Jeremiah 51:8-9

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 51:8

Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed ,.... Or "broken" F7 תשבר "confracta est", Schmidt; "fracta est", Cocceius; "contrita est", Piscator. ; even into shivers, as a cup is; for when it had been used to answer the purposes designed by the Lord, he let it fall cut of his hands at once, and it was broken; or rather he dashed it in pieces, as a potter's vessel. The destruction of Babylon was brought about in a very short time, considering the strength of it; and was unexpected by the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 51:9

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed ,.... These are either the words of the friends of Babylon of her auxiliaries and allies, who did all they could to defend her against the Persians, but to no purpose; it was not in their power to help her; the time of her destruction was come, and there was no avoiding it; or of the prophets and good people of the Jews that were in Babylon, that took pains to convince, the inhabitants of Babylon of their idolatries and other sins, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:8

Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed - These appear to be the words of some of the spectators of Babylon's misery. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:9

We would have healed Babylon - Had it been in our power, we would have saved her; but we could not turn away the judgment of God. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:8

Verse 8 The Prophet now declares that the fall of Babylon would be sudden, that the faithful might understand that God could accomplish in one moment what he had decreed. For when the prophets spoke of God’s judgments, the people questioned among themselves, how could that be which surpassed the common ideas of men. That men, therefore, might not estimate God’s power according to their own thoughts, he introduces this word, suddenly; as though he had said, that God had no need of warlike... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 51:9

Verse 9 The Prophet assumes different characters; he speaks here in the person of those who of themselves brought help to the Babylonians. And many, no doubt, would have been ready to assist them, had King Belshazzar wished to accept aid; and we know also, that the city had a large army. He compares, then, the nations subject to the Babylonians, and also the hired and foreign soldiers, to physicians, as though he had said, “Babylon has been, with great care, healed.” As when a great prince is... 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

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 51:8

Destroyed . The Hebrew, more forcibly, has "is broken." The Authorized Version wished, perhaps, to avoid the objection that a golden cup could not, properly speaking, be broken. But if we once begin to harmonize the language of Hebrew poetry, we shall have no end. It is not the cup which falls, but the state, considered as a house (the "breach" of God's people is constantly referred to; e.g. Psalms 60:2 ; Isaiah 30:26 ). Howl for her . Sympathetic bystanders are dramatically appealed... read more

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