The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this [is] the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.
The LORD {H3068} hath opened {H6605} his armoury {H214}, and hath brought forth {H3318} the weapons {H3627} of his indignation {H2195}: for this is the work {H4399} of the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635} in the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778}.
ADONAI has opened his store of arms and brought out the weapons of his wrath; for Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot has work to do in the land of the Kasdim.
The LORD has opened His armory and brought out His weapons of wrath, for this is the work of the Lord GOD of Hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.
Jehovah hath opened his armory, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation; for the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, hath a work to do in the land of the Chaldeans.
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Jeremiah 51:55
Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered: -
Jeremiah 51:25
Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. -
Jeremiah 50:15
Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it [is] the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her. -
Isaiah 13:17
Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it. -
Isaiah 13:18
[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. -
Jeremiah 51:11
Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. -
Jeremiah 51:12
Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.
Jeremiah 50:25 is a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment upon Babylon, the great empire that had conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. This verse highlights God's active and deliberate role in the downfall of the Chaldeans, painting a vivid picture of divine retribution.
Context
Chapters 50 and 51 of Jeremiah contain a detailed prophecy against Babylon, often referred to as "the burden of Babylon." While Babylon had served as God's instrument to punish Judah for its sins (Habakkuk 1:6), its own pride, idolatry, and cruelty towards God's people meant it would not escape divine justice. This prophecy speaks of Babylon's complete desolation, orchestrated by the Lord Himself, likely through the Medes and Persians.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "armoury" (אוֹצָר - 'otsar) can also mean "storehouse" or "treasury," implying a reserve of resources. Here, it refers to a divine arsenal, signifying that God has an unlimited supply of means to execute His will. The title "Lord GOD of hosts" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת - Adonai Yahweh Tzeva'ot) is highly significant. Adonai denotes sovereign master, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, and Tzeva'ot means "of armies" or "of hosts," emphasizing God's supreme authority over all heavenly and earthly forces. This title underscores His power to command and direct events, ensuring that His judgment on Babylon is irresistible.
Practical Application
Jeremiah 50:25 serves as a timeless reminder of God's enduring sovereignty and justice. For believers, it offers comfort that God is ultimately in control, even when earthly powers seem overwhelming. He sees injustice and will act in His perfect timing. For nations and individuals, it stands as a warning against pride, oppression, and rebellion against God. No power, no matter how great, is beyond the reach of His righteous judgment. Just as He brought down Babylon, so He continues to hold all of creation accountable, promising a future where all injustice will be undone in His new creation.