Jeremiah 51:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:2 is a powerful prophetic declaration foretelling the utter destruction and desolation of Babylon. It vividly portrays God's active role in orchestrating Babylon's downfall, sending agents likened to "fanners" to scatter its inhabitants and lay its land waste. This judgment is depicted as a comprehensive and unavoidable event, occurring in a divinely appointed "day of trouble" when adversaries will surround and overwhelm the once-mighty empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive and detailed prophecy against Babylon, which spans [Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Babylon"). This lengthy oracle is unique in its scope and intensity, serving as a divine counter-narrative to Babylon's perceived invincibility. It follows earlier prophecies against various nations, culminating in this extended pronouncement against the empire that had conquered Judah and exiled its people. The immediate preceding verses in [Jeremiah 51](/jeremiah/51 "Jeremiah 51 - Prophecy Against Babylon") emphasize God's stirring up of a destructive wind against Babylon, setting the stage for the specific imagery of fanning and emptying. The prophecy as a whole reassures the exiled Israelites of God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate justice against their oppressor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy (likely during the Babylonian exile or shortly before its fall), Babylon represented the zenith of global power, having destroyed Jerusalem and carried off its inhabitants into captivity (cf. [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile")). The imagery of "fanners" draws from the ancient agricultural practice of winnowing, where grain was tossed into the air for the wind to separate the lighter chaff from the heavier, valuable kernels. This was a common sight in the ancient Near East. However, in this prophetic context, the metaphor is inverted: instead of separating the valuable from the worthless, God sends "fanners" to scatter and destroy Babylon itself, effectively treating its inhabitants and land as worthless chaff to be blown away and emptied. This speaks to the complete reversal of fortunes for the proud empire.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:2 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, unequivocally declaring God's active agency in bringing about Babylon's downfall as a consequence of its pride, idolatry, and oppression of God's people (cf. [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Punishment")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that no earthly empire, no matter how powerful or seemingly impregnable, is beyond God's ultimate control and righteous judgment. He raises up and casts down nations according to His divine plan (cf. [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Reversal of Fortunes**, where the once-mighty Babylon, which had "fanned" and scattered Judah, would itself be "fanned" and emptied, illustrating a profound act of divine justice and a promise of restoration for God's covenant people (cf. [Jeremiah 50:33-34](/jeremiah/50-33 "Jeremiah 50:33-34 - Israel's Redeemer")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fanners (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** H2114. This word, derived from a root meaning "to turn aside," can refer to "foreigners" or "strangers," but also carries the connotation of "winnowers" or "those who scatter." In this context, it powerfully implies that God will send foreign invaders—likely the Medes and Persians—who will act as His instruments of judgment, effectively winnowing Babylon by scattering its people and laying waste to its land. The dual meaning emphasizes both the foreign nature of the attackers and the destructive, scattering effect of their conquest.
* **fan (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** H2219. A primitive root meaning "to toss about," "diffuse," or "winnow." While winnowing typically separates grain from chaff, here the action is applied destructively to Babylon itself. To "fan her" means to utterly scatter, disperse, and break apart the nation, likening its people and structures to worthless chaff that is blown away by a mighty wind, leaving nothing of substance behind. This verb reinforces the comprehensive nature of the impending desolation.
* **empty (Hebrew, _bâqaq'_):** H1238. From a root meaning "to pour out," this verb signifies making desolate, depopulating, or rendering void. When applied to "her land," it conveys the complete devastation and abandonment of Babylon's territory. It suggests that the land will be stripped of its inhabitants, resources, and vitality, becoming a barren and uninhabited waste. This word emphasizes the finality and thoroughness of the judgment, leaving Babylon utterly devoid of its former glory and population.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And will send unto Babylon fanners":** This clause establishes God's direct initiative and active role in the judgment of Babylon. He is not merely allowing events to unfold but is purposefully dispatching agents—the "fanners"—to execute His decree. The destination, "Babylon," is explicitly named as the target of this divine action, underscoring the specific and intentional nature of the impending judgment.
* **"that shall fan her, and shall empty her land":** This segment describes the destructive actions of the "fanners." To "fan her" signifies the violent scattering and dispersal of Babylon's people, akin to winnowing but with destructive intent. The parallel phrase, "and shall empty her land," emphasizes the resulting desolation and depopulation of the territory. Together, these actions paint a picture of comprehensive ruin, where the population is scattered and the land is rendered desolate and uninhabitable.
* **"for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about":** This final clause provides the context and intensity of the judgment. "The day of trouble" refers to a time of severe distress, calamity, and divine reckoning for Babylon. The phrase "they shall be against her round about" signifies a comprehensive and inescapable siege or attack from all directions. This implies that Babylon will be entirely surrounded and overwhelmed by its adversaries, ensuring that no escape is possible and the judgment is complete and inescapable.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "fanners" and the act of "fanning." This imagery, drawn from the agricultural practice of winnowing, is inverted to describe destruction rather than purification. Instead of separating valuable grain from worthless chaff, God sends agents to scatter and destroy Babylon itself, treating the entire empire as worthless. This creates a vivid and easily understandable picture of utter dispersal and desolation. Related to this is **Personification**, where Babylon, as a city and empire, is treated as if it were grain being winnowed, emphasizing its vulnerability to divine forces. Furthermore, the phrase "empty her land" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme nature of the desolation; it implies a complete depopulation and ruin, leaving nothing of its former glory. Finally, there is a strong element of **Poetic Justice** or **Irony** at play. Babylon had "fanned" and scattered Judah, bringing them into exile; now, God declares that Babylon itself will be "fanned" and emptied, experiencing the very fate it inflicted upon others.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:2 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all nations. It reveals that no empire, however mighty or oppressive, can stand against the divine will. The judgment on Babylon serves as a profound theological statement: God hears the cries of His oppressed people and will ultimately bring retribution upon those who defy Him and inflict suffering. This verse assures believers that even in times when evil seems to triumph, God remains actively involved in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes and to vindicate His covenant people. It is a testament to His faithfulness, demonstrating that He will not forget His promises or allow injustice to prevail indefinitely.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 50:23](/jeremiah/50-23 "Jeremiah 50:23 - Babylon, the Hammer of the Whole Earth")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:2 offers profound truths that resonate deeply with believers today. First, it serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of justice, and no injustice, oppression, or evil will ultimately escape His righteous judgment. While the wheels of divine justice may turn slowly, they turn surely, bringing comfort and hope to those who feel oppressed or witness rampant wickedness in the world. This truth encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God sees and will act. Second, the verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and human affairs. Even seemingly insurmountable powers like ancient Babylon are subject to His will. This instills a deep sense of trust and peace, reminding us that God is ultimately in control, working His purposes even through the rise and fall of empires. Finally, Babylon's downfall stands as a sobering warning against national or personal pride, idolatry, and cruelty. Those who exalt themselves against God or oppress others will inevitably face His righteous reckoning. This calls us to humility, repentance, and a commitment to justice and righteousness in our own lives and societies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "fanners" and "emptying" challenge your understanding of God's methods of justice?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy against Babylon offer hope and encouragement to those experiencing oppression or injustice today?**
* **What lessons can individuals and nations learn from Babylon's downfall regarding pride, power, and accountability before God?**
* **How might the "day of trouble" for Babylon relate to the concept of divine judgment in your own understanding of God's character and actions?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "fanners" that God sends to Babylon?**

