Jeremiah 51:52
"Therefore, behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will punish her idols, and throughout her land the wounded will groan.
“Therefore, behold, the days are coming,”
This phrase is a prophetic declaration often used by the prophets to signal an impending divine action. The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as a call to attention, urging the listener to focus on the significant announcement that follows. The phrase "the days are coming" is a common prophetic formula indicating that the events being foretold are certain and divinely appointed, though the exact timing may not be specified. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and history.

“declares the LORD,”
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a translation of the Hebrew "נְאֻם־יְהוָה" (ne'um-YHWH), which is a solemn affirmation of divine authority. It underscores that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but is a direct revelation from God. This adds weight and authority to the prophecy, reminding the audience of the ultimate source of the message and the certainty of its fulfillment.

“when I will punish her idols,”
The Hebrew word for "punish" is "פָּקַד" (paqad), which can mean to visit, attend to, or reckon with, often in the context of judgment. The "her" refers to Babylon, a nation notorious for its idolatry. The term "idols" in Hebrew is "פְּסִילִים" (pesilim), which refers to carved images or false gods. This phrase highlights God's intolerance of idolatry and His commitment to uphold His holiness by executing judgment on those who worship false gods.

“and throughout her land”
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the coming judgment. The Hebrew word for "land" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can mean earth, land, or country. The use of "throughout her land" suggests that the judgment will be widespread, affecting all areas of Babylon. It emphasizes the thoroughness of God's justice, leaving no part of the nation untouched by His righteous judgment.

“the wounded will groan.”
The word "wounded" in Hebrew is "חָלָל" (chalal), which can refer to those who are pierced or slain. The term "groan" is "נְאָקָה" (ne'akah), which conveys a deep, mournful sound of distress or pain. This phrase paints a vivid picture of the suffering and lamentation that will result from God's judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine retribution.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and other nations. He is the author of the Book of Jeremiah.

2. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and Jerusalem, Babylon is often depicted as a symbol of pride and idolatry in the Bible. Jeremiah 51 is part of a prophecy against Babylon.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who declares judgment against Babylon for its idolatry and oppression.

4. Idols
Objects of worship that are not the true God. In this context, they represent the false gods of Babylon, which the LORD promises to punish.

5. The Wounded
Refers to those who suffer as a result of Babylon's fall, symbolizing the consequences of idolatry and rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. His judgment on Babylon serves as a reminder that no empire or power is beyond His reach.

The Futility of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to destruction. Just as God promised to punish the idols of Babylon, He calls us to turn away from anything that takes His rightful place in our lives.

The Certainty of God's Promises
God's declarations are sure and will come to pass. We can trust in His word and His timing, even when it seems delayed.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin has real consequences, both for individuals and nations. The groaning of the wounded in Babylon is a vivid picture of the pain that results from turning away from God.

Hope in God's Justice
While judgment is severe, it is also a source of hope for the oppressed. God's justice ensures that evil will not prevail forever.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 51:52 demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways can modern-day idolatry manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the certainty of God's promises in Jeremiah 51:52 encourage you in your personal faith journey?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that God remains the central focus of your worship and devotion?

5. How does the theme of God's justice in Jeremiah 51:52 provide hope and assurance in the face of current global injustices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12:12
This verse speaks of God executing judgment on the gods of Egypt, similar to His promise to punish the idols of Babylon in Jeremiah 51:52.

Isaiah 46:1-2
These verses describe the downfall of Babylon's idols, Bel and Nebo, emphasizing the futility of idol worship.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and destruction found in Jeremiah 51, highlighting the ultimate defeat of spiritual Babylon.
The Duty of Separating from the WorldA.F. Muir
People
Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Babylonians, Jacob, Jeremiah, Maaseiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Neriah, Seraiah, Zedekiah
Places
Ararat, Babylon, Chaldea, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Leb-kamai, Zion
Topics
Affirmation, Behold, Crying, Declares, Engraved, Execute, Graven, Groan, Idols, Images, Judgment, Mortally, Pain, Punish, Punishment, Reason, Says, Throughout, Wherefore, Wounded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 51:51

     5836   disgrace
     5893   insults
     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

Jeremiah 51:50-51

     8300   love, and the world

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

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