Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.

JEREMIAH 50:45KJV
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Jeremiah 50:45 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:45 mean?

Jeremiah 50:45 declares that God has made a firm decision against Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans, stating that even the weakest among their enemies will be able to defeat them and leave their land desolate. The verse emphasizes that Babylon’s downfall is certain because it is part of God’s deliberate plan.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people, relaying God’s message about the coming judgment on Babylon, a powerful empire that had conquered Judah. The language highlights that God’s "counsel" and "purposes" are behind Babylon’s destruction, not just human actions. The image of "the least of the flock" leading them out suggests that Babylon will be so weakened that even the most insignificant foe can overcome them, showing the completeness of their coming ruin.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:45

  • "counsel" (עֵצָה, etsah): This word means advice, plan, or purpose. Here, it stresses that what is happening to Babylon is not random but part of God’s intentional plan.
  • "least" (קָטָן, qatan): This word refers to someone who is small or insignificant. The verse uses it to show that Babylon will be so powerless that even the weakest enemy can defeat them.
  • "habitation" (נָוֶה, naveh): This word means dwelling place or home. Its use here underlines that Babylon’s entire land and way of life will become deserted and ruined.

Why Jeremiah 50:45 matters

  • Jeremiah 50:45 clarifies that Babylon’s fall is not just a result of political events but is portrayed as the direct outcome of God’s will and planning.
  • The verse highlights the totality of Babylon’s coming defeat, showing that their power will be so broken that even the least threatening opponent can bring about their downfall.
  • This verse connects to the broader message in Jeremiah 50, where God’s justice is announced against Babylon for its actions against other nations, especially Judah.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H5498 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
  • Jeremiah 15:3 And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.
  • Jeremiah 22:19 He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

“least” Hebrew H6810 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 19:31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:
  • Genesis 48:14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
  • Psalms 68:27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

“habitation” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

“purposes” Hebrew H4284 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
  • Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.