Answer: The "fanners" are metaphorical agents of God's judgment, primarily understood as foreign invaders—specifically the Medes and Persians—whom God would raise up to conquer Babylon. While the term "fanners" (Hebrew: *zûwr*) literally refers to those who winnow grain, here it signifies those who will scatter, disperse, and destroy Babylon, treating its people and land like worthless chaff. They are instruments in God's hand, fulfilling His prophetic decree against the oppressive empire.

**What does it mean for God to "fan her, and shall empty her land"?**

Answer: This vivid imagery describes the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment on Babylon. To "fan her" means to violently scatter and disperse her inhabitants, much like winnowing separates and blows away chaff. It implies a complete breaking apart of the nation and its people. To "empty her land" signifies the resulting desolation and depopulation, where the territory is stripped of its inhabitants, resources, and vitality, becoming barren and uninhabited. Together, these phrases convey the utter ruin and abandonment of Babylon, a stark reversal of its former power and prosperity.

**How does this prophecy against Babylon relate to God's character and His dealings with humanity?**

Answer: This prophecy profoundly reveals God's character as a just and sovereign ruler over all creation. It demonstrates His unwavering commitment to justice, showing that He will not tolerate unchecked evil and oppression indefinitely. God's judgment on Babylon underscores His faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them that He hears their cries and will ultimately bring retribution upon their oppressors. It also highlights His absolute sovereignty, proving that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His divine purposes or escape His righteous judgment. This passage affirms that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His will and bring about His perfect justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:2, with its vivid portrayal of judgment and desolation for Babylon, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While historically fulfilled by the Medo-Persian conquest, the imagery of "fanning" and "emptying" points to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus, the true and final "fanner," comes not merely to judge an earthly empire but to separate humanity, gathering His elect and consigning all unrighteousness to eternal desolation. He is the one who will ultimately "clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire" ([Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Jesus")). The "day of trouble" for Babylon foreshadows the ultimate "Day of the Lord," the final judgment when Christ returns in power and glory to establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return to Judge")).

Moreover, the judgment on ancient Babylon prefigures the spiritual "Babylon the Great" described in [Revelation 17-18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Scarlet Beast and the Harlot"), which symbolizes all systems and powers that oppose God and persecute His people throughout history. Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection secured the ultimate triumph over sin, death, and all spiritual forces of evil, effectively "emptying" their power and authority ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). For those who are in Christ, the "day of trouble" has been borne by Him on the cross, where He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, while Babylon faced earthly desolation, Christ offers eternal salvation and the promise of a new heavens and new earth where there will be no more "trouble" or sorrow, for the former things have passed away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

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 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.