Read & explore together
Redemption for God’s People
This prophecy speaks about God’s people after harm and loss. It uses pictures of sheep, lions and good pasture to show both judgement on oppressors and God’s promise to restore, satisfy and pardon his people.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In these verses, Israel and Judah are described as people who have been driven away and damaged by powerful kings. Yahweh of Armies speaks about punishing Babylon, bringing Israel back, and pardoning a remnant so that their sin is no longer found.
Jeremiah 50:17–20Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Yahweh speaks against those who harmed his people and promises restoration, satisfaction and pardon for the remnant he leaves.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A hunted sheepThe passage begins with a picture: Israel is like a hunted sheep. Lions have driven him away.
Explanation
The passage begins with a picture: Israel is like a hunted sheep. Lions have driven him away. The image shows weakness and danger, not safety. The verse then names two powers, Assyria first and then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, as those who harmed Israel severely.
02God speaks against BabylonBecause of that harm, Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, announces punishment. He says he will punish the king of Babylon and his land.
Explanation
Because of that harm, Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, announces punishment. He says he will punish the king of Babylon and his land. The comparison with Assyria shows that Babylon is not beyond God’s justice. The passage does not leave oppression unanswered.
03Brought back to good pastureThen the message turns to restoration. God says he will bring Israel again to his pasture.
Explanation
Then the message turns to restoration. God says he will bring Israel again to his pasture. Carmel, Bashan, Ephraim and Gilead are named as places where he will feed and be satisfied. The language gives a picture of enough food, peace and belonging after being driven away.
04Sins no longer foundThe final promise reaches deeper than place and food. In those days, the iniquity of Israel and the sins of Judah will be sought, but they will not be found.
Explanation
The final promise reaches deeper than place and food. In those days, the iniquity of Israel and the sins of Judah will be sought, but they will not be found. The reason is clear in the verse itself: Yahweh says, ‘I will pardon them whom I leave as a remnant.’
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What do the images of a hunted sheep and lions help you notice about Israel’s condition?
Look at the words ‘hunted’, ‘driven away’ and ‘broken his bones’ to describe danger, weakness and harm.
02What two things does Yahweh say he will do in response to this situation?
One action is against Babylon, and another action is for Israel.
03Why will Israel’s and Judah’s sins not be found?
The verse gives the reason directly in God’s own words about pardon and the remnant.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Jeremiah 50:17–20
17“Israel is a hunted sheep. The lions have driven him away. First, the king of Assyria devoured him, and now at last Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has broken his bones.”
18Therefore Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.
19I will bring Israel again to his pasture, and he will feed on Carmel and Bashan. His soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead.
20In those days, and in that time,” says Yahweh, “the iniquity of Israel will be sought for, and there will be none, also the sins of Judah, and they won’t be found; for I will pardon them whom I leave as a remnant.