Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore this is what the LORD says: "Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry.

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine declaration, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction assures the listener that the following words are not merely human opinion but divine decree, underscoring the certainty and power behind the promise.

Behold
The Hebrew word "hinneh" is used here, which serves as a call to attention. It is an invitation to witness something significant and often precedes a revelation of God's actions or intentions. This word encourages the reader to focus on the unfolding divine intervention, highlighting its importance and immediacy.

I will plead your case
The phrase suggests a legal metaphor, where God acts as an advocate or defender. The Hebrew root "riyb" conveys the idea of contending or arguing on behalf of someone. This imagery reassures the faithful that God is actively involved in their struggles, taking on the role of a divine lawyer who ensures justice is served.

and take vengeance for you
Here, the concept of divine retribution is introduced. The Hebrew word "naqam" refers to avenging or exacting justice. This phrase reflects the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to God (Deuteronomy 32:35), providing comfort to believers that God will right wrongs and punish the wicked in His perfect timing.

I will dry up her sea
This imagery likely refers to the Euphrates River, which was crucial to Babylon's economy and defense. The act of drying up the sea symbolizes the removal of Babylon's power and resources. Historically, this could allude to the strategic diversion of the river by Cyrus the Great, leading to Babylon's fall. It signifies God's control over nature and nations, demonstrating His ability to dismantle even the mightiest empires.

and drain her springs
The draining of springs further emphasizes the totality of Babylon's desolation. Springs, sources of life and sustenance, represent the foundational supports of the city. The Hebrew word "maqor" for springs suggests a drying up of life itself. This phrase assures that God's judgment is thorough, leaving no aspect of Babylon's strength untouched, and serves as a warning of the consequences of pride and idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, promising to act on behalf of His people.

2. Jeremiah
The prophet through whom God delivers His message of judgment and hope. He is known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile.

3. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and Jerusalem, symbolizing human pride and opposition to God. In this context, Babylon is the subject of God's impending judgment.

4. The Sea and Springs
Symbolic representations of Babylon's resources and power, which God promises to dry up, indicating a complete removal of their strength and sustenance.

5. The Exiles of Judah
The people of Judah who were taken captive by Babylon, for whom God promises to act as an advocate and deliverer.

Teaching Points

God as Advocate
God promises to plead the case of His people, showing His role as a divine advocate. Believers can trust that God will defend and vindicate them in times of injustice.

Divine Vengeance
Vengeance belongs to the Lord. Christians are reminded to leave justice in God's hands rather than seeking personal revenge.

The Futility of Human Power
Babylon's resources, symbolized by the sea and springs, are subject to God's control. This teaches that human power and resources are ultimately futile against God's will.

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The imagery of drying up waters highlights God's sovereignty over creation. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God controls all aspects of the natural and spiritual world.

Hope for the Oppressed
The promise of deliverance for the exiles of Judah offers hope to those who are oppressed or in difficult circumstances, reminding them of God's faithfulness and power to save.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God as an advocate in Jeremiah 51:36 influence your approach to dealing with injustice in your life?

2. In what ways can the imagery of God drying up Babylon's sea and springs encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over your circumstances?

3. How does the promise of divine vengeance in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of justice and forgiveness?

4. What parallels can you draw between the deliverance of the exiles in Jeremiah and the deliverance offered through Christ in the New Testament?

5. How can the themes of God's power and control over nature in Jeremiah 51:36 inspire you to worship and trust Him more fully in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 44:27
This verse speaks of God drying up the deep and making rivers dry, similar to the imagery in Jeremiah 51:36, emphasizing God's control over nature and nations.

Revelation 16:12
The drying up of the Euphrates River in Revelation parallels the drying up of Babylon's resources, symbolizing the preparation for divine judgment.

Exodus 14:21
The parting of the Red Sea demonstrates God's power to control waters, paralleling His promise to dry up Babylon's sea and springs.