Jeremiah 50:44
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
Jeremiah 50:44 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the image of a lion coming up from the swelling of the Jordan River signifies a powerful force rising up to confront the strong and established. The mention of the chosen man to be appointed over the people suggests that God is looking for a leader to guide and protect them. The question posed about who is like God highlights His uniqueness and ultimate authority. The reference to appointing a shepherd who will stand before God implies the need for a faithful and obedient leader to represent His will. Overall, this verse reflects themes of power, leadership, and divine authority, emphasizing the importance of being faithful and obedient to God's will.
Theological Overview
Jeremiah 49:19 contains rich theological imagery and symbolism. The comparison of the coming judgment to a lion rising from the swelling of the Jordan river signifies the unstoppable force of God's wrath. The mention of the habitation of the strong suggests that even the most fortified places will crumble before the Lord. The question posed, "who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her?" emphasizes God's sovereignty and the ultimate authority He holds over all creation. The verse challenges the reader to consider who can stand against God or appoint Him a time. It calls into question the power and authority of any shepherd who would claim to lead without God's guidance. This passage serves as a reminder of God's supremacy and the inevitability of His judgment.
Jeremiah 50:44 in other translations
American Standard Version
Behold, [the enemy] shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that can stand before me?
World English Bible
Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who can stand before me?
Douay-Rheims
Behold he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of the Jordan to the strong and beautiful: for I will make him run suddenly upon her: and who shall be the chosen one whom I may appoint over her? for who is like to me? and who shall bear up against me? and who is that shepherd that can withstand my countenance?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde, hee shall come vp like a lyon from the swelling of Iorden vnto the strong habitation: for I will make Israel to rest, and I will make them to haste away from her: and who is a chosen man that I may appoynt against her? for who is like me, and who will appoynt me the time? and who is the shepheard that will stande before me?