Farmers . This is supported by the Septuagint, Peshito, Targum, Vulgate, according to the Massoretic pointing, however, we should render "enemies." Possibly the prophet intended to suggest both meanings, a and o being so nearly related. Shall empty her land. The original has a much mere striking word, shall pour out (for the figures, comp. Jeremiah 48:12 ), which occurs again in similar contexts in Isaiah 24:1 ; Nahum 2:3 (Hebrew, 2). read more
Against him that bendeth, etc. There are two readings in the Hebrew Bible—one that given by the Authorized Version; the other, "Against him that bendeth (let) him that bendeth his bow (come)." The difficulty, however, is in the first two words of the clause, which are the same in either reading. It would be much simpler to alter a single point, and render, "Let not the archer bend his bow; and let him not lift himself up in his coat of mail" (for the old word "brigandine," see on Jeremiah... read more
In her streets; i.e. in the streets of Babylon. read more
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
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
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
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
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
Escape for thy life! "Flee out of the midst of Babylon," etc. This word was addressed to those who should be found in Babylon when the day of vengeance came upon her (cf. Genesis 19:15 ). And it seems to anticipate what was afterwards the fact—that many of the Jews would not care to go away from Babylon. Note— I. WHO ARE TO ESCAPE . This word was not addressed to all. Many of God's people did "let Jerusalem come into their mind," and, as soon as ever opportunity was given... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 51:1
Against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me . The Hebrew has lēb-kāmai , which is Kasdim , or Chaldea, written in the cypher called Athbash (see on Jeremiah 25:26 ); just as Sheshach in Jeremiah 51:41 is equivalent to Babel. The question arises whether the prophet himself is responsible for this covert way of writing, or a scribe in later times (so Ewald). In favour of the former view it may be urged that Babylon and Chaldea receive symbolic names... read more