Jeremiah 51:5

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 51:5

For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God , of the Lord of hosts ,.... That is, not totally and finally; for though they might seem to be forsaken, when carried captive by their enemies, yet they were not in such sense as a woman is deprived of her husband when dead, and she is become a widow, as the word F4 אלמן "viduus, sive viduatus", Vatablus, Calvin, Montanus; "ut vidua", Pagninus; "orbus", Schmidt. used may signify; or when divorced from him; or as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:5

For Israel hath not been forsaken - God still continued his prophets among them; he had never cast them wholly off. Even in the midst of wrath - highly deserved and inflicted punishment, he has remembered mercy; and is now about to crown what he has done by restoring them to their own land. I conceive אשם asham , which we translate sin, as rather signifying punishment, which meaning it often has. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:5

Verse 5 The Prophet shows here the cause why God had resolved to treat the Babylonians with so much severity, even because he would be the avenger of his own people. He also obviates a doubt which might have disturbed weak minds, for he seemed to have forsaken his people when he suffered them to be driven into exile. As this was a kind of repudiation, as we have seen elsewhere, the Prophet says now, that Israel had not been wholly widowed, nor Judah, by his God; as though he had said, that the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:5

Hath not been forsaken . The Hebrew is much more forcible, "is not widowed"—alluding to the fundamental Old Testament idea of a mystic marriage between God and his people (comp. Isaiah 50:1 ; Isaiah 54:4-6 ; Hosea 2:1-23 .). Was filled with sin; rather, with guilt (Hebrew, āshām ) . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:5

Suffering, but not forsaken. Israel is not forsaken because she is driven from her home. Babylon is not more favoured because she flourishes for a season as a "golden cup in the Lord's hand." For the land of the Chaldeans is filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. Thus the truth is quite contrary to appearances. I. WHEN GOD CHASTISES HIS PEOPLE HE MUST NOT BE THOUGHT TO HAVE FORSAKEN THEM . The chastisement is for their own good. It is, therefore, a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:5

Divine love not to be severed from its object. A marvellous statement. A down-trodden, sinful remnant of his people, who had broken every engagement of his covenant, is still owned and cared for. I. A PROOF OF THE FAITHFULNESS AND LONG SUFFERING MERCY OF GOD . 1 . Having entered into covenant relations with Israel, he will not withdraw from them, even although their portion of the agreement has not been kept. He remains faithful, notwithstanding human... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:5

Unforsaken Israel. I. AN APPARENT FORSAKING . Israel looked forsaken. It was in exile, in captivity, and under the asserted judgment of Jehovah. We have always, to a certain extent, to accept the appearances of things. God's presence had been manifested in outward favour and prosperity, and what was more plausible than to say that the withdrawing of the favour and prosperity meant the withdrawing of God himself? But then it is forgotten that God's presence may be manifested in many... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:5-14

The covenant between Jehovah and Israel is one reason why Babylon must fall; and Babylon's own guilt is another. Hence pity is out of place. "Here liveth piety where pity ends; Can any man be guilty more than he Whose bias with the doom of God contends?" (Dante, 'Inferno,' 20.28, Cayley.) Flee, therefore, lest ye be involved in Babylon's ruin. For Jehovah's purpose of vengeance cannot be reversed. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 51:3-5

Jeremiah 51:3-5. Against him that bendeth let the archer bend See Jeremiah 50:14; and against him, that lifteth up himself in his brigandine Or, coat of mail: suffer not them who are skilful in using the bow, or armed in coats of mail, to avail themselves any thing of their skill or their armour, but oppose them with superior skill and force. Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans There seems to be a transposition of words in this sentence, the sense certainly being, ... read more

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