51:1 51:1

Jeremiah 51:2

51:3 51:3

Bible Versions

And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.
And will send {H7971} unto Babylon {H894} fanners {H2114}, that shall fan {H2219} her, and shall empty {H1238} her land {H776}: for in the day {H3117} of trouble {H7451} they shall be against her round about {H5439}.
Against Bavel I will send foreigners to winnow her and leave her land empty. They will besiege her from every side on the day of disaster.
I will send strangers to Babylon to winnow her and empty her land; for they will come against her from every side in her day of disaster.
And I will send unto Babylon strangers, that shall winnow her; and they shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.

Jeremiah 51:2 is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the impending judgment on Babylon. The verse vividly describes how God will send agents of destruction, likened to "fanners," to scatter and empty the land of Babylon, signifying its utter desolation in a time of divine reckoning.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy and detailed prophecy against Babylon, spanning Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51. At the time of this prophecy, Babylon was the dominant world power, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people of Judah. Jeremiah’s message offered a profound message of hope to the exiled Israelites, assuring them that God had not forgotten their suffering and would bring justice upon their oppressor. This divine judgment against Babylon serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse unequivocally declares God's active role in bringing about Babylon's downfall. It highlights the principle of divine justice, where those who oppress God's people will face His wrath.
  • The Metaphor of Fanning: The imagery of "fanners" is drawn from ancient agricultural practices. Winnowing (fanning) involved tossing grain into the air so the wind could blow away the lighter chaff, leaving the heavier, valuable grain. Here, the metaphor is inverted: God will send "fanners" to scatter and destroy Babylon, effectively emptying its land and dispersing its inhabitants like worthless chaff.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This prophecy demonstrates that no empire, no matter how powerful, is beyond God's control. He raises up and casts down nations according to His divine plan and righteous judgment.
  • Reversal of Fortunes: The once mighty Babylon, which had "fanned" and scattered Judah, would itself be "fanned" and emptied. This illustrates a profound reversal of fortunes orchestrated by God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fanners" is zarim (זָרִים), which can mean "strangers" or "foreigners," but also "winnowers" or "those who scatter." This dual meaning is significant, implying that God will send foreign invaders who will act as His instruments of judgment, scattering and destroying Babylon. The verb "fan her" (וְזֵרֻהָ - vezeruha) further reinforces the idea of winnowing, but in this context, it means to utterly scatter and disperse. "Empty her land" (וִיבֹקְקֻהָ - viyvokekuha) conveys the idea of making desolate or laying waste, emphasizing the complete destruction and depopulation of Babylon.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:2 offers timeless truths for believers today:

  1. God's Justice Prevails: It reminds us that no injustice goes unnoticed by God. While judgment may seem delayed, God is just and will ultimately bring accountability to all nations and individuals. This can bring comfort to those who feel oppressed or witness great evil in the world.
  2. Hope in God's Sovereignty: For those facing difficult circumstances or living under oppressive systems, this verse provides assurance that God is in control. He uses various means, even foreign powers, to execute His purposes and bring about His will.
  3. Warning Against Pride: Babylon's fall serves as a sobering warning against national or personal pride, idolatry, and cruelty. Those who exalt themselves against God or oppress others will eventually face His righteous judgment.
  4. Prophetic Significance: While historically fulfilled, this judgment on ancient Babylon also serves as a prophetic type, echoing in the ultimate destruction of 'Babylon the Great' in Revelation, symbolizing all systems that oppose God and oppress His people.
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.

  • Jeremiah 15:7

    And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave [them] of children, I will destroy my people, [since] they return not from their ways.

  • Matthew 3:12

    Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

  • Isaiah 41:16

    Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 5:12

    A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

  • Jeremiah 50:32

    And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

  • Jeremiah 50:14

    Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

  • 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.
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