Jeremiah 51:10

KJV

The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath brought forth {H3318} our righteousness {H6666}: come {H935}, and let us declare {H5608} in Zion {H6726} the work {H4639} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has brought forth our victory. Come, let us proclaim in Tziyon the work of ADONAI our God!

Berean Standard Bible

“The LORD has brought forth our vindication; come, let us tell in Zion what the LORD our God has accomplished.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:10 serves as a triumphant declaration of God's decisive action to vindicate His people, Israel, following their period of exile in Babylon. It proclaims that the LORD Himself has restored their rightful standing and demonstrated His faithfulness, calling the liberated remnant to return to Zion (Jerusalem) and publicly recount and celebrate the magnificent work of their God. This verse encapsulates the themes of divine justice, restoration, and the imperative to bear witness to God's redemptive acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51 is a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle primarily focused on the impending judgment and destruction of Babylon, the nation responsible for Judah's exile. This chapter follows a series of prophecies against Judah for its unfaithfulness, culminating in the Babylonian captivity. Within this broader context of judgment, Jeremiah 51:10 stands out as a beacon of hope and a promise of restoration for God's people. It is a declaration of triumph and vindication, anticipating the eventual downfall of Babylon (cf. [Jeremiah 51:6-9](/jeremiah/51-6 "Jeremiah 51:6-9 - Babylon's Fall")) and the subsequent liberation and return of the exiles. The verses immediately preceding verse 10 describe Babylon as a "golden cup" that has made the nations drunk, but now she herself will fall, setting the stage for Israel's vindication. The call to "declare in Zion" points to the future restoration of Jerusalem as a center of worship and testimony, a theme found throughout the prophetic books concerning the post-exilic period (e.g., [Isaiah 62:1-2](/isaiah/62-1 "Isaiah 62:1-2 - Zion's Vindication")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 51 is the Babylonian exile, which began with the first deportation in 605 BC, continued with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, and lasted for approximately 70 years (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return")). The Israelites were living as captives in a foreign land, under the oppressive rule of the Babylonian Empire, which was at the height of its power. This period was marked by immense suffering, despair, and questions about God's faithfulness and justice. The cultural context involved the worship of numerous Babylonian deities, contrasting sharply with Israel's monotheistic faith. The declaration in Jeremiah 51:10 would have been a profoundly counter-cultural message, asserting the supremacy of Yahweh over the gods of Babylon and promising an overturning of the prevailing power structures. The idea of "Zion" (Jerusalem) as the place of declaration was central to Israelite identity, representing their spiritual and national heart, the place where God's presence dwelt.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**. God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the arrogance of their oppressors; He acts decisively to set things right and bring forth justice. This is a testament to His righteous character and His commitment to His covenant promises. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty over Nations**. Despite Babylon's might, God demonstrates His ultimate control over world empires, raising them up and bringing them down according to His divine plan. This provides immense comfort and assurance to the exiled Israelites that their God is indeed the Lord of all creation. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Call to Proclamation and Witness**. The liberated people are not merely to return quietly but are commanded to "declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God." This highlights the importance of remembering and publicly testifying to God's mighty acts of deliverance, ensuring that His faithfulness is celebrated and passed down through generations (cf. [Psalm 105:1-2](/psalms/105-1 "Psalm 105:1-2 - Proclaiming God's Deeds")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God, emphasizing His unchanging nature and covenant faithfulness. In this context, it highlights that the vindication and deliverance are not by human might but by the sovereign power of the one true God.
* **brought forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, a primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out." Here, in the Hiphil stem, it signifies a decisive, active bringing out or revealing. It implies that God has manifested His justice and righteousness in a tangible, visible way, making it evident to all. It's not a passive emergence but an active, intentional divine act.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, this term denotes rightness, justice, rectitude, or virtue. In a covenantal context, it often refers to God's faithfulness to His promises and His just dealings with His people. Here, "our righteousness" refers to God's act of vindicating His people, proving their cause just, and restoring their rightful standing in the face of oppression and false accusations. It's not primarily about their moral uprightness, but God's act of setting things right on their behalf.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness:"** This clause declares God's decisive and public act of vindication. After years of exile and suffering, where the Israelites might have felt abandoned or that their cause was forgotten, this statement asserts that Yahweh Himself has intervened. "Our righteousness" refers to their vindication and restoration to a right standing before God and the nations, not necessarily their moral perfection, but God's act of setting things right for them in His justice and faithfulness.
* **"come, and let us declare in Zion"** This is an urgent invitation and a command. "Come" (bôwʼ) is an imperative, calling the exiles to return. The phrase "let us declare" (çâphar) implies a recounting, a telling of the full story of God's intervention, a public proclamation. This declaration is to take place "in Zion," which is Jerusalem, the spiritual and national heart of Israel, signifying a return to worship and a re-establishment of their identity in their homeland.
* **"the work of the LORD our God."** This final phrase specifies the content of the declaration: "the work" (maʻăseh) of the LORD. This refers to God's mighty deeds, His acts of deliverance, judgment (on Babylon), and restoration (of Israel). It encompasses the entire redemptive history that has unfolded, culminating in their liberation. It is a work that belongs to "the LORD our God" (ʼĕlôhîym), emphasizing His unique relationship with Israel and His supreme power.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Declaration**, as the verse itself is a powerful statement of divine action and a call to proclaim it. There is a strong sense of **Vindication**, where God's character is demonstrated through His active intervention on behalf of His people, turning their perceived shame into glory. The use of "Zion" functions as **Metonymy**, where the name of the mountain or city stands for the entire nation of Israel, its spiritual heritage, and its restored community. The **Imperative** "come, and let us declare" serves as a direct command and invitation, emphasizing the urgency and communal nature of the response to God's mighty acts. The phrase "the work of the LORD our God" also carries a sense of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, highlighting the magnitude and divine origin of the deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:10 is a profound theological statement affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His active role in human history. It teaches that God's righteousness is not merely an abstract quality but is demonstrably revealed through His acts of justice, vindication, and deliverance. In times of oppression and despair, this verse offers the assurance that God will ultimately set things right, bringing forth His justice in His perfect timing. It also underscores the theological imperative for the redeemed community to bear witness to God's mighty deeds, ensuring that His faithfulness is remembered and proclaimed for generations. This act of declaration is an essential part of worship and a testament to God's character.

