Jeremiah 51:14

KJV

The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, [saying], Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} hath sworn {H7650} by himself {H5315}, saying, Surely I will fill {H4390} thee with men {H120}, as with caterpillers {H3218}; and they shall lift up {H6030} a shout {H1959} against thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot has sworn by himself, "I will fill you with men as numerous as grasshoppers; they will raise over you a shout of triumph."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD of Hosts has sworn by Himself: “Surely I will fill you up with men as with locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with the canker-worm; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:14 presents a solemn divine oath from Yahweh, the LORD of hosts, declaring His unyielding resolve to execute comprehensive judgment upon Babylon. Through this unbreakable pledge, God promises to overwhelm Babylon with an innumerable host of invaders, likened to swarming caterpillars, who will utterly consume and devastate the proud empire. This verse powerfully underscores the absolute certainty of God's prophetic word and His sovereign control over the destiny of nations, ensuring the downfall of those who oppose His will and oppress His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:14 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, specifically encompassing [Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). This extensive section represents the dramatic climax of Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the great world power that had conquered Judah and exiled its inhabitants. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 51:1-13](/jeremiah/51-1-13 "Jeremiah 51:1-13 - God's Judgment on Babylon")) describe the instruments of God's wrath—likely the Medes and Persians—and the utter desolation that will befall Babylon, emphasizing its pride, idolatry, and violence as the catalysts for divine retribution. This particular verse, with its explicit divine oath, serves to seal the certainty of the preceding pronouncements and intensify the dread of the coming, irreversible destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon stood as the preeminent global superpower. Under Nebuchadnezzar, it had decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt, and subsequently destroyed Jerusalem, carrying Judah into exile. Its capital city, Babylon, was renowned for its massive walls, the Euphrates River flowing through its heart, and its perceived invincibility, making the idea of its fall seem impossible to human eyes. The culture was deeply polytheistic, with Marduk as the chief deity, and characterized by imperial arrogance, brutal subjugation of conquered peoples, and immense wealth. The comparison of an invading army to "caterpillars" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society familiar with the devastating impact of locust plagues, a common and terrifying natural disaster in the ancient Near East, symbolizing an overwhelming, consuming, and unstoppable force.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** of Yahweh, who is not merely a tribal deity but the "LORD of hosts," the supreme commander of all earthly and heavenly armies, marshaling them to accomplish His purposes, particularly in judgment. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Certainty of God's Judgment** against sin, pride, and oppression, particularly against those who harm His chosen people. Babylon's fall is presented as a righteous act of divine justice, fulfilling the covenant curses and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises of both judgment and eventual restoration for His people. This judgment on Babylon is a recurring prophetic motif, also powerfully articulated in books such as [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Isaiah 21](/isaiah/21 "Isaiah 21 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This compound title, combining H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_, the self-Existent or Eternal, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God) and H6635 (_tsâbâʼ_, a mass of persons organized for war, an army, host), profoundly emphasizes God's absolute authority and omnipotence. It portrays Him as the supreme commander of all creation—heavenly armies, natural forces, and even human armies—marshaling them to accomplish His purposes, particularly in judgment.
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, meaning "to seven oneself," implying a complete, binding, and irrevocable declaration. When God swears by Himself (H5315, _nephesh_ - referring to His very being, soul, or self), it signifies the ultimate, immutable guarantee of His word. There is no higher authority for God to swear by, thus His oath is absolutely certain and irreversible, underscoring the divine commitment to the prophecy's fulfillment.
* **caterpillers (Hebrew, _yeleq'_):** From H3218, referring to a devourer, specifically the young locust or cankerworm. This vivid **metaphor** portrays the invading army as an overwhelming, destructive force. Like a locust plague that consumes every green thing, these forces will be innumerable, relentless, and leave nothing behind, symbolizing utter devastation and consumption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself,"**: This opening clause establishes the absolute certainty and divine origin of the prophecy. The title "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme authority as the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces. His act of "swearing by himself" is the highest possible guarantee, indicating an unchangeable and unbreakable decree that will inevitably come to pass, as there is no greater being or authority for Him to swear by.
* **"saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers;"**: This is the core content of God's solemn oath, detailing the nature of the impending judgment. The phrase "fill thee with men" indicates an overwhelming numerical superiority of the invading forces, suggesting that Babylon will be inundated by them. The powerful **simile** "as with caterpillers" (or locusts) vividly illustrates the sheer multitude and the destructive, consuming nature of this army, implying that they will swarm over Babylon, devouring its resources, its people, and leaving it utterly desolate.
* **"and they shall lift up a shout against thee."**: This final clause describes the triumphant outcome for the invading forces and the ultimate, humiliating defeat of Babylon. The "shout" is a victorious war cry, signifying the complete conquest and subjugation of Babylon. It represents the dramatic reversal of fortunes, where Babylon, once the proud oppressor, is now utterly vanquished and humiliated by those God has raised up to execute His righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of certain and devastating judgment. The most prominent is **Simile**, where the invading "men" are explicitly compared to "caterpillers" (or locusts). This comparison is highly effective, immediately conjuring vivid images of an innumerable, relentless, and utterly destructive force that consumes everything in its path, leaving desolation in its wake. This imagery further contributes to **Hyperbole**, underscoring the totality and overwhelming nature of Babylon's impending destruction. The phrase "The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself" utilizes **Divine Oath**, a powerful rhetorical device that emphasizes the absolute immutability and certainty of God's word. It functions as the ultimate guarantee, leaving no room for doubt regarding the prophecy's fulfillment because God's very being is pledged. Furthermore, the use of "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a significant **Divine Epithet**, highlighting God's sovereign power as the commander of armies, both heavenly and earthly, reinforcing His capacity to orchestrate and execute such a devastating judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:14 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His sovereign control over human history. The divine oath ("sworn by himself") signifies the immutable nature of God's word; what He declares will certainly come to pass, demonstrating His faithfulness to both His promises and His warnings. This verse underscores the theological truth that no nation, regardless of its might, perceived invincibility, or oppressive power, can ultimately withstand the righteous judgment of the Almighty. Babylon's fall serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, holding them accountable for their pride, idolatry, and brutal oppression. It also assures God's people that He hears their cries and will ultimately vindicate them by bringing down their oppressors, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness.

* [Hebrews 6:13](/hebrews/6-13 "God's Oath to Abraham")
* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13-1-22 "Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:1-24](/revelation/18-1-24 "The Fall of Babylon in Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:14 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's absolute sovereignty and the unwavering certainty of His word. In a world often characterized by injustice, oppression, and the apparent triumph of evil, this verse provides a powerful reassurance that God remains on His throne, actively governing the affairs of humanity and holding all powers accountable. We are called to place our unwavering trust in His promises, knowing that His character is unchanging and His decrees are unbreakable. Just as ancient Babylon, despite its immense power and perceived invincibility, could not escape God's righteous judgment, so too will all forms of injustice, pride, and rebellion ultimately face His reckoning. This truth should inspire both profound confidence in God's ultimate victory and a humble recognition of our own accountability before Him. It challenges us to align our lives with His righteous standards, to stand against oppression, and to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that all earthly kingdoms and systems are transient, but God's kingdom is everlasting and His justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's act of swearing by Himself impact your understanding of the certainty and reliability of His promises and warnings in your own life?**
* **What modern "Babylons"—systems, ideologies, or powers—do you see operating in defiance of God's will, and how does this verse encourage you concerning their ultimate fate?**
* **In what ways can the historical downfall of Babylon, as prophesied here, serve as a call to humility and accountability for individuals and nations today?**

### FAQ

**What does "The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the highest possible form of divine assurance and an unchangeable decree. When God "swears by himself," it means He is pledging His very being, His immutable character, and His absolute power as the ultimate guarantee of His word. Since there is no greater authority or being for God to swear by, this declaration makes the fulfillment of the prophecy absolutely certain and unchangeable. It underscores His supreme sovereignty and the infallibility of His decrees, a truth also powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 6:13-14](/hebrews/6-13-14 "God's Oath to Abraham and the Certainty of His Promise").

**Why are the invading forces compared to "caterpillers"?**

Answer: The comparison to "caterpillers" (Hebrew: _yeleq_, often referring to a type of locust or cankerworm) is a vivid **simile** used to emphasize the overwhelming number and utterly destructive nature of the invading army. Locust plagues were a common and devastating natural disaster in the ancient world, known for their ability to descend in vast swarms and consume all vegetation in their path, leaving utter desolation. This imagery conveys that the forces God would send against Babylon would be innumerable, relentless, and utterly consuming, leaving nothing behind and ensuring complete devastation.

**Who are the "men" that God promises to fill Babylon with?**

Answer: The "men" refer to the invading armies that God would raise up and deploy to execute His judgment against Babylon. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled by the Medes and Persians under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Jeremiah's prophecies often identify these instruments of God's wrath, for example, in [Jeremiah 50:9](/jeremiah/50-9 "God stirs up a nation against Babylon"), where God declares He will "raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:14 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its deeper theological resonance finds ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, Babylon often symbolizes the world system in rebellion against God, characterized by pride, idolatry, and the oppression of God's people. The "shout" of triumph against Babylon foreshadows the ultimate victory shout of Christ over all hostile spiritual powers. Just as God swore by Himself to bring down ancient Babylon, He has also sworn to establish His eternal kingdom through His Son. Christ, as the true "LORD of hosts," has already triumphed over the spiritual "Babylon"—the dominion of sin, death, and the devil—through His crucifixion and resurrection, disarming the powers and authorities and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). The final and decisive "shout" of victory will be heard when Christ returns, not with an army of caterpillars, but with the armies of heaven, to judge the living and the dead, bringing an end to all earthly systems of rebellion and establishing His righteous reign forever ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ's Victorious Return and Judgment")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy points beyond a historical event to the ultimate and irreversible judgment secured by Christ, ensuring the final vindication of God's people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where no "Babylon" can ever again oppress or defy His sovereign will.

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

Amos 6:8

¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Jeremiah 49:13

For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

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.

Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Joel 1:7

He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast [it] away; the branches thereof are made white.