Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 51:47
Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.
47. The v. is suspicious; for ( a) it closely resembles Jer 51:52 in language, ( b) “Therefore” is unsuitable here, while it fits Jer 51:52, from which it may be taken. Co. for “graven images,” mentioned elsewhere in the immediate context ( Jer 51:52), proposes to read “rulers,” pointing out that the word is used three times in Is. (Jer 14:5, Jer 49:7, Jer 52:5) of the Babylonian oppressors of Israel.
do judgement upon ] lit. visit upon, as in Jer 51:52. Cp. Jer 11:22 and elsewhere.
ashamed ] See on Jer 2:26.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Therefore – The exiles were to note these things as signs of the approach of Gods visitation.
Confounded – Or, ashamed.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
I will do, that is, I will execute, judgment upon the idols of Babylon, and the whole land of Chaldea shall be confounded, when they shall see that their idols will do them no more service.
And all her slain shall fall in the midst of her: some, instead of her slain would have it read, her dancers, (for the city was taken while Belshazzar and his whole court were revelling,) but the learned author of the English Annotations tells us the word will not bear it.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
47. GROTIUStranslates, “Because then (namely, on the third year) the timeshall have come that,” c.
confoundedat seeingtheir gods powerless to help them.
her slaininretribution for “Israel’s slain” (Jer51:49) who fell by her hand. GROTIUStranslates, “her dancers,” as in Jdg 21:21Jdg 21:23; 1Sa 18:6,the same Hebrew word is translated, alluding to the dancingrevelry of the festival during which Cyrus took Babylon.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Therefore, behold, the days come that I will do judgment on the graven images of Babylon,…. Because of the connection of these words, some understand Jer 51:46 of the report of the deliverance of the Jews time after time; and yet nothing came of it, which disheartened them; and they were used more cruelly, and with greater violence, by the Chaldeans and their kings, one after another; and “therefore” the following things are said; but the particle may be rendered “moreover” n, as some observe; or “surely”, certainly, of a truth, as in Jer 5:2; the time is hastening on, the above things being done, when judgment shall be executed, not only upon Bel the chief idol, Jer 51:44; but upon all the idols of the Chaldeans; which should be broke to pieces, and stripped of everything about them that was valuable; the Medes and Persians having no regard to images in their worship; though Dr. Prideaux o thinks that what is here said, and in
Jer 51:44; were fulfilled by Xerxes, when he destroyed and pillaged the Babylonian temples:
and her whole land shall be confounded; the inhabitants of it, when they see their images destroyed, in which they trusted for their safety:
and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her; in the midst of Babylon; where the king and his army were shut up, and dared not move out; and where they were slain when the army of Cyrus entered.
n “praeterea”; so Gataker. o Connexion, par. 1. B. 2. p. 101. B. 4. p. 242, 243.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Therefore, viz., because what has been stated above will happen, or because the events mentioned in Jer 51:46 are harbingers of the judgment on Babylon, – therefore days are coming when God shall execute judgment on the idols of Babylon, and dry up the land
(Note: Keil has here misread the Hebrew text, which runs . The verb does not come from , to become dry, but from , to be ashamed; hence the correct rendering is, “all her land shall be ashamed,” not “shall be dried up.” – Tr.)
(cf. Jer 51:43), and all her slain ones, i.e., all her inhabitants shall fall down, slain in the midst of her. , “Therefore, behold, days are coming,” is a formula very frequently found in Jeremiah; cf. Jer 7:32; Jer 16:14; Jer 19:6; Jer 23:7, etc.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
He repeats a former sentence, that God would visit the idols of Babylon He does not speak now of Bel only, but includes all the false gods. We have already said why God raised his hand against idols, which were yet mere inventions of no account. This he did for the sake of men, that the Israelites might know that they had been deceived by the wiles of Satan, and that the faithful might understand that they ought not to ascribe it to false gods, when God for a time spared the ungodly. However wanton, then, they might be, in their prosperity, yet when they perished together with their idols, the faithful would then learn by experience, that idols obtained no victory for their worshippers.
When, therefore, the Prophet now says, Behold, the days are coming, and I will visit, etc., he no doubt intended to support the minds of the godly, who otherwise would have been cast down. And it was the best support, patiently to wait for the time of visitation, of which he now speaks;. I will visit, he says, all the images of Babylon; and then he adds, her whole land shall be ashamed. He speaks of the land, because the dominion of that monarchy extended far, so that it was difficult to travel through all its regions, and enemies could hardly have access to them. At length he adds, all her slain shall fall in the midst of her (105) He then speaks first of the country, and then he adds, that however fortified the city might be, yet. its walls and towers would be of no moment, for conquerors would march through her very streets, and everywhere kill those who thought themselves hid in a safe place, and set, as it were, above the clouds. He then adds, —
(105) Rather,
And all her slain, they shall fall in the midst of her.
