Jeremiah 51:24

KJV

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will render {H7999} unto Babylon {H894} and to all the inhabitants {H3427} of Chaldea {H3778} all their evil {H7451} that they have done {H6213} in Zion {H6726} in your sight {H5869}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But I will repay Bavel and all living in the land of the Kasdim for all the evil they did in Tziyon," says ADONAI, "before your eyes [, Y'hudah]."

Berean Standard Bible

Before your very eyes I will repay Babylon and all the dwellers of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:24 serves as a potent divine declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice, specifically promising a full and public retribution against Babylon and its inhabitants for the egregious evil they inflicted upon Zion. This verse underscores the Lord's absolute sovereignty over nations, revealing that even when used as an instrument of His judgment, Babylon's excessive cruelty would not go unpunished, ensuring the vindication of His suffering people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:24 is situated within the lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the Book of Jeremiah. These two chapters form a distinct and comprehensive unit, detailing the complete and irreversible downfall of the Babylonian Empire. This oracle follows Jeremiah's extensive prophecies concerning Judah's impending judgment and subsequent restoration, creating a stark contrast: while Judah's punishment was disciplinary and temporary, Babylon's judgment is presented as final and destructive, a recompense for their arrogance and cruelty. The placement of this oracle at the end of Jeremiah's prophecies against the nations (Jeremiah 46-51) highlights Babylon's significance as the primary oppressor of God's people, making its demise the climactic act of divine justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 51:24 is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a period dominated by the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Babylon had conquered Judah in several campaigns, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, and the exile of the Jewish population to Babylon. While God had used Babylon as His instrument to punish Judah's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness (as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God uses Nebuchadnezzar as His servant")), Babylon's actions often exceeded the divine mandate, marked by excessive brutality, pride, and a disregard for the sanctity of God's holy city and people. The term "Chaldea" refers to the southern region of Mesopotamia, the homeland of the Chaldeans who established the Neo-Babylonian Empire, often used interchangeably with "Babylon" to denote the empire and its people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to repaying evil with righteous judgment. Babylon, despite its perceived invincibility, is held accountable for its actions against Zion, demonstrating that God is a just judge who oversees the affairs of nations, as also declared in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God judges the world righteously"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**. It reveals that even the most powerful empires are ultimately subject to God's will and purpose, rising and falling according to His decree, a truth echoed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God changes times and seasons"). Lastly, it speaks to the **Vindication of Zion and God's Covenant Faithfulness**. For the exiled Israelites, this prophecy offered immense hope and assurance that their suffering was not unnoticed or unavenged. God would defend His covenant people and His holy city, proving His faithfulness even in the midst of their deepest despair, as promised in [Isaiah 49:26](/isaiah/49-26 "Isaiah 49:26 - God will feed oppressors their own flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **render (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** H7999, from a primitive root meaning "to be safe," but figuratively, "to be completed" or "to reciprocate." In this context, it carries the strong sense of making full repayment or recompense. It implies a just and complete settlement of accounts, ensuring that the punishment perfectly fits the crime. God is not merely reacting but actively settling a debt owed for Babylon's actions against Zion.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** H7451, meaning "bad" or "evil" (natural or moral). It encompasses adversity, calamity, mischief, and wickedness. Here, it refers to the moral depravity, cruelty, and destructive actions of Babylon, not just the physical destruction of Jerusalem, but the malicious intent and excessive violence that accompanied their conquest and oppression of God's people.
* **saith the LORD (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H5002 and H3068. _Nᵉʼum_ (H5002) means "an oracle" or "declaration," signifying an authoritative divine utterance. _Yᵉhôvâh_ (H3068) is the sacred covenant name of God, "the self-Existent or Eternal." The combination emphasizes that this is not a human prediction but a solemn, binding, and certain word from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God, guaranteeing its fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agent ("I," referring to the LORD) and the recipients of His action (Babylon and its people). The verb "render" (shâlam) signifies a decisive act of repayment, indicating that God is about to settle accounts with the empire that had seemingly acted with impunity. The inclusion of "all the inhabitants of Chaldea" broadens the scope of judgment beyond just the ruling elite to encompass the entire populace complicit in the empire's wickedness.
* **"all their evil that they have done in Zion":** This specifies the reason for the impending judgment: the "evil" (raʻ) that Babylon perpetrated. This "evil" includes the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, the slaughter, and the forced exile of the Jewish people. The phrase "in Zion" is crucial, highlighting that Babylon's actions were not just against a city, but against God's chosen dwelling place and His covenant people, making their sin a direct affront to the Lord Himself.
* **"in your sight":** This powerful phrase addresses the exiles directly, assuring them that God's judgment will be a public, undeniable spectacle. It means the Israelites, who had witnessed Babylon's atrocities against Zion, would also witness God's righteous vengeance. This serves as a profound comfort and vindication for the suffering people, confirming that God saw their affliction and would act decisively on their behalf.
* **"saith the LORD":** This concluding formula, a hallmark of prophetic speech, authenticates the entire declaration. It