Jeremiah 50:2
Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.
Jeremiah 50:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Jeremiah, specifically chapter 50, verse 2, is a call to proclaim a message of victory and triumph over the once mighty Babylon. The speaker urges the people to declare among the nations and set up a standard to announce that Babylon has been conquered. The mention of Bel and Merodach, two Babylonian gods, being confounded and broken in pieces serves to emphasize the fall of Babylon's power and influence. The idols and images of Babylon are also described as being broken, symbolizing the destruction of their false gods and the futility of relying on them for protection. Overall, this verse is a powerful declaration of the defeat of a once proud nation and a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of the one true God. It is a message of warning against the worship of idols and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's will.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is calling for the declaration of the fall of Babylon to be spread among the nations. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the power of God over the false gods of Babylon. The names Bel and Merodach were deities worshiped by the Babylonians, but here they are portrayed as being confounded and broken in pieces. This imagery conveys the message that the idols and images of Babylon are powerless in the face of the one true God. The call to publish and set up a standard signifies the importance of spreading the news of Babylon's defeat far and wide, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over all nations. This verse serves as a reminder that no earthly power or idol can stand against the might of God, who ultimately reigns supreme.
Jeremiah 50:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
Declare ye among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is put to shame, Merodach is dismayed; her images are put to shame, her idols are dismayed.
World English Bible
Declare among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and don’t conceal: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is disappointed, Merodach is dismayed; her images are disappointed, her idols are dismayed.
Douay-Rheims
Declare ye among the nations, and publish it, lift up a standard: proclaim, and conceal it not: say: Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is overthrown, their graven things are confounded, their idols are overthrown.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Declare among the nations, and publish it, and set vp a standart, proclaime it and conceale it not: say, Babel is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken downe: her idols are confounded, and their images are burst in pieces.