—
Ed
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
D. Babylons Retribution and Israels Return Jer. 51:47-53
TRANSLATION
(47) Therefore, the days are coming when I will punish the images of Babylon, and all her land shall be put to shame; her slain ones shall fall in her midst. (48) Heavens, earth and all in them shall sing over Babylon, for spoilers shall come to her (oracle of the LORD). (49) As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the land. (50) O you who have escaped the sword, Go! Do not stand around! Remember from afar the LORD, and let Jerusalem come to your mind. (51) We are ashamed for we have heard reproach; shame has covered our faces for strangers have come unto the sanctuaries of the house of the LORD. (52) Therefore, behold, -days are coming (oracle of the LORD) when I will punish her graven images, and in all her land the wounded shall groan. (53) If Babylon should go up to the heavens, and if she makes her lofty fortifications inaccessible, yet from Me destroyers shall come to her (oracle of the LORD).
COMMENTS
Using a formula which he has previously used some fourteen times, Behold, the days come, Jeremiah develops anew the theme of the divine vengeance upon Babylon and the subsequent vindication of Israel. The threat against Bel in Jer. 51:44 is now expanded to include all the idols of Babylon (cf. also Jer. 50:2). Realizing that they have no higher power to whom they can turn the idolaters of Babylon are utterly confounded and ashamed. The defenders of Babylon are wounded and slain in the very midst of the city and the gods are unable to intervene on their behalf (Jer. 51:47). When the destroyer from the north, the Medo-Persian armies, capture Babylon the whole universe rejoices (Jer. 51:48). Heaven and earth rejoice because once again the Lord has demonstrated His wisdom, power and justice; once again it becomes evident that He and not Satan is the real Ruler of this universe. The sin of Babylon against Israel shall be recompensed. Just as Babylon had caused so many of Israel to fall in battle, so many from all over the land of[420] Babylonia shall be slain when Babylon fails (Jer. 51:49).
[420] The Hebrew word can also be translated earth. Keil thinks this verse refers to the multitudes from all over the world who might be in Babylon at the time the city falls.
The prophet next turns to those who have escaped the sword of divine vengeance against Babylon. He bids thee exiles to remember the Lord and Jerusalem and not to tarry in Babylonia (Jer. 51:50). But the captives are so filled with grief and remorse at what has happened to their Temple that they seem not to hear or acknowledge the joyful prophetic exhortation of Jer. 51:50. We are confounded, dismayed, confused because strangers have entered into the sacred sanctuaries of the Lords house thus profaning them. The Babylonian victory over Jerusalem was regarded by the heathen as a sign of triumph for their gods. Those Israelites who tried to remain faithful to the Lord alone were subjected to constant reproach and ridicule by their neighbors (Jer. 51:51). But again the Lord reminds those captives of what He has previously stated in this oracle, that the days are coming when He will vindicate Himself by executing judgment on the gods of Babylon (Jer. 51:52). Though the city should raise up her defensive walls and towers even to the heavens, yet the city will not be able to withstand the assault of the destroyer sent against her by the Lord (Jer. 51:53).
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(47) Therefore, behold, the days come . . .The first word has its full force. The Israelite exiles were to infer from the rumours and disorders of the preceding verse, that the day of vengeance was at hand. The formula, behold, the days come, was Jeremiahs customary manner of announcing a prediction (comp. Jer. 7:32; Jer. 16:14, et al.). For slain some commentators read wounded or smitten, as the word is rendered in Psa. 69:26; Job. 24:12, the words that follow indicating that the wounded shall have no power to escape, but shall fill the city with their corpses.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
The Reasons For Babylon’s Demise ( Jer 51:47-49 ).
We now learn again the reasons for Babylon’s demise. It was because of her graven images (Jer 51:47), with all their para-normal ramifications (Isa 47:9 ff), and because of what she had done to Israel (Jer 51:49). On the one hand she has exalted herself and led the world astray after the para-normal, on the other she has humiliated God’s people. These themes have been present throughout these chapters.
Jer 51:47-49
“Therefore, behold, the days are coming,
That I will execute judgment on the graven images of Babylon,
And her whole land will be confounded,
And all her slain will fall in the midst of her,
.
Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them,
Will sing for joy over Babylon,
For the destroyers will come to her from the north,
The word of YHWH.
As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall,
So at Babylon will fall the slain of all the land.”
‘Therefore –.’ That is, it is because of the weakness which will result from the constant changes in leadership described in Jer 51:45-46. YHWH works through man’s history.
‘Behold, the days are coming –’. A regular Jeremaic introduction to future events. See Jer 7:32; Jer 9:25; Jer 16:14; Jer 19:6; Jer 23:5; Jer 23:7; Jer 30:3; Jer 31:27; Jer 31:31; Jer 31:38; Jer 33:14; Jer 48:12; Jer 49:2; Jer 51:52).
