Jeremiah 51:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 51:1-58

The particulars of this copious prophecy are dispersed and interwoven, and the same things left and returned to so often that it could not well be divided into parts, but we must endeavor to collect them under their proper heads. Let us then observe here, I. An acknowledgment of the great pomp and power that Babylon had been in and the use that God in his providence had made of it (Jer. 51:7): Babylon hath been a golden cup, a rich and glorious empire, a golden city (Isa. 14:4), a head of gold... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 51:20

Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war ,.... This is said by the Lord, either to Cyrus, as some, to which our version inclines, whom God made use of as an instrument to subdue nations and kingdoms, and destroy them; see Isaiah 45:1 ; or rather Babylon, and the king of it, who had been the hammer of the earth, Jeremiah 50:23 ; as it may be rendered here, "thou art my hammer" F19 מפץ אתה לי "malleus es, vel fuisti mihi", Pagninus, Piscator, Cocceius, Schmidt. ; or,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:20

Thou art my battle axe - I believe Nebuchadnezzar is meant, who is called, Jeremiah 50:23 , the hammer of the whole earth. Others think the words are spoken of Cyrus. All the verbs are in the past tense: "With thee have I broken in pieces," etc., etc. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:20

Verse 20 The Prophet here obviates the doubts of many; for as he had spoken of the destruction of Babylon, it might have been readily objected, that the monarchy which was fortified by so many defenses, and which had subjugated all the neighboring nations, was impregnable. Hence the Prophet here shows that the power and wealth of Babylon were no hindrances that God should not destroy it whenever he pleased; for it is an argument derived from what is contrary. We have before seen that God roots... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:6-50

The duty of separating from the world. I. IN WHAT SENSE OBLIGATORY UPON THE CHILDREN OF GOD . 1 . Spiritual detachment is always the duty of saints. In heart and life they are to be separate unto the Lord. Their motives, ulterior aims, and dispositions are to be such as the Holy Spirit creates and fosters. They obey the law of the resurrection life, and "seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, setting their affection on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:20

My battle axe; or, my mace . The mace (for a picture of which, see Rawlinson, 'Ancient Monarchies,' 1.459) was a weapon constantly employed by the Assyrians and presumably by the Babylonian kings. The battle axe was much less frequently used. But who is addressed by this terrible title? The commentators are divided, some inclining to Babylon, read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:20

God's battle axe. I. GOD SOMETIMES WORKS DESTRUCTION . He does not. delight in destruction. It is not his chief work. But he has performed it and he may again. When a thing is absolutely evil it is best that it should cease to be. For the prevention of further evil it must be destroyed. The Creator then becomes the destroyer. II. GOD USES HUMAN INSTRUMENTS . He might have sent death, as he created life, with a word. But he chose to use a weapon, "a battle axe," i.e. a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:20

The Church God's battle axe. God ever employs instruments to accomplish his purposes. He is a God that "hideth" himself. Hence many see nothing but instruments, and forget, or deny, the hand that uses them. "That does not seem much of a sword;" said one, as he looked upon the treasured weapon of a great national hero and valiant soldier. Ah, but you do not see the hand that wielded it, was the just reply. So as we look on the agencies God employs, how feeble they seem to be! But think of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:20-26

Israel is now to be Jehovah's hammer, striking down everything, even the Chaldean colossus. But though Babylon may be as great and as destructive as a volcanic mountain, it shall soon be quite burnt out. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 51:20

Or, Thou art my maul, weapons of war etc. The maul or mace Proverbs 25:18 only differs from the hammer Jeremiah 50:23 in being used for warlike purposes.Omit the “will” in “will I break.” The crushing of the nations was going on at the time when the prophet wrote. Most commentators consider that Babylon was the mace of God. read more

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