* [Isaiah 62:1-2](/isaiah/62-1 "Isaiah 62:1-2 - Zion's Vindication and Righteousness")
* [Psalm 97:6](/psalms/97-6 "Psalm 97:6 - The Heavens Declare God's Righteousness")
* [Psalm 105:1-2](/psalms/105-1 "Psalm 105:1-2 - Giving Thanks and Declaring God's Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:10 offers immense encouragement for believers navigating periods of difficulty, injustice, or spiritual oppression. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem bleak, and our faith is tested, God is actively working behind the scenes to bring forth His righteousness and justice. We are called to trust in His sovereign timing and His methods, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His people and His truth. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to be witnesses of God's goodness and power. Just as the liberated Israelites were called to declare God's work in Zion, we too are commissioned to share our testimonies of God's faithfulness in our lives and in the world. Our experiences of God's deliverance and vindication should compel us to proclaim His mighty deeds to others, strengthening faith and glorifying His name. This declaration is not just a historical recounting but a living testament to an ever-active God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for God to "bring forth your righteousness" or vindicate a difficult situation?**
* **How does the promise of God's active intervention in history strengthen your faith during times of waiting or suffering?**
* **What "work of the LORD" in your own life, or in the life of your community, are you called to "declare" to others?**
* **How can we, as a community of faith, more effectively proclaim God's mighty deeds in our contemporary "Zion" (our local context and beyond)?**

### FAQ
**What does "The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness" (KJV) signifies God's active and public vindication of His people, Israel. It doesn't primarily refer to Israel's moral uprightness, but rather God's faithfulness and justice in setting things right on their behalf. After years of suffering and perceived abandonment during the Babylonian exile, this declaration means that God has decisively acted to restore their rightful standing, demonstrate their just cause, and deliver them from oppression. It is God's righteous character manifested in His saving acts for His covenant people, proving that He is a God who sees injustice and intervenes (cf. [Psalm 37:6](/psalms/37-6 "Psalm 37:6 - God Brings Forth Your Righteousness")).

**Why is it important to "declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God"?**

Answer: The command to "declare in Zion" is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of public testimony and worship. The return to Zion (Jerusalem) signifies the restoration of their spiritual and national identity. Declaring God's "work" there ensures that His mighty acts of deliverance are remembered, celebrated, and passed down through generations (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children")). Secondly, it serves as a powerful witness to the surrounding nations that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the true and living God who exercises sovereignty over all empires, including mighty Babylon. It reinforces the truth that God keeps His promises and acts justly in history. This act of declaration is fundamental to Israel's renewed covenant relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "righteousness" that the LORD brings forth is fully realized in Christ, who is not only the embodiment of God's perfect righteousness but also the one through whom believers are made righteous (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Just as God vindicated Israel from Babylonian oppression, so too has God, in Christ, decisively "brought forth our righteousness" by delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection (cf. [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The call to "declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God" is echoed and expanded in the Great Commission, where believers are commanded to go forth and proclaim the "work" of God in Christ—His gospel of salvation—to all nations (cf. [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The New Testament "Zion" is not merely a physical city but the spiritual community of God's redeemed people, the Church, from whom the declaration of Christ's finished work resounds throughout the world (cf. [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")). Thus, Jeremiah 51:10 foreshadows the ultimate divine vindication and the global proclamation of God's redemptive work accomplished in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 50:28

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

Psalms 37:6

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Isaiah 40:2

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Jeremiah 31:6

For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 31:9

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.

Revelation 14:1

¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.