And what is coming? Judgment on the graven images of Babylon. They will be revealed as nothings, unable to prevent what is coming on Babylon. Their powerlessness will be laid bare, for they will be unable to protect either the land or the people, the destruction and slaughter of which will reveal their impotence. And the consequence will be that the very heavens, and all that is in them, will sing for joy over what is to happen to them. Such were the blasphemies perpetrated in the names of these gods that their downfall will be noted in Heaven, as well as on earth. This must be seen in the light of the great claims made by Babylon about her gods, whom she claimed had made her master of the world, and we must remember that many, even in Israel, would have believed it. Now those gods were to be totally humiliated.
Note how closely intertwined are the fates of the gods, the land and the people. The latter two were the responsibility of the former. Thus the ravaging of the land and the ‘wounding to death’ (compare the use of the word in Psa 69:26; Job 24:12) of the people would be a slight on the very name of those gods. They would prove the impotence of Bel/Marduk and all the other gods of Babylon.
Thus there would be rejoicing in the heavens and on earth. Compare the similar idea in Isa 44:23 at the redemption of Israel/Judah. The rejoicing on earth would, of course, have been because at last Babylon’s iron grip had been broken and the nations would be freed from her cruel dominance. The overlordship of Cyrus that would follow would be in a totally different category for in the main it was humane and supportive, showing concern for the different peoples.
All this would be wrought by ‘the destroyers from the north’ (north as far as Israel was concerned. In fact Media, the prominent empire before the rise of Cyrus, was north of Babylon. Persia, however, was east of Babylon, but would still be ‘in the north’ as far as Israel was concerned). The forces of the Medo-Persian empire would sweep in and destroy Babylonia and its cities, even though Babylon itself would get off more lightly, partly due to the strategy by which it was taken (a surprise entry brought about by diverting the river and using the consequent river bed to enter the city), and partly due to the humaneness of Cyrus. Later rebellion would, however, result in the completion of the destruction of Babylon itself at Persian hands.
‘As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon will fall the slain of all the land.’ What Babylon has sown it will reap, and this especially because of what it had done to God’s people. Babylon had caused the slain of Israel to fall, now it would itself suffer the same fate. God is not unmindful of what happens to His people, and although His retribution may be delayed, leaving us sometimes bewildered, we can be sure that in the final analysis it is certain of fulfilment.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Jer 51:47. Therefore, behold For, behold. Instead of all her slain, Houbigant reads all her wounded, as in Jer 51:4 and Kennicott all her soldiers: and so in the 49th verse, the latter reads, as Babylon hath caused the soldiers of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the soldiers of all that country, or land. The next verse should be read, And the heavens and the earth shall shout over Babylon.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
19. BABYLONS FALL AN OCCASION OF JOY TO HEAVEN AND EARTH, BUT ESPECIALLY TO ISRAEL
Jer 51:47-52
47Therefore behold, the days come that I visit the idols of Babylon,
And her whole land shall be put to shame,
And her wounded ones shall all fall in the midst of her.
48But heaven and earth, and all therein, shall rejoice over Babylon,
For from the north come27 the destroyers, saith Jehovah.
49As Babylon caused28 the slain29 of Israel to fall,
So at Babylon are fallen the slain of the whole land.
50Ye that have escaped the sword,
Go on,30 stand not still:
Remember Jehovah from afar,
And let Jerusalem come into your hearts.
51We are ashamed, for we have heard reproach,
Shame covers our face, for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of Jehovahs house.
52Wherefore behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I punish her idols;
And in her whole land groan31 the slain.
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
We may observe in this passage that it gradually exhausts itself, and hastens to the conclusion. We may also perceive the effort to revert to the commencement. Hence the great similarity of these verses to Jer 50:3-5. Babylons idols are to be visited, the land confounded, and filled with the slain (Jer 51:47), to the joy of heaven and earth. The destroyers coming from the north are to accomplish this (Jer 51:48). Thus will be recompensed to Babylon what it has done to Israel (Jer 51:49). The Israelites, however, are encouraged to go home comforted (Jer 51:50). They seem not to understand the call, for they answer with complaining words, from which it is seen that no other feeling could find place in their hearts, than that of the disgrace they had suffered (Jer 51:51). But the prophet comforts them by skilfully repeating the opening words of the picture, indicating that even for their disgrace the promised visitation of the idols and of their country would procure satisfaction (Jer 51:52). If our division is correct, and Jer 51:52 is really the close of the strophe beginning at Jer 51:47, and if, as cannot be doubted (see the proof in detail below), these verses reproduce in a certain measure the beginning of the whole prophecy, Jer 50:2-5, an artificial arrangement is here noticeable, of which a trace also recurs in the last picture, for Jer 51:58 also in its purport refers back to Jer 51:53.
