What was Pekod?

Pekod was a region or tribal designation associated with the eastern reaches of Babylon, referenced specifically in Jeremiah 50:21 as an object of divine judgment. The name Pekod (Hebrew: פְּקוֹד, Pᵉqôḏ) comes from the root paqad, which means to attend to, to number, to punish, or to appoint. This root is commonly used throughout the Old Testament in contexts relating to divine visitation—either in blessing or judgment.

Pekod was not a major city but rather a people group or tribal territory, possibly within or adjacent to the broader land of Babylonia. It may be identified with a district or clan known from Assyrian and Babylonian records under a similar name—Puqudu, an Aramean tribe or region east of the Tigris River.

Biblical Reference

• Jeremiah 50:21 (NIV): “Attack the land of Merathaim and those who live in Pekod. Pursue, kill and completely destroy them,” declares the Lord. “Do everything I have commanded you.”

This passage is part of a prophecy against Babylon, where the Lord pronounces judgment on its various regions, including Pekod.

Other possible reference:

• Ezekiel 23:23 mentions “Pekod, Shoa, and Koa”, grouped with Chaldeans. This points to Pekod’s integration into the Babylonian or Chaldean military and social structure.

Historical and Geographical Background

Pekod likely refers to the Puqudu tribe, an Aramean people who were known in Mesopotamian sources from the 8th to 6th centuries BC. They lived near the lower Tigris River and were sometimes in rebellion against the Assyrian Empire. Eventually, they were absorbed into the Neo-Babylonian Empire, becoming part of its military forces and provincial administration.

In Jeremiah’s prophecy, God targets Pekod as part of His judgment on Babylon, not only for its sins but for its oppression of Israel and Judah. That Pekod is singled out suggests their active role in Babylon‘s violence or rebellion against God.

Theological Meaning and Implications

Pekod, meaning “visitation” or “punishment,” underscores a theological theme of divine reckoning. The very name becomes a symbol of the Lord’s sovereign right to visit and judge nations according to His righteousness. As part of Babylon’s military or governmental structure, Pekod stood on the wrong side of God’s justice.

The call in Jeremiah 50:21 to “attack” Pekod is not simply geopolitical but a divine directive for justice. God is acting through historical events to fulfill His promise to bring down proud empires that oppose Him and oppress His people.

What It Means for Christians Today

The inclusion of Pekod in God’s judgment of Babylon serves as a reminder that no tribe, system, or nation is beyond God’s reach. It warns against pride, violence, and complicity in evil. Whether ancient tribes or modern societies, all are accountable to the holy standards of God.

For Christians, Pekod also illustrates the faithfulness of God in dealing with the enemies of His people. Just as He promised to vindicate Israel, so too will He ultimately defend and deliver His Church from oppression and spiritual Babylon.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The judgment of Pekod points forward to God’s ultimate victory over sin and evil, which finds its fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Righteous Judge, will one day return to bring final justice (Revelation 19:11-16).

Where Pekod received punishment, the gospel offers mercy through Christ. Those who repent and believe in Jesus are spared from God’s wrath and are instead visited with grace (cf. Luke 1:68, “the Lord has visited his people and redeemed them”).

The fate of Pekod also echoes the fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation 17–18. Just as ancient Pekod and Babylon fell under judgment, so too will all powers and systems that oppose Christ be brought low.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Divine Judgment

Pekod represents a consistent biblical theme: God’s righteous judgment against evil and prideful nations (cf. Isaiah 13; Jeremiah 25; Revelation 18).

2. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations

Whether Pekod, Babylon, or modern governments, God alone governs the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 21:1).

3. God as Warrior for His People

The destruction of Pekod is tied to God’s defense of Israel (Jeremiah 50:17-20). God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people.

4. Prophetic Fulfillment

Jeremiah’s prophecy about Pekod is part of a larger prophetic promise: Babylon will fall, and God will restore His people. This typifies God’s redemptive plan culminating in Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the judgment of Pekod challenge us to examine our own alignment with God’s justice?

2. In what ways do modern societies reflect the pride and violence of ancient Babylon and Pekod?

3. How can the gospel be good news to people in today’s “Babylon-like” cultures?

4. What does the meaning of Pekod (“visitation” or “punishment”) reveal about God’s activity in history?

5. How does God’s judgment on Pekod deepen your understanding of Christ’s work on the cross as the One who bore our judgment?

Pekod stands as a solemn symbol of God‘s justice and a call to trust in the One who bore the judgment of sin on our behalf—Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Righteous Judge.