Jeremiah 51:34-58

Response to Babylon’s overthrow (51:34-58)

Jeremiah recalls the desperate prayers of the people of Judah who often complained to God about Babylon’s unrestrained greed and cruelty. They cried to God that he would hold Babylon responsible for the violence they suffered, and now God is about to answer their prayers (34-35).God will defend the cause of his people and punish Babylon by destroying it. The nation will be conquered and the city will be left a heap of ruins (36-37). The Babylonians, who like lions had attacked and killed the sheep, will now themselves be slaughtered like sheep (38-40). The proud and mighty city (also known as Sheshach), along with its god Bel, will be defeated and disgraced. Enemy soldiers will pour into the city like an overflowing sea, and Babylon’s power over captive nations will at last be broken (41-44).The prophet gives a warning to the captive Jews in Babylon not to be hesitant or doubting because of the conflicting rumours they hear. They must be ready to flee at the first opportunity (45-46). Babylon is to fall because of its many sins, and in particular its sins against God’s people. The arrogant ruler will be disgraced, and nations everywhere will rejoice (47-49).In view of what is about to happen, the Judean exiles must cease their monotonous complaint that they have been shamed and God’s temple dishonoured by Babylon’s armies. The time has come for them to start thinking seriously about returning to Jerusalem, for Babylon’s end is fast approaching (50-53).Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the one who has determined Babylon’s destruction. He is the Lord Almighty, the only divine King. His work of judgment will bring destruction to the city and death to all the nation’s mighty men (54-57). Babylon’s huge walls will not withstand the attackers that God sends against his enemy (58).