Jer 51:47-48. Therefore behold saith Jehovah.Therefore draws a further special conclusion from the premises stated in the previous context. The main purport of this picture follows from all which has been previously stated as the decree of Jehovah concerning Babylon.Behold, the day. Comp. Jer 9:24. This formula is found fourteen times in Jer 7:32; Jer 16:14; Jer 19:6, etc.The idols, etc. Generalization of what is said in Jer 51:44 of Bel alone. In Jer 50:2 also the confusion of Bel, Merodach and the idols generally is spoken of. Comp. Jer 51:52.Put to shame. Comp. Jer 48:13.Her wounded. Comp. Jer 51:4.If we render slain, we get no suitable meaning from the sentence, even if the emphasis be laid on in the midst of her, we must, therefore, take the word in the sense of wounded, as in Psa 69:26; Job 24:12. All the wounded will fall, i.e., all their wounds will be mortal.
Jer 51:48. Shall rejoice, etc. These words express the main thought of the first part (Jer 51:47-48) and at the same time the only new element. Heaven and earth certainly must rejoice when once again the justice, wisdom and power of the Lord celebrate a triumph, and it is anew evident that He, and not the devil, is Lord in the world. Comp. Isa 44:23; Isa 49:13; Psa 96:10-11.The sentence gains much in clearness if we regard it as a parenthesis, and refer the following causal sentence to Jer 51:47. According to the logical sequence the destroyers are the first cause, and the destruction of Babylon the second cause of the rejoicing. If we do not take the imperative sentence as a parenthesis, we must at least refer the causal sentence to all the foregoing context, so that the destroyers appear as the ground both of the fall and the rejoicing. The words for from the north, also remind us of Jer 50:3 coll. Jer 50:9; Jer 50:41, standing here in the same connection as there.Destroyers. Comp. Jer 51:53.
Jer 51:49-52. As Babylon the slain. In this second part of the picture the prophet expresses substantially the same thought as in the first, but with special application to Israel and emphasis on the idea of recompense. The sin of Babylon against Israel shall be recompensed, and Israel, at first unable to receive the joyful tidings, is greatly comforted by the repeated solemn proclamation of judgment on the destroyers.Remember, etc. These words remind us vividly of Jer 50:4-5.From afar. Jehovah is still always considered as dwelling in Zion. Comp. Jer 41:5.Come, etc. Comp. Jer 3:16; Jer 44:21.The Israelites answer to the call, but with words of grief. They cannot receive the joyful tidings. Their minds are still full of the feeling of the disgrace they have suffered. It is as though they would say, What is the thought of Jehovah and Jerusalem for us? Have we not from thence recollections only of the deepest shame and reproach? We are put to shame and we are ashamed (comp. Jer 9:18), for we have heard reproach, scorn and ridicule as the part of the heathen (Jer 6:10; Jer 24:9), the consequence of which is that shame covered our face (Psa 69:8; Psa 35:26; Psa 71:13). This scorn which has come upon us refers however to the fact that strangers (comp. Jer 5:19; Jer 30:8; Isa 1:7) have come into the sanctuaries (i.e., into all parts, even those forbidden to profane feet) of Jehovahs house. It must appear surprising that the Israelites respond to the joyful call of the prophet, Jer 51:50, with words of grief. The strophe cannot therefore possibly be concluded here, or it would end in a harsh dissonance. We therefore attach Jer 51:52 to it. Even on this account, says Jeremiah, skilfully repeating the opening words of the picture, shall the idols be visited and their land filled with the slain. The prophet speaks very appropriately of the visitation of the idols, for just this is the recompense for the disgrace inflicted on the house of Jehovah.
DOCTRINAL AND ETHICAL
1. Daniels Babylonian empire resumes, as it were, the thread which was broken off with the tower-erection and kingdom of Nimrod. In the Babylonian tower-building the whole of the then existing humanity was united against God; with the Babylonian kingdom began the period of the universal monarchies, which again aspired after an atheistical union of entire humanity. Babylon has since and even to the Revelation (Jeremiah 18) remained the standing type of this world. Auberlen, Der proph. Daniel, S. 230.
2. For what reason does Babylon appear as a type of the world? Why not Nineveh, or Persepolis, or Tyre, or Memphis, or Rome? Certainly not because Babylon was greater, more glorious, more powerful or prouder and more ungodly than those cities and kingdoms. Nineveh especially was still greater than Babylon (comp. Duncker, Gesch. d. Alterth. I. S. 474, 5), and Assyria was not less hostile to the theocracy, having carried away into captivity the northern and larger half of the people of Israel. Babylon is qualified for this representation in two ways: 1. because it is the home of worldly princedom and titanic arrogance (Gen 10:8; Gen 11:1-4); 2. because Babylon destroyed the centre of the theocracy, Jerusalem, the temple and the theocratic kingdom, and first assumed to be the single supreme power of the globe.
