Jeremiah 51:23

KJV

I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also break in pieces {H5310} with thee the shepherd {H7462} and his flock {H5739}; and with thee will I break in pieces {H5310} the husbandman {H406} and his yoke of oxen {H6776}; and with thee will I break in pieces {H5310} captains {H6346} and rulers {H5461}.

Complete Jewish Bible

with you I shatter shepherds and their flocks; with you I shatter farmers and their teams; with you I shatter governors and deputies.

Berean Standard Bible

With you I shatter the shepherd and his flock; with you I shatter the farmer and his oxen; with you I shatter the governors and officials.

American Standard Version

and with thee will I break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces governors and deputies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:23 continues the prophetic declaration of God's comprehensive judgment against Babylon, portraying its utter dismantling through an unnamed instrument. This verse vividly illustrates the total collapse of Babylonian society, from its foundational agricultural and pastoral sectors to its military and political leadership, emphasizing that no part of the oppressive empire would escape divine retribution. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God in orchestrating the downfall of even the most formidable earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:23 is situated within a lengthy and detailed oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. This extended prophecy serves as a powerful counterpoint to Babylon's earlier role as God's instrument of judgment against Judah. Specifically, verses 20-23 of chapter 51 present a striking metaphor of Babylon itself being used as a "hammer" to shatter nations, only to be shattered in turn. The preceding verses detail Babylon's pride, idolatry, and violent oppression, setting the stage for the comprehensive destruction described here. The repetition of "break in pieces" throughout these verses intensifies the imagery of total devastation, linking this verse directly to the broader theme of divine recompense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon was delivered during a period when Babylon was the dominant world power, having conquered Judah and exiled its people to Mesopotamia. The "thee" in this verse refers to the instrument God would use to execute this judgment, primarily the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great, who would conquer Babylon in 539 BC. This historical event validated Jeremiah's prophetic words, demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations and empires. The societal roles mentioned – shepherd, husbandman, captains, and rulers – represent the full spectrum of Babylonian society, from the common populace and their agricultural base to the military and political elite. Their destruction signifies the complete unraveling of Babylon's societal fabric and its capacity for self-governance and sustenance, reflecting the reality of a conquered nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, raising up and bringing down empires according to His will, as seen in [Daniel's vision of Nebuchadnezzar's dream](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Sovereignty"). The repeated "I will also break in pieces with thee" underscores God's active agency. Secondly, it illustrates **Total and Comprehensive Destruction**, signifying that Babylon's judgment would be absolute, sparing no segment of its society, from the common people to the highest authorities. This comprehensive nature of judgment is a recurring motif in prophecies against nations, signifying a complete end to their oppressive reign. Thirdly, it speaks to **Retributive Justice**, where Babylon, which had "broken in pieces" other nations and oppressed God's people, would now suffer a similar fate, fulfilling the principle of divine recompense. This theme resonates with the broader biblical understanding that [God repays the wicked according to their deeds](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God's Retributive Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nâphats (Hebrew, _nâphats'_):** This primitive root, translated "break in pieces," carries a powerful and violent connotation of shattering, dashing to pieces, or scattering. Its repeated use in Jeremiah 51:20-23 emphasizes the thorough, irreversible, and destructive nature of God's judgment. It implies a complete fragmentation, leaving nothing intact, signifying the utter demolition of Babylon's power and structure.
* **râʻâh (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** While primarily meaning "to tend a flock" or "to pasture," this root, translated "shepherd," also extends to "to rule" or "to associate with." In this context, "shepherd" represents the leadership and caretakers of the populace, encompassing both civil and possibly religious authorities. The breaking of the shepherd and his flock signifies the dismantling of the entire social order, from those who lead to those who are led.
* **çâgân (Hebrew, _çâgân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to superintend," this term, translated "rulers," refers to a prefect or governor of a province. Alongside "captains" (pechâh), it denotes the highest echelons of military and political authority within the Babylonian empire. Their destruction signifies the complete overthrow of the established governmental and military structures, leaving the empire without leadership or defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock;":** This clause initiates the comprehensive description of Babylon's downfall. The "shepherd" symbolizes the leaders, governors, and those responsible for the welfare and direction of the people, while the "flock" represents the general populace. God declares His intent to shatter this fundamental societal unit, indicating the collapse of both leadership and the common people, leading to societal chaos and dissolution.
* **"and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen;":** This second clause extends the judgment to the agricultural foundation of society. The "husbandman" (farmer) and his "yoke of oxen" represent the productive capacity, the sustenance, and the very economic base of the empire. Their destruction signifies the ruin of Babylon's economy, its ability to feed itself, and the devastation of its rural and working classes, ensuring a complete and utter collapse from the ground up.
* **"and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.":** The final clause targets the military and political elite. "Captains" refer to military commanders or provincial governors, while "rulers" denote high-ranking officials or prefects. This signifies the dismantling of Babylon's instruments of power – its military might and its administrative structure. The judgment is thus shown to be total, affecting every stratum and function of Babylonian society, from the common citizen to the highest echelons of power.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:23 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the severity and totality of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "I will also break in pieces with thee" at the beginning of each clause. This insistent repetition creates a rhythmic, hammering effect, mirroring the very act of shattering it describes and emphasizing the divine resolve and comprehensive nature of the destruction. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts of a whole are used to represent the whole itself. By listing "the shepherd and his flock," "the husbandman and his yoke of oxen," and "captains and rulers," the prophet covers the entire spectrum of Babylonian society – from its pastoral and agricultural roots to its military and political leadership. This signifies that no one, and no part of the empire, would be exempt from the impending judgment. Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the choice of societal roles: the "shepherd" symbolizes leadership and care, the "husbandman" represents the foundational agricultural economy, and "captains and rulers" embody the military and governmental authority. The breaking of these symbolic figures vividly conveys the complete dismantling of Babylon's social, economic, and political structures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:23 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no empire, however mighty or oppressive, can ultimately defy the divine will. Babylon, which had been God's instrument for judging Judah, now faces its own judgment, demonstrating that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and cruelty towards His people. This passage serves as a potent reminder that earthly power is transient and subject to the ultimate authority of the Almighty, offering both a warning to the proud and hope to the oppressed that divine justice will prevail.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:23 offers timeless truths that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering justice, assuring us that He sees all injustice, hears the cries of the oppressed, and will ultimately bring every oppressive system and every act of prideful defiance to account. This provides immense comfort and hope for those suffering under tyranny, economic exploitation, or any form of systemic evil, reminding us that no earthly power is beyond God's reach or immune to His judgment. Conversely, it stands as a stark warning to those in positions of power, whether political, economic, or spiritual: all authority is ultimately derived from God, and those who wield it unjustly will face divine reckoning. True strength and lasting influence are found not in oppression or self-aggrandizement, but in righteousness, humility, and faithful stewardship. This verse calls us to trust in God's ultimate control over history and to align ourselves with His purposes of justice and righteousness in our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of Babylon's judgment in this verse strengthen your faith in God's ultimate justice in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be tempted to exercise power or influence in ways that resemble Babylon's pride and oppression, and how can this verse call us to humility?**
* **How does the promise of God's judgment against oppressive systems in this passage inspire hope for those who are currently marginalized or suffering injustice?**
* **What specific actions can we take to live out the principles of justice and righteousness in our own communities, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ

**Who is "thee" in Jeremiah 51:23, and why is this instrument left unnamed?**

Answer: The "thee" in Jeremiah 51:23 refers to the instrument God would use to execute His judgment against Babylon. While not explicitly named in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah 50-51, along with historical fulfillment, identifies this instrument primarily as the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great. God often uses human agents and nations as instruments of His divine will, as seen in [Isaiah's prophecy concerning Cyrus](/isaiah/45-1-6 "Isaiah 45:1-6 - God Anoints Cyrus"). Leaving the instrument unnamed in this specific verse might emphasize that the *power* and *initiative* for Babylon's destruction come solely from God, making the human agent secondary to His sovereign purpose. It highlights God's absolute control over history, raising up and bringing down empires as He sees fit.

**What does the repeated phrase "break in pieces" signify for Babylon's fate?**

Answer: The repeated phrase "break in pieces" (from the Hebrew root _nâphats_) signifies a complete, violent, and irreversible destruction. It is not merely a defeat or a weakening, but a shattering, a dashing into fragments, and a scattering that leaves nothing intact. For Babylon, this meant the utter dismantling of its societal structure, from its leadership and military (captains and rulers) to its agricultural base (husbandman and his yoke of oxen) and its general populace (shepherd and his flock). This comprehensive imagery underscores that Babylon's power, pride, and oppressive systems would be utterly annihilated, leaving no remnant of its former glory or strength. This reflects God's promise to [utterly destroy Babylon](/jeremiah/50-26 "Jeremiah 50:26 - Utter Destruction of Babylon").

**How does this ancient prophecy against Babylon apply to contemporary issues of power, justice, and oppression?**

Answer: This ancient prophecy holds profound contemporary relevance. Firstly, it serves as a timeless reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and history, and no earthly power, however formidable or oppressive, can ultimately escape His judgment. This offers immense hope to those suffering under tyrannical regimes or systemic injustice, assuring them that God sees and will act. Secondly, it calls those in positions of power, whether political, economic, or social, to humility and accountability. The destruction of Babylon's entire societal structure warns against the dangers of pride, idolatry, and the abuse of authority. It teaches that true lasting strength comes from righteousness and justice, not from oppression or self-aggrandizement. Finally, it encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for justice and to actively participate in seeking righteousness in their own spheres, knowing that God will ultimately bring all things to account, as promised in [Revelation's vision of the fall of "Babylon the Great"](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:23 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its themes of divine sovereignty, comprehensive judgment against oppressive systems, and the ultimate triumph of justice find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "shepherd" (John 10:11), the true and righteous King who will finally break in pieces all oppressive powers and establish His eternal kingdom. The judgment against Babylon foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all unrighteousness and every system that stands in opposition to God's reign, which culminates in Christ's return. Just as Babylon's economic and political structures were shattered, so too will all earthly systems of injustice and rebellion be brought to nothing before the [reigning Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ"). The "breaking in pieces" of the shepherd, husbandman, captains, and rulers of Babylon points to the dismantling of all human authority that resists God, making way for the singular, unchallenged reign of the [Lamb of God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Christ has already disarmed the spiritual powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15) and will, in His second coming, bring full and final judgment upon all forms of "Babylon" – the symbolic representation of all worldly systems opposed to God – ushering in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).

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 51:57

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.