17 "Israel is a scattered flock , the lions have driven them away . The first one who devoured him was the king of Assyria , and this last one who has broken his bones is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon . 18 "Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts , the God of Israel : 'Behold , I am going to punish the king of Babylon and his land , just as I punished the king of Assyria . 19 'And I will bring Israel back to his pasture and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan , and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead . 20 'In those days and at that time ,' declares the Lord , 'search will be made for the iniquity of Israel , but there will be none ; and for the sins of Judah , but they will not be found ; for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant .'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:17-20
Commentary on Jeremiah 50:8-20
(Read Jeremiah 50:8-20)
The desolation that shall be brought upon Babylon is set forth in a variety of expressions. The cause of this destruction is the wrath of the Lord. Babylon shall be wholly desolated; for she hath sinned against the Lord. Sin makes men a mark for the arrows of God's judgments. The mercy promised to the Israel of God, shall not only accompany, but arise from the destruction of Babylon. These sheep shall be gathered from the deserts, and put again into good pasture. All who return to God and their duty, shall find satisfaction of soul in so doing. Deliverances out of trouble are comforts indeed, when fruits of the forgiveness of sin.