Jeremiah 50:17
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This verse vividly portrays Israel as a "scattered sheep," not just attacked, but utterly consumed. The chilling imagery of the Assyrians devouring the "flesh" and Nebuchadnezzar later gnawing the "bones" highlights the devastating and near-total destruction God allowed His people to experience. It underscores that their suffering wasn't merely a momentary setback, but a profound desolation that left them vulnerable and seemingly depleted to their very core.
“Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions. First the king of Assyria devoured him, and now at last Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has gnawed his bones.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a prophecy against Babylon, but pivots to describe the suffering of Israel. Jeremiah paints a stark picture of God's people as a vulnerable flock, first torn apart by the Assyrian empire's conquest of the northern kingdom, and then nearly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians who conquer Judah. These devastating historical events serve to highlight the depth of Israel's exile and impending judgment, setting the stage for God's ultimate promise of restoration.
Israel's history is marked by devastating invasions and exiles. This verse paints a brutal picture of their suffering.
Jeremiah uses vivid imagery to describe the suffering of God's people. They are likened to a "scattered sheep," driven and preyed upon by "lions."
Two Devastating Blows
The scholars note that this imagery emphasizes the severity and totality of the judgment, showing how the nation was progressively stripped of its strength and vitality.
Why would God allow His chosen people to suffer so intensely? This verse, read in context, hints at a deeper purpose.
While the imagery is harsh, the commentary highlights a crucial point: God's chastisements, even severe ones, are not meant for ultimate destruction but for correction and preservation.
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The Father's Hand
This verse powerfully illustrates the devastating consequences of God's judgment, portraying Israel and Judah as prey to successive empires—first the Assyrians, then the Babylonians—in a stark reminder of their covenant unfaithfulness.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria to Assyria
The Assyrian Empire, under King Shalmaneser V and then Sargon II, conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and scattering them. This marks the first 'devouring' of God's people.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeats the Egyptians and captures Jerusalem, taking notable citizens, including Daniel, into exile. This begins Babylon's systematic dismantling of Judah.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar again besieges Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and many of the skilled workers and nobles. This further weakens the kingdom.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroys Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon. This act is depicted as the final, brutal crushing of the 'bones' of the nation.
This passage uses similar imagery of sheep being scattered and preyed upon by wild beasts, highlighting God's concern for His flock and His judgment on negligent shepherds, which resonates with Israel's vulnerability in Jeremiah.
Psalm 23:1-4While Jeremiah 50:17 paints a grim picture of predators, Psalm 23 offers a contrasting perspective where God is the Shepherd who protects His sheep, showing the tender care Israel lacked from human leaders and experienced from God Himself.
Isaiah 10:5-7This passage speaks of Assyria as an instrument of God's wrath, much like the 'lion' in Jeremiah, but it also promises judgment on Assyria itself, suggesting that even these powerful oppressors are subject to God's ultimate sovereignty.
Jeremiah 4:5-7This earlier passage in Jeremiah also uses the imagery of a lion emerging from its thicket to attack Judah, directly preceding a description of desolation that parallels the 'hunted sheep' imagery used here.
calvinJeremiah 50:17: "Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones."
- Grex dispersus (vel, agnus dispersus aut haedus; sh significat interdum gregem, interdum etiam significat singulos agnos, vel singulas oves; grex ergo dispersus fuit) Israel; leones expulerunt eun; primus voravit eum rex Assyriae, et hic postremus contrivit ossa ejus Nebuchadrezer rex Babylonis.
Here…
pooleJeremiah 50:17: "Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones."
By Israel is here meant the whole twelve tribes (though sometimes it signifieth the ten tribes in opposition to Judah); they were all wandering sheep, they became penally scattered sheep . Enemies as fierce and cruel as lions had seized them, and carried them into captivity. First the king of Assyria devou…
This verse vividly portrays Israel as a "scattered sheep," not just attacked, but utterly consumed. The chilling imagery of the Assyrians devouring the "flesh" and Nebuchadnezzar later gnawing the "bones" highlights the devastating and near-total destruction God allowed His people to experience. It underscores that their suffering wasn't merely a momentary setback, but a profound desolation that left them vulnerable and seemingly depleted to their very core.
This verse appears in a prophecy against Babylon, but pivots to describe the suffering of Israel. Jeremiah paints a stark picture of God's people as a vulnerable flock, first torn apart by the Assyrian empire's conquest of the northern kingdom, and then nearly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians who conquer Judah. These devastating historical events serve to highlight the depth of Israel's exile and impending judgment, setting the stage for God's ultimate promise of restoration.
This verse appears in a prophecy against Babylon, but pivots to describe the suffering of Israel. Jeremiah paints a stark picture of God's people as a vulnerable flock, first torn apart by the Assyrian empire's conquest of the northern kingdom, and then nearly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians who conquer Judah. These devastating historical events serve to highlight the depth of Israel's exile and impending judgment, setting the stage for God's ultimate promise of restoration.
"“Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions. First the king of Assyria devoured him, and now at last Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has gnawed his bones." — This verse vividly portrays Israel as a "scattered sheep," not just attacked, but utterly consumed. The chilling imagery of the Assyrians devouring the "flesh" and Nebuchadnezzar later gnawing the "b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
