Jeremiah 51:38
They will roar together like young lions; they will growl like lion cubs.
They will roar together like young lions
They will roar
The Hebrew word for "roar" is "שָׁאַג" (sha'ag), which is often used to describe the sound of a lion. In the context of Jeremiah 51, this roaring symbolizes the fierce and terrifying power of the Babylonians. Historically, Babylon was a dominant empire known for its military might and conquests. The imagery of roaring suggests both the strength and the impending judgment that God is pronouncing upon them. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations.

together
The use of "together" indicates a collective action or unity among the Babylonians. This unity in their roaring can be seen as a representation of their combined strength and shared purpose in their conquests. However, it also foreshadows their collective downfall as God’s judgment is not just on individuals but on the nation as a whole. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the false security found in human alliances and power structures.

like young lions
The phrase "young lions" in Hebrew is "כְּכְפִירִים" (kephirim), which refers to lions in their prime, full of energy and strength. Young lions are often seen as symbols of vigor and ferocity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lions were feared predators, and their imagery was used to convey power and dominance. The comparison to young lions emphasizes the Babylonians' aggressive nature and their prowess in battle. Yet, it also serves as a metaphor for their impending destruction, as even the mightiest of creatures are subject to the will of God. This highlights the theme of divine justice and the futility of relying on one's own strength apart from God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Babylon
The primary subject of Jeremiah 51, Babylon is depicted as a powerful and oppressive empire that will face divine judgment.

2. Jeremiah
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice.

3. Young Lions
Symbolic representation of the Babylonians' strength and ferocity, indicating their initial power and dominance.

4. Lion Cubs
Further emphasizes the youthful vigor and potential for destruction inherent in Babylon's forces.

5. God's Judgment
The overarching event in this chapter, where God declares the impending downfall of Babylon due to its pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Illusion of Power
Babylon's roar symbolizes its perceived invincibility, yet God reminds us that earthly power is temporary and subject to His will.

Divine Justice
God's judgment on Babylon serves as a reminder that He will hold nations accountable for their actions, ensuring justice prevails.

The Danger of Pride
Like Babylon, individuals and nations can fall into the trap of pride, believing in their own strength rather than relying on God.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the apparent strength of worldly powers, God remains in control, orchestrating events according to His divine plan.

Hope for the Oppressed
The fall of Babylon offers hope to those oppressed by unjust systems, assuring them that God will ultimately deliver justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of young lions and lion cubs in Jeremiah 51:38 reflect the nature of Babylon's power and aggression?

2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 51 parallel the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18, and what lessons can we draw from these parallels?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nations to our understanding of current global events?

4. What are some modern examples of pride leading to downfall, and how can we guard against this in our personal lives?

5. How does the assurance of divine justice in Jeremiah 51 provide comfort and hope to those facing oppression today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 5:29
This verse also uses the imagery of lions to describe a powerful and fearsome nation, drawing a parallel to the strength and aggression of Babylon.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and destruction found in Jeremiah 51, highlighting the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.

Psalm 104:21
The roaring of lions seeking their prey can be seen as a metaphor for the Babylonians' insatiable appetite for conquest and domination.
The Duty of Separating from the WorldA.F. Muir Jeremiah 51:6, 50
People
Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Babylonians, Jacob, Jeremiah, Maaseiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Neriah, Seraiah, Zedekiah
Places
Ararat, Babylon, Chaldea, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Leb-kamai, Zion
Topics
Crying, Cubs, Growl, Lion, Lions, Roar, Shaken, Themselves, Voices, Whelps, Yell
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 51:38

     4666   lion

Jeremiah 51:37-40

     5305   empires

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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