3. When God has used a superstitious, wicked and tyrannical nation long enough as His rod, He breaks it in pieces and finally throws it into the fire. For even those whom He formerly used as His chosen anointed instruments He then regards as but the dust in the streets or as chaff before the wind. Cramer.
4. No monarch is too rich, too wicked, too strong for God the Lord. And He can soon enlist and engage soldiers whom He can use against His declared enemies. Cramer.
5. Israel was founded on everlasting foundations, even Gods word and promise. The sins of the people brought about that it was laid low in the dust, but not without hope of a better resurrection. Babylon, on the other hand, must perish forever, for in it is the empire of evil come to its highest bloom. Jeremiah owns the nothingness of all worldly kingdoms, since they are all under this national order to serve only for a time. We are to be subject to them and seek their welfare for the sake of the souls of men, whom God is educating therein; a Christian however cannot be enthusiastic for them after the manner of the ancient heathen nor of ancient Israel, for here we have no abiding city, our citizenship is in heaven. The kingdoms of this world are no sanctuaries for us and we supplicate their continuance only with the daily bread of the fourth petition. Jeremiah applies many words and figures to Babylon which he has already used in the judgments on other nations, thus to intimate that in Babylon all the heathenism of the world culminates, and that here also must be the greatest anguish. What, however, is here declared of Babylon must be fulfilled again on all earthly powers in so far as, treading in its footprints, they take flesh for their arm and regard the material of this world as power, whether they be called states or churches. Diedrich.
6. On Jer 50:2. In putting into the mouth of Israel, returning from Babylon, the call to an everlasting covenant with Jehovah, the prophet causes them 1. to confess that they have forgotten the first covenant; 2. he shows us that the time of the new covenant begins with the redemption from the Babylonish captivity. He was far, however, from supposing that this redemption would be only a weak beginning, that the appearance of the Saviour would be deferred for centuries, that Israel would sink still deeper as an external , and that finally the Israel of the new covenant would itself appear as a , (1Pe 1:9-12).
7. From what Jeremiah has already said in Jer 31:31-34 of the new covenant we see that its nature and its difference from the old is not unknown to him. Yet he knows the new covenant only in general. He knows that it will be deeply spiritual and eternal, but how and why it will be so is still to him part of the .
8. On Jer 50:6. Jeremiah here points back to Jeremiah 23. Priests, kings and prophets, who should discharge the office of shepherds, prove to be wolves. Yea, they are the worst of wolves, who go about in official clothing. There is therefore no more dangerous doctrine than that of an infallible office. Jer 14:14; Mat 7:15; Mat 23:2-12.
9. On Jer 50:7. It is the worst condition into which a church of God can come, when the enemies who desolate it can maintain that they are in the right in doing so. It is, however, a just nemesis when those who will not hear the regular messengers of God must be told by the extraordinary messengers of God what they should have done. Comp. Jer 40:2-3.
10. On Jer 50:8. Babylon is opened, and it must be abandoned not clung to, for the captivity is a temporary chastisement, not the divine arrangement for the children of God. Gods people must in the general redemption go like rams before the herd of the nations, that these may also attach themselves to Israel, as this was fulfilled at the time of Christ in the first churches and the apostles, who now draw the whole heathen world after them to eternal life. Here the prophet recognizes the new humanity, which proceeds from the ruins of the old, in which also ancient Israel leads the way; thus all, who follow it, become Israel. Diedrich.The heathen felt somewhat of the divine punishment when they overcame so easily the usually so strongly protected nation. But Jeremiah shows them still how they deceived themselves in thinking that God had wholly rejected His people, for of the eternal covenant of grace they certainly understood nothing. Heim and Hoffmann on the Major Prophets.
11. On Jer 50:18. The great powers of the world form indeed the history of the world, but they have no future. Israel, however, always returns home to the dear and glorious land. The Jews might as a token of this return under Cyrus; the case is however this, that the true Holy One in Israel, Christ, guides us back to Paradise, when we flee to His hand from the Babylon of this world and let it be crucified for us. Diedrich.
12. On Jer 50:23. Although the Chaldeans were called of God for the purpose of making war on the Jewish nation on account of their multitudinous sins, yet they are punished because they did it not as God with a pure intention, namely, to punish the wrong in them and keep them for reformation; for they were themselves greater sinners than the Jews and continued with impenitence in their sins. Therefore they could not go scot-free and remain unpunished. Moreover, they acted too roughly and dealt with the Jews more harshly than God had commanded, for which He therefore fairly punished them. As God the Lord Himself says (Isa 47:6): When I was angry with My people I gave them into thine hands; but thou shewedst them no mercy. Therefore it is not enough that Gods will be accomplished, but there must be the good intention in it, which God had, otherwise such a work may be a sin and call down the divine punishment upon it. Wrtemb. Summ.
13. On Jer 50:31-34. God calls Babylon Thou Pride, for pride was their inward force and impulse in all their actions. But worldly pride makes a Babylon and brings on a Babylons fate . Pride must fall, for it is in itself a lie against God, and all its might must perish in the fire; thus will the humble and meek remain in possession of the earth: this has a wide application through all times, even to eternity. Diedrich.
14. On Jer 51:33. Israel is indeed weak and must suffer in a time of tyranny; it cannot help itself, nor needs it to do so, for its Redeemer is strong, His name The Lord Zebaothand He is, now, having assumed our flesh, among us and conducts our cause so that the world trembles. Diedrich.
15. On Jer 50:45. An emblem of the destruction of anti-christian Babylon, which was also the true hammer of the whole world. This has God also broken and must and will do it still more. And this will the shepherd-boys do, as is said here in Jer 51:45 (according to Luthers translation), that is, all true teachers and preachers. Cramer.
16. On Jeremiah 51. The doctrines accord in all points with the previous chapter. And the prophet Jeremiah both in this and the previous chapter does nothing else but make out for the Babylonians their final discharge and passport, because they behaved so valiantly and well against the people of Judah, that they might know they would not go unrecompensed. For payment is according to service. And had they done better it would have gone better with them. It is well that when tyrants succeed in their evil undertakings they should not suppose they are Gods dearest children and lean on His bosom, since they will yet receive the recompense on their crown, whatever they have earned. Cramer.
17. [Though in the hand of Babylon is a golden cup; she chooses such a cup, in order that mens eyes may be dazzled with the glitter of the gold, and may not inquire what it contains. But mark well, in the golden cup of Babylon is the poison of idolatry, the poison of false doctrines, which destroy the souls of men. I have often seen such a golden cup, in fair speeches of seductive eloquence: and when I have examined the venomous ingredients of the golden chalice, I have recognized the cup of Babylon. Origen in Wordsworth.S. R. A.]
The seat and throne of Anti-christ is expressly named Babylon, namely, the city of Rome, built on the seven hills (Rev 17:9). Just as Babylon brought so many lands and kingdoms under its sway and ruled them with great pomp and pride (the golden cup, which made all the world drunk, was Babylon in the hand of the Lord (Jer 51:7), and all the heathen drank of the wine and became mad)so has the spiritual Babylon a cup in its hand, full of the abomination and uncleanness of its whoredom, of which the kings of the earth and all who dwell on the earth have been made drunk. As it is said of Babylon that she dwells by great waters and has great treasures, so writes John of the Romish Babylon, that it is clothed in silk and purple and scarlet and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls (Rev 18:12). Of Babylon it is said that the slain in Israel were smitten by her; so also the spiritual Babylon is become drunk with the blood of the saints (Rev 17:6). Just, however, as the Chaldean Babylon is a type of the spiritual in its pride and despotism, so also is it a type of the destruction which will come upon it. Many wished to heal Babylon but she would not be healed; so many endeavor to support the ruinous anti-christian Babylon, but all in vain. For as Babylon was at last so destroyed as to be a heap of stones and abode of dragons, so will it be with anti-christian Babylon. Of this it is written in Rev 14:8 : She is fallen, fallen, that great city, for she has made all nations drink of the wine of her fornication. And again, Babylon the great is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils and a hold of all foul and hateful birds (Rev 18:2). As the inhabitants of Babylon were admonished to flee from her, that every man might deliver his soul (Jer 51:6)and again, My people, go ye out from the midst of her and deliver every man his soul, etc. (Jer 51:45)so the Holy Spirit admonishes Christians almost in the same words to go out from the spiritual Babylon, that they be not polluted by her sins and at the same time share in her punishment. For thus it is written in Rev 18:4, I heard, says John, a voice from heaven saying, Go ye out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues, for her sins reach unto heaven and God remembers her iniquities. Wurtemb. Summarien.
18. On Jer 51:5. A monarch can sooner make an end of half a continent than draw a nail from a hut which the Lord protects.And if it is true that Kaiser Rudolph, when he revoked the toleration of the Picards and the same day lost one of his principal forts, said, I thought it would be so, for I grasped at Gods sceptre (Weismanni, Hist. Eccl. Tom. II. p. 320)this was a sage remark, a supplement to the words of the wise. Zinzendorf.
19. On Jer 51:9. We heal Babylon, but she will not be healed. Babylon is an outwardly beautiful but inwardly worm-eaten apple. Hence sooner or later the foulness must become noticeable. So is it with all whose heart and centre is not God. All is inwardly hollow and vain. When this internal vacuity begins to render itself externally palpable, when here and there a rent or foul spot becomes visible, then certainly come the friends and admirers of the unholy form and would improve, cover up, sew up, heal. But it does not avail. When once there is death in the body no physician can effect a cure.
20. On Jer 51:17; Jer 51:19-20. The children of God have three causes why they may venture on Him. 1. All men are fools, their treasure is it not; 2. The Lord is their hammer; He breaks through everything, and 3, they are an instrument in His hand, a heritage; in this there is happiness. Zinzendorf.
21. On Jer 51:41-44. How was Sheshach thus won, the city renowned in all the world thus taken? No one would have thought it possible, but God does it. He rules with wonders and with wonders He makes His church free. Babylon is a wonder no longer for its power, but for its weakness. We are to know the worlds weakness even where it still appears strong. A sea of hostile nations has covered Babylon. Her land is now a desolation. God takes Bel, the principal idol of Babylon, symbolizing its whole civil powers in hand, and snatches his prey from his teeth. Our God is stronger than all worldly forces, and never leaves us to them. Diedrich.
22. On Jer 51:58. Yea, so it is with all walls and towers, in which Gods word is not the vital force, even though they be entitled churches and cathedrals Gods church alone possesses permanence through His pure word. Diedrich.
23. On Jer 51:60-64. When we wish to preserve an archive safely, we deposit it in a record-office where it is kept in a dry place that no moisture may get to it. Seraiah throws his book-roll into the waters of the Euphrates, which must wash it away, dissolve and destroy it. But this was of no account. The main point was that he, Seraiah, as representative of the holy nation had taken solemn stock of the word of God against Babylon, and as it were taken God at His word, and reminded Him of it. In this manner the matter was laid up in the most enduring and safest archive that could be imagined; it was made a case of honor with the omniscient and omnipotent God. Such matters can, however, neither be forgotten, nor remain in dead silence, nor be neglected. They must be brought to such an end as the honor of God requires.
HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL
1. On Jer 50:2. This text may be used on the feast of the Reformation, or any other occasion with reference to a rem bene gestam. The Triumph of the Good Cause, 1. over what enemies it is gained; 2. to what it should impel us; (a) to the avoidance of that over which we new triumph; (b) to the grateful proclamation of what the Lord has done for us, by word and by deed.
2. On Jer 50:4-8. The deliverance of Israel from the Babylonian captivity a type of the deliverance of the Church. 1. The Church must humbly acknowledge the captivity suffered as a judgment of God. 2. She must turn like Israel inwardly with an upright heart unto the Lord; 3. She must become like Israel to all men a pattern and leader to freedom.
3. On Jer 50:5. A confirmation sermon. What is the hour of confirmation? 1. An hour which calls to separation; 2. an hour which leads to new connections; 3. an hour which fixes forever the old covenant with the souls friend. Florey, 1853.
4. On Jer 50:18-20. Assyria and Babylon the types of all the spiritual enemies of the church as of individual Christians. Every one has his Assyria and his Babylon. Sin is the destruction of men. Forgiveness of sins is the condition of life, for only where forgiveness of sins is, is there life and blessedness. In Christ we find the forgiveness of sins. He destroys the handwriting. He washes us clean. He is also the good shepherd who leads our souls into green pastures, to the spiritual Carmel.
5. On Jer 50:31-32. Warning against pride. Babylon was very strong and powerful, rich and splendid. It seemed invincible by nature and by art. Had it not then a certain justification in being proud, at least towards men? No; for no one has to contend only with men. Every one who contends has the Lord either for his friend or his enemy. It is the Lord from whom cometh victory (Pro 21:31). He it is who teacheth our hands to fight (Psa 18:35; Psa 144:1). His strength is made perfect in weakness (2Co 12:9). He can make the lame (Isa 33:23; Mic 4:7) and mortally wounded (Jer 37:10) so strong that they overmaster the sound (comp. Jer 51:45). He can make one man put to flight a thousand (Deu 32:30; Isa 30:17). With him can one dash in pieces a troop and leap over a wall (Psa 18:29). No one accordingly should be proud. The word of the Lord, I am against thee, thou proud one! is a terrible word which no one should conjure up against himself.
6. On Jer 50:33-34. The consolation of the Church in persecution. 1. It suffers violence and injustice. 2. Its redeemer is strong.
7. On Jer 51:5. God the Lord manifests such favor to Israel as to declare Himself her husband (Jer 2:2; Jer 3:1). But now that Israel and Judah are in exile, it seems as if they were rejected or widowed women. This, however, is only appearance. Israels husband does not die. He may well bring a period of chastisement, of purification and trial on His people, but when this period is over, the Lord turns the handle, and smites those through whom He chastised Israel, when they had forgotten that they were not to satisfy their own desire, but only to accomplish the Lords will on Israel.
8. On Jer 51:6. A time may come when it is well to separate ones self. For although it is said in Pro 18:1; he who separateth himself, seeketh that which pleaseth him and opposeth all that is goodand therefore separation, as the antipodes of churchliness, i.e., of churchly communion and humble subjection to the law of the co-operation of members (1Co 12:25 sqq.) is to be repudiated, yet there may come moments in the life of the church, when it will be a duty to leave the community and separate ones self. Such a moment is come when the community has become a Babylon. It should, however, be noted that one should not be too ready with such a decision. For even the life of the church is subject to many vacillations. There are periods of decay, obscurations, as it were, comparable to eclipses of the stars, but to these, so long as the foundations only subsist, must always follow a restoration and return to the original brightness. No one is to consider the church a Babylon on account of such a passing state of disease. It is this only when it has withheld the objective divine foundations, the means of grace, the word and sacrament, altogether and permanently in their saving efficacy. Then, when the soul can no longer find in the church the pure and divine bread of life; it is well to deliver the soul that it perish not in the iniquity of the church. From this separation from the church is, however, to be carefully distinguished the separation within the church, from all that which is opposed to the healthy life of the church, and is therefore to be regarded as a diseased part of the ecclesiastical body. Such separation is the daily duty of the Christian. He has to perform it with respect to his private life in all the manifold relations, indicated to us in Mat 18:17; Rom 16:17; 1Co 5:9 sqq.; 2Th 3:6; Tit 3:10; 2Jn 1:10-11.Comp. the article on Sects, by Palmer in Herzog, R.-Enc., XXI., S. 21, 22.
9. On Jer 51:10. The righteousness which avails before God. 1. Its origin (not our work or merit, but Gods grace in Christ); 2. Its fruit, praise of that which the Lord has wrought in us (a) by words, (b) by works.
10. On Jer 51:50. This text may be used at the sending out of missionaries or the departure of emigrants. Occasion may be taken to speak 1, of the gracious help and deliverance, which the Lord has hitherto shown to the departing; 2, they may be admonished to remain united in their distant land with their brethren at home by (a) remembering the Lord, i.e., ever remaining sincerely devoted to the Lord as the common shield of salvation; (b) faithfuly serving Jerusalem, i.e., the common mother of us all (Gal 4:26), the church, with all our powers in the proper place and measure, and ever keeping her in our hearts.
Footnotes:
[27]Jer 51:48.The singular stands here as an anticipated predicate. Comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 105, 4, 6, 3.
[28]Jer 51:49.Before should be supplied . The sense of the connection is then Babylon tended to, occasioned, the fall. Comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 95, 3 b.
[29]Jer 51:49 need not be taken as vocative. It is the construction of a sentence in which the infinitive represents the predicate, and the subject is implied in a substantive, depending on a preposition. Comp. Jer 5:26; Jer 6:7; Jer 17:2; Jer 34:9; Naegelsb. Gr., 95, 2.If we take it as voc. (Hitzig, Ewald, Graf, etc.), the two clauses of the disjunctive sentence either contain the same thought, or we must take as the auctoris, which is harsh. The Perf. is according to this interpretation the prophetic perfect. The prophet sees the strages of the Babylonians as something which has already happened. Hence he addresses the Israelites as having escaped from the overthrow.
[30]Jer 51:50.. This imperative occurs here only. The choice of the expression is, however, explained by the circumstance, that here does not signify to go away, but as is clear from the antithesis (comp. Gen 19:17; Jer 4:6) to go on, and is thus used with a certain emphasis. Hence it is also unnecessary with the LXX. to connect the with the previous word, and read or .Comp., moreover, Jer 51:45; Jer 50:8; Jer 50:28.
[31]Jer 51:52. in Jeremiah here only. Comp. Eze 26:15.
Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange
Jer 51:47 Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.
Ver. 47. I will do judgment, &c. ] See Jer 43:12-13 Exo 12:12 .
And all her slain shall fall.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
do judgment upon = visit upon.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
I will: Jer 51:52, Jer 50:2, Isa 21:9, Isa 46:1, Isa 46:2
do judgment upon: Heb. visit upon, Jer 51:18, Jer 11:22, Jer 13:21, Jer 23:34, Jer 25:12, *marg.
her whole: Jer 51:24, Jer 51:43, Jer 50:12-16, Jer 50:35-40
Reciprocal: Jer 50:4 – those Jer 50:38 – the land Jer 51:44 – I will punish Hab 2:19 – that Rev 17:5 – Babylon Rev 18:20 – Rejoice
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 51:47. One of the main objections that God had against the heathen nations was their worship of idols. By humiliating those nations that relied on such things, the weakness of false gods was demonstrated.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Jer 51:47-49. Therefore behold, or rather, Then soon, the days come that I will do judgment upon the graven images, &c. That is, cause the statues of the gods of Babylon to be broken to pieces, or carried away. Then the heaven and the earth, &c., shall sing for Babylon The angels in heaven, and many nations of the earth, shall rejoice and praise God for the just punishment brought upon Babylon. So at Babylon shall fall, or rather, Through Babylon have fallen, as should be rendered, the slain of all the earth The reason is here assigned why the heavens and the earth, and all that are therein, should rejoice at the fall of Babylon, because not only the people of Israel, but of the whole earth likewise had been greatly annoyed, oppressed, and diminished by the power of that ambitious nation.