Jeremiah 51

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 51 of 52

1 Behold, I am stirring up a destroying wind against Babylon and against those living in the heart of those who rose against Me.

2 And I will send aliens to Babylon who will sift her and shall empty her land. For in the day of evil they shall be against her all around.

3 Treading the one treading does not tread his bow, and not himself go up in his armor. And do not spare her young men; utterly destroy all her hosts.

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Chapter Summary

The severe judgment of Jehovah against Babylon in revenge of Israel. Jeremiah delivers the book of this prophecy to Seraiah, to be cast into Euphrates, in token of the perpetual sinking of Babylon.

Key Hebrew Words

נְקָמָה vengeance H5360 · TWOT 1413b
כּוֹס cup (golden, of wrath) H3563 · TWOT 965
גְּמוּל recompense, requital H1576 · TWOT 360a
פֶּ֫סֶל idol, carved image H6459 · TWOT 1788a
נָפַץ shatter, dash in pieces H5310 · TWOT 1394
חׇכְמָה wisdom (of God) H2451 · TWOT 647a

People & Context

Jehovah

Speaks vengeance on Babylon, the Maker of earth and the Portion of Jacob who avenges His people (vv.15-19,36)

Jeremiah

The prophet who wrote the doom of Babylon in a book and charged Seraiah (vv.59-64)

Seraiah

Son of Neriah, the quartermaster who went to Babylon with Zedekiah and was to sink the book in the Euphrates (vv.59-64)

Nebuchadnezzar

King of Babylon who devoured and crushed Jerusalem like an empty vessel (v.34)

Zedekiah

King of Judah, in whose fourth year Seraiah went to Babylon (v.59)

Bel

Babylonian god whom Jehovah will visit, making him disgorge what he swallowed (v.44)

Timeline

The Destroying Wind and the Medes

Jehovah stirs up a destroying wind against Babylon. He awakens the spirit of the kings of the Medes to take vengeance for His temple, declaring Babylon was a golden cup making the earth drunk.

Jeremiah 51:1-14
The Destroying Mountain Rolled Down

God contrasts His creative power with vanity idols. He declares He will roll Babylon down from the rocks like a destroying mountain, summoning Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz to attack her.

Jeremiah 51:15-32
Vengeance for Zion's Blood

Babylon is compared to a threshing floor ready for harvest. God promises to avenge the blood of Jerusalem by making Babylon a dry heap and a home for jackals, with her broad walls laid bare.

Jeremiah 51:33-58

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