Jeremiah 51:16

When he uttereth [his] voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

When he uttereth {H5414} his voice {H6963}, there is a multitude {H1995} of waters {H4325} in the heavens {H8064}; and he causeth the vapours {H5387} to ascend {H5927} from the ends {H7097} of the earth {H776}: he maketh {H6213} lightnings {H1300} with rain {H4306}, and bringeth forth {H3318} the wind {H7307} out of his treasures {H214}.

When he thunders, the waters in heaven roar, he raises clouds from the ends of the earth, he makes the lightning flash in the rain and brings the wind out from his storehouses.

When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

When he uttereth his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries.

Commentary

Jeremiah 51:16 beautifully portrays the unparalleled power and sovereignty of God over creation. In a vivid description of natural phenomena, the prophet highlights the Lord's absolute control over the elements, contrasting His might with the impotence of false gods.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic message in Jeremiah 51, which is primarily a detailed pronouncement of judgment against Babylon, the nation that had conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. Chapters 50 and 51 serve as a powerful declaration of Babylon's inevitable downfall at the hand of the Lord. Within this context of judgment and the overthrow of a mighty earthly empire, verses 15-19 (and a parallel passage in Jeremiah 10:12-16) are inserted to emphasize the identity of the one true God who brings about these events. He is not merely a regional deity, but the Creator and Sustainer of the entire cosmos, whose power far surpasses any earthly kingdom or man-made idol worshipped by Babylon.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Creation: The verse unequivocally declares God's complete command over the natural world. His "voice" causes a "multitude of waters" (rain) in the heavens, He controls the "vapours" that ascend, and He orchestrates "lightnings with rain" and directs the "wind out of his treasures." This illustrates that all natural processes are under His direct, intentional control, not random occurrences.
  • Contrast with Idolatry: By emphasizing God's unique power, the verse implicitly (and the surrounding verses explicitly, such as Jeremiah 51:17-18) underscores the futility of worshipping idols. Unlike the true God, idols cannot command the elements, bring rain, or control the winds. They are lifeless and powerless.
  • God's Omnipotence: The imagery of God's voice, His causing vapours to ascend, and His control over lightning and wind demonstrates His limitless power. He is the ultimate source and controller of all energy and phenomena in the universe.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Uttereth his voice": The Hebrew word for "voice," qรดl (ืงึนื•ืœ), can also mean 'sound' or 'thunder'. In this context, it suggests a powerful, authoritative pronouncement, often associated with thunder, which itself is a manifestation of God's power and presence in nature (Psalm 29:3-9).
  • "Treasures" (of wind): The Hebrew term สพรดแนฃรขr (ืื•ึนืฆึธืจ), meaning 'storehouse' or 'treasury', implies that God has these elements stored up and releases them at His will. It speaks to a deliberate, controlled release rather than a chaotic or unpredictable force, highlighting God's meticulous governance over creation (Psalm 135:7).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:16 offers profound truths for contemporary life:

  • Awe and Worship: Recognizing God's absolute control over the vast and complex forces of nature should inspire deep awe and worship. He is not a distant deity but actively involved in sustaining His creation.
  • Trust and Security: In a world often feeling chaotic and unpredictable, this verse reminds us that a sovereign God is in control. We can trust in His providence, knowing that the One who commands the elements also cares for His people.
  • Reliance on God Alone: Just as Babylon relied on its false gods and military might, we can be tempted to place our trust in worldly systems, wealth, or human ingenuity. This verse calls us to shift our reliance entirely to the Creator, who alone has the power to bring about true change and provision.
  • Perspective on Natural Events: While natural disasters can be devastating, this verse provides a theological framework for understanding them within God's ultimate sovereignty, even if His specific purposes are not always immediately clear.

Ultimately, Jeremiah 51:16 serves as a powerful declaration of God's unmatched majesty and power, inviting us to humble ourselves before Him and place our complete trust in His capable hands.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 135:7

    He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

  • Jonah 1:4

    ยถ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

  • Psalms 18:13

    The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.

  • Jeremiah 10:12

    He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

  • Jeremiah 10:13

    When he uttereth his voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

  • Job 37:13

    He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.

  • Psalms 46:6

    ยถ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
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