Jeremiah 51:54
"The sound of a cry comes from Babylon, the sound of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!
The sound of a cry
This phrase evokes a sense of deep anguish and distress. In the Hebrew text, the word for "cry" is "qol," which can refer to a voice or sound. This cry is not just any sound but one of lamentation and sorrow, indicating the profound impact of the events unfolding. Historically, cries of distress were common in times of war and destruction, and here it signifies the impending doom of Babylon, a city that once stood as a symbol of power and pride.

comes from Babylon
Babylon, in the Hebrew "Babel," was a city of great significance in ancient Mesopotamia. It was known for its grandeur and as a center of idolatry and opposition to God. The mention of Babylon here is crucial, as it represents not just a physical city but a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. The cry coming from Babylon signifies the fall of this mighty empire, fulfilling the prophecies of its destruction due to its sins and defiance against the Lord.

great destruction
The Hebrew word for "destruction" is "sheber," which implies a breaking or shattering. This is not merely a physical destruction but a complete and utter ruin. The use of "great" emphasizes the magnitude of the devastation that is to come upon Babylon. In a broader scriptural context, this destruction serves as a divine judgment against a nation that has turned away from God, illustrating the ultimate futility of opposing His will.

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

2. Babylon
An ancient city and empire known for its wealth, power, and opposition to God's people. It symbolizes human pride and rebellion against God.

3. Chaldeans
A people group within Babylon, often synonymous with the Babylonians, known for their influence and power in the region.

4. The Cry
Represents the lament and distress of Babylon as it faces impending judgment and destruction.

5. Destruction
The prophesied downfall of Babylon as a result of God's judgment against its pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, and He can raise them up or bring them down according to His purposes. This should remind us to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Babylon's destruction serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. We must examine our lives for areas where we may be placing anything above God.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
Just as Babylon faced judgment, there is a certainty of God's judgment on all that opposes Him. This should motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel with others.

Hope Amidst Judgment
Even in the midst of judgment, God provides hope for His people. We can find comfort in knowing that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy of Babylon's destruction in Jeremiah 51:54 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations?

2. In what ways can the pride and idolatry of Babylon be seen in today's world, and how can we guard against these in our own lives?

3. How does the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 51:54 connect to the themes of judgment and redemption found in Revelation 18?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' experience in Babylonian captivity, as reflected in Psalm 137, that apply to our spiritual journey today?

5. How can the certainty of God's judgment, as seen in the destruction of Babylon, influence our approach to evangelism and sharing the gospel with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about their downfall.

Revelation 18
Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God, echoing the themes of judgment found in Jeremiah.

Psalm 137
Reflects the sorrow of the Israelites in Babylonian captivity, highlighting the emotional and spiritual impact of Babylon's dominance.
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
Babylon, Babylonians, Chaldaeans, Chaldean, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Cry, Destruction, Hark, Noise, Outcry, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 51:53

     4272   sky
     5316   fortress
     5360   justice, God

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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