffered under its yoke. This reaction highlights the totality of Babylon's humiliation.
Understand the original words
chemah · Hebrew Noun
A manifestation of God's holy and righteous reaction against sin, rebellion, and injustice. It is not merely emotional anger but a judicial response of the Creator against evil.
shemamah · Hebrew Noun
A state of complete destruction or ruin, often as a result of divine judgment for sin, where a place becomes uninhabitable and desolate.
Jeremiah's prophecy about Babylon's utter desolation, written decades before its fall, highlights God's ultimate judgment on oppressive empires and offers hope for His people's eventual restoration.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event deeply impacts Judah, serving as a stark warning of potential divine judgment.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire conquer Jerusalem for the first time. Among the exiles taken to Babylon are members of the Judean nobility, including the prophet Daniel.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar again besieges Jerusalem and deports more of its citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel. This further solidifies Babylonian dominance.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces utterly destroy Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. The majority of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, marking a profound crisis for the people of Judah.
This passage describes Babylon as the jewel of kingdoms, but predicts its utter destruction and desolation, mirroring Jeremiah's prophecy of it becoming uninhabited and a place of astonishment.
Jeremiah 19:8Jeremiah uses a very similar phraseology to describe the desolation of Jerusalem, predicting that all who pass by will be astonished and hiss, highlighting a consistent prophetic pattern for judgment on rebellious cities.
Deuteronomy 28:37This verse from the Law outlines the curses for disobedience, stating that Israel would become a byword and a proverb, and would be astonished and hiss at their plagues, a sentiment echoed in Jeremiah's prophecy against Babylon.
Revelation 18:2This New Testament passage reiterates Babylon's fall, declaring it has become a dwelling place for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, reinforcing the theme of complete desolation and inhabitation by ruinous things, not people.
calvinJeremiah 50:13: "Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues."
- Ab indignatione Jehovae non habitabitur (hoc est, praee indignatione, aut, propter indignationem,) et erit vastitas tota; quisquis transierit per Babylonem stupebit, et sibilabit super omnibus plagis ejus.
Jeremiah again repeats that the destruction of Babylon would be an evidence of God's vengeance,…
gillJeremiah 50:13: "Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues."
Because of the wrath of the Lord, it shall not be inhabited,.... That is, Babylon; which the Targum expresses, "because thou, Babylon, hast provoked the Lord;'' by their idolatry, luxury, ill usage of his people, and profanation of the vessels of the sanctuary; therefore it should be destroyed, and left w…
The verse emphasizes that the desolation of Babylon isn't just about destruction, but that passersby will "hiss" in a kind of horrified fascination and mockery, not pity. This isn't just emptiness; it's a spectacle of divine judgment so profound it evokes a scornful reaction from anyone who witnesses it.
This passage describes the utter destruction of Babylon as a direct consequence of God's judgment. Jeremiah uses strong imagery, emphasizing that the city will become a desolate wasteland, uninhabited and a spectacle of divine wrath for all who pass by. This prophecy echoes earlier warnings given to other nations, underscoring that Babylon's fate serves as a stark warning about the consequences of opposing God's people and His purposes.
This passage describes the utter destruction of Babylon as a direct consequence of God's judgment. Jeremiah uses strong imagery, emphasizing that the city will become a desolate wasteland, uninhabited and a spectacle of divine wrath for all who pass by. This prophecy echoes earlier warnings given to other nations, underscoring that Babylon's fate serves as a stark warning about the consequences of opposing God's people and His purposes.
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539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon. This marks a significant shift in geopolitical power and eventually leads to the return of the Jewish exiles.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return of Exiles
Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return and restoration period.
"Because of the wrath of the LORD she shall not be inhabited but shall be an utter desolation; everyone who passes by Babylon shall be appalled, and hiss because of all her wounds." — The verse emphasizes that the desolation of Babylon isn't just about destruction, but that passersby will "hiss" in a kind of horrified fascination and mockery, not pity. This isn't just emptiness; i…
