Jeremiah 51:9

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 51:9

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 51:9

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 51:9

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 51:9

We would have healed Babylon. Experience shows that it is useless to attempt to correct such inveterate evils. Everyone into his own country (as Jeremiah 50:16 ). Her judgment ; i.e. her punishment. Perhaps there is an allusion to the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, burned by fire from heaven. But we might also render "her crime" (comp. Deuteronomy 19:6 , where "worthy of death" is more strictly "a capital crime"). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 51:9

Omit would. All was done that it was possible to do to heal her.To the skies - Or, to the clouds. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 51:8-9

Jeremiah 51:8-9. Babylon is suddenly fallen It was one of the aggravations of the punishment of Babylon, that her destruction came upon her suddenly and unexpectedly. Howl for her, &c. So the kings, the merchants, and other factors, are described as lamenting the destruction of mystical Babylon, Revelation 18:9; Revelation 18:11; Revelation 18:17-19. Take balm for her pain Use your utmost endeavours, and try every thing you can to save her from destruction. This is spoken... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 51:1-33

The overthrow of Babylon (51:1-33)When a farmer, after reaping his harvest, winnows the wheat, he throws it into the air so that as the wind blows away the chaff, he can gather the grain for himself. Similarly, when God ‘winnows’ Babylon he will make a separation between the Babylonians and his own people. He will ‘blow away’ the former in judgment, but will preserve the latter for himself (51:1-5).God had used Babylon to punish other nations, but now Babylon itself will suffer God’s wrath. It... read more

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