Jeremiah 51:3
Do not let the archer bend his bow or put on his armor. Do not spare her young men; devote all her army to destruction!
Let not the archer bend his bow
This phrase speaks to the futility of resistance against God's decreed judgment. The Hebrew word for "archer" is "דָּרָךְ" (darach), which means to tread or to bend, specifically referring to the act of bending a bow. In ancient warfare, archers were crucial for defense and offense, symbolizing human strength and military might. Here, God is instructing that even the skilled warriors should not attempt to resist His will, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over human efforts.

or let him rise up in his armor
The phrase "rise up in his armor" suggests preparation for battle. The Hebrew word for "armor" is "שִׁרְיָן" (shiryan), indicating a coat of mail or protective gear. This imagery conveys the idea of human reliance on physical protection and strength. However, in the context of divine judgment, such preparations are rendered ineffective. The historical context of Babylon's fall illustrates that no amount of human preparation can thwart God's plans.

Do not spare her young men
The instruction to "not spare" highlights the totality of the impending judgment. The Hebrew word "חָמַל" (chamal) means to pity or spare. The "young men" represent the future and strength of a nation. In ancient cultures, young men were the warriors and the hope for continuity. God's command not to spare them underscores the completeness of Babylon's downfall, serving as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.

devote all her army to destruction
The phrase "devote...to destruction" is derived from the Hebrew word "חֵרֶם" (cherem), which means to ban or devote to complete destruction. This term is often used in the context of holy war, where certain things are set apart for God, either for destruction or for sacred use. The complete destruction of Babylon's army signifies the irrevocable nature of God's judgment. Historically, this reflects the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling God's prophetic word through Jeremiah. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of God upon Judah and other nations, including Babylon.

2. Babylon
A powerful empire during Jeremiah's time, Babylon is often depicted as an instrument of God's judgment but also as a recipient of divine wrath due to its pride and idolatry.

3. The Archer
Represents the military might of Babylon, which God is instructing to be rendered ineffective in this prophecy of judgment.

4. Young Men
Symbolic of the strength and future of Babylon, indicating that even the most promising and vigorous will not be spared from God's judgment.

5. The Army
Refers to the collective military forces of Babylon, which are destined for destruction as part of God's divine retribution.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No empire, regardless of its power, is beyond His reach or judgment.

The Inevitability of Divine Justice
God's justice is certain and will be executed in His perfect timing. This should encourage believers to trust in His righteous plans.

The Futility of Human Strength Against God
Human might and military power are futile when opposed to God's will. Believers should rely on God's strength rather than worldly power.

The Call to Repentance
The prophecy serves as a warning to turn from pride and idolatry. It is a call for individuals and nations to repent and seek God's mercy.

Hope in God's Deliverance
While judgment is pronounced, there is hope for those who align themselves with God's purposes. Believers can find assurance in God's ultimate plan for redemption.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 51:3 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations?

2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern societies and individuals?

3. How does the imagery of the archer and young men in Jeremiah 51:3 relate to the futility of relying on human strength?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the judgment of Babylon and the final judgment described in Revelation 18?

5. How can believers find hope and assurance in God's justice and deliverance as seen in the prophecies against Babylon?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also speaks of the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring down even the mightiest empires.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.

Psalm 137
Reflects the lament of the Israelites in Babylonian captivity, highlighting the deep impact of Babylon's actions and the longing for divine justice.
The First Place in Our Thought to be Given to Christ's Church
People
Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Babylonians, Jacob, Jeremiah, Maaseiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Neriah, Seraiah, Zedekiah
Places
Ararat, Babylon, Chaldea, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Leb-kamai, Zion
Topics
Archer, Armor, Army, Bend, Bendeth, Bends, Bent, Bow, Brigandine, Coat, Completely, Curse, Destroy, Destruction, Devote, Host, Lift, Lifteth, Lifts, Mail, Mercy, Metal, Pity, Puts, Rise, Scale-armor, Spare, Stand, String, Tread, Treader, Utterly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 51:3

     5237   breastplate
     5507   rope and cord

Library
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 14.) Differently to be admonished are those who fear scourges, and on that account live innocently, and those who have grown so hard in wickedness as not to be corrected even by scourges. For those who fear scourges are to be told by no means to desire temporal goods as being of great account, seeing that bad men also have them, and by no means to shun present evils as intolerable, seeing they are not ignorant how for the most part good men also are touched by them. They are to be admonished
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14).
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Jeremiah 51:3 NIV
Jeremiah 51:3 NLT
Jeremiah 51:3 ESV
Jeremiah 51:3 NASB
Jeremiah 51:3 KJV

Jeremiah 51:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Jeremiah 51:2
Top of Page
Top of Page