Jeremiah 50 7

Jeremiah 50:7 kjv

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

Jeremiah 50:7 nkjv

All who found them have devoured them; And their adversaries said, 'We have not offended, Because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, The LORD, the hope of their fathers.'

Jeremiah 50:7 niv

Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, 'We are not guilty, for they sinned against the LORD, their verdant pasture, the LORD, the hope of their ancestors.'

Jeremiah 50:7 esv

All who found them have devoured them, and their enemies have said, 'We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the LORD, their habitation of righteousness, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.'

Jeremiah 50:7 nlt

All who found them devoured them.
Their enemies said,
'We did nothing wrong in attacking them,
for they sinned against the LORD,
their true place of rest,
and the hope of their ancestors.'

Jeremiah 50 verses

Jeremiah 50 7 Meaning

This verse identifies the source of Israel's affliction and suffering. It states that anyone who found Israel metaphorically "devoured" them, meaning they exploited, oppressed, and harmed them. This devastation is attributed to those who afflicted Israel.

Jeremiah 50 7 Context

Jeremiah 50 continues God's prophecy against Babylon, which is portrayed as a great oppressor. In the preceding verses (50:1-6), Israel is described as scattered and oppressed due to their sins. This verse (50:7) specifically identifies the perpetrators of Israel's suffering as those who found them and acted as predators. The immediate context is God's judgment upon Babylon for its actions against His people, promising ultimate retribution against the oppressors and future restoration for Israel. Historically, this refers to the many nations that attacked, plundered, and exiled Judah.

Jeremiah 50 7 Word analysis

• "All": Refers to every entity that encountered Israel in their state of vulnerability.
• "who found": Implies Israel was in a defenseless or discoverable state, perhaps during their exile or through vulnerability brought about by sin. It suggests their being exposed to exploitation.
• "them": Refers to the nation of Israel, the people of God.
• "have devoured": This is a strong metaphor for consumption, destruction, and complete exploitation. It signifies ruin and deprivation. The Hebrew word used here, "akal," can mean to eat, consume, devour, or waste away.
• "them": Again, referring to Israel.
• "and we": Shifts perspective to God’s affirmation of the people's state.
• "have not sinned": This is spoken from the perspective of Israel's oppressors, who likely did not perceive their actions as sinful against God. They saw it as conquest or natural consequence, possibly attributing Israel's downfall to their own gods or weakness. It reflects a denial of accountability.
• "because their": Connects the perceived lack of sin by oppressors to their rationalizations.
• "masters": Refers to God, the ultimate Lord or Master of Israel. The oppressors imply that their actions were not against God's ownership or divine order.
• "had wronged": The oppressors might argue that if Israel's Master (God) had wronged them (through chastisement or allowing them to be taken captive), then their own actions were justified or inconsequential.

Words group by words:

• "All who found them have devoured them": This phrase captures the predatory nature of Israel’s enemies. "Found" implies discovery in a state of weakness. "Devoured" signifies total ruin and exploitation.
• "and we have not sinned; because their masters had wronged": This represents the self-exoneration of Israel’s enemies. They claim innocence by deflecting blame onto Israel's divine Master (God), suggesting that God’s perceived injustice towards Israel permitted or excused their own oppressive actions.

Jeremiah 50 7 Bonus section

This verse uses strong anthropomorphic language to describe the relationship between oppressors and the oppressed. The imagery of "devouring" is potent, evoking the consuming hunger of beasts of prey. It highlights the intense suffering and complete stripping away of Israel’s identity and well-being by its enemies. The rationale offered by the oppressors (“their masters had wronged”) mirrors later accusations against God by His people when facing hardship, indicating a recurring human tendency to blame higher powers for personal sin or misfortune rather than accepting responsibility. The future pronouncement in Jeremiah 30:16, "all who devour you shall be devoured," directly answers the sentiment in verse 7, assuring justice and retribution.

Jeremiah 50 7 Commentary

Jeremiah 50:7 encapsulates the experience of Israel’s repeated subjugation and exploitation by surrounding nations. These enemies acted like predators, consuming Israel's resources and people without remorse. Their justification—that God had failed or mistreated Israel, thereby absolving them of sin—highlights a profound theological ignorance. They failed to recognize that God permitted Israel's chastisement for their own transgressions, but this did not grant impunity to the oppressors. On the contrary, God Himself promised ultimate judgment upon these very nations, ensuring that the "devourers" would ultimately be devoured. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His righteous judgment upon those who inflict cruelty.