For a destroyer is coming against her--against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full. For a destroyer is coming against her—against Babylon.This phrase refers to the impending judgment upon Babylon, a powerful empire known for its wealth and military might. Historically, Babylon was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, and its fall was prophesied by several prophets, including Isaiah and Jeremiah. The "destroyer" is often identified as the Medo-Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. This event is significant in biblical prophecy, as it demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to fulfill His word. The destruction of Babylon is also symbolic of God's judgment against pride and idolatry, themes prevalent throughout the Bible. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken,
This imagery of warriors being captured and their weapons rendered useless signifies the total defeat and humiliation of Babylon's military forces. In ancient warfare, the bow was a primary weapon, and breaking it symbolized the end of military power and resistance. This prophecy highlights the futility of relying on human strength and military might against the divine will of God. It echoes other biblical passages where God intervenes to bring down the proud and powerful, such as in the stories of Pharaoh's army in Exodus and the fall of Jericho in Joshua. for the LORD is a God of retribution;
This phrase underscores a key aspect of God's character: His justice and commitment to righting wrongs. Retribution in this context refers to God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a just judge who holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions. This concept is seen in the laws given to Israel, the warnings of the prophets, and the ultimate judgment depicted in Revelation. God's retribution is not arbitrary but is based on His holy and just nature. He will repay in full.
The assurance that God will "repay in full" emphasizes the completeness and certainty of His judgment. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7. It also points to the ultimate justice that God will bring about, not only in the historical context of Babylon but also in the eschatological sense, where all wrongs will be righted at the end of time. This promise of full repayment is a source of hope for the oppressed and a warning to the unrepentant, reminding believers of the importance of living righteously in accordance with God's will. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonA powerful empire known for its wealth and military might, often seen as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. 2. The DestroyerRepresents the invading forces that God uses to bring judgment upon Babylon. 3. Warriors of BabylonThe military forces of Babylon, known for their strength but ultimately powerless against God's judgment. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who is depicted as a God of justice and retribution. 5. JeremiahThe prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Babylon. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and empires, and He can raise them up or bring them down according to His purposes. The Certainty of Divine JusticeGod's justice is certain and will be executed in His perfect timing. No power on earth can withstand His judgment. The Futility of Human Strength Against GodHuman strength and military might are futile when opposed to God's will. True security is found in aligning with God's purposes. God's Retribution is RighteousGod's retribution is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to sin and rebellion. It serves as a warning to turn from pride and self-reliance. Call to Trust in God's JusticeBelievers are called to trust in God's justice, knowing that He will repay in full and that ultimate justice will be served. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 51:56 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human history? 2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals? 3. How can believers find comfort in the fact that God is a "God of retribution" who will repay in full? 4. What are some areas in your life where you might be relying on human strength rather than trusting in God's power? 5. How does the theme of divine justice in Jeremiah 51:56 connect with the ultimate justice described in Revelation 18? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring down the proud. Revelation 18Describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God. Deuteronomy 32:35Speaks of God's vengeance and retribution, affirming His role as the ultimate judge. Nahum 1:2Highlights God's nature as a jealous and avenging God, who will not leave the guilty unpunished. People Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Babylonians, Jacob, Jeremiah, Maaseiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Neriah, Seraiah, ZedekiahPlaces Ararat, Babylon, Chaldea, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Leb-kamai, ZionTopics Babylon, Bows, Broken, Captured, Certainly, Destroyer, Full, Fully, Mighty, Ones, Payment, Pieces, Recompences, Recompense, Recompenses, Repay, Requite, Retribution, Rewarding, Shattered, Spoiler, Surely, War, Warriors, WasterDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 51:56 5493 retribution
9210 judgment, God's Jeremiah 51:55-56 7217 exile, in Babylon 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 51:56 NIVJeremiah 51:56 NLTJeremiah 51:56 ESVJeremiah 51:56 NASBJeremiah 51:56 KJV
Jeremiah 51:56 Commentaries
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