Jeremiah 50:17

Israel is a scattered sheepe, the lyons haue driuen him away: first the king of Assyria hath deuoured him, and last this Nebuchad-rezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones. Jeremiah 50:17 (KJV)

Israel

is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven

him

away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured

him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones. Jeremiah 50:17 (KJV)

Jeremiah 50:17 is part of a larger prophecy in the Book of Jeremiah concerning the judgment and destruction of Babylon. In this verse the focus is on Israel, portrayed as a scattered sheep (or flock) that is vulnerable and without protection, driven away by lions. The metaphor highlights the nation’s dispersion, exile, distress, and disunity.

The reference to “first the king of Assyria hath devoured him” points to the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, when the ten tribes were carried off and scattered across the Assyrian empire. The Assyrian kings are presented as a formidable military power that brought devastation to Israel.

The phrase “last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones” refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, whose campaigns led to the fall of Judah, the destruction of the First Temple, and the exile of the remaining people to Babylon. “Broken his bones” is used metaphorically to convey the severity and lasting impact of that oppression, signifying utter devastation and humiliation.

In the broader context of Jeremiah 50‑51 the prophet pronounces God’s judgment against Babylon for its pride, idolatry, and oppression. Yet the chapters also contain promises of hope for Israel’s restoration and the eventual downfall of Babylon, presented as a symbol of God’s justice and faithfulness to His people.

Overall, Jeremiah 50:17 underscores the historical events that shaped Israel’s destiny, emphasizes the nation’s vulnerability, and reminds readers of God’s sovereignty, His commitment to both judgment and restoration, and the ultimate hope that lies beyond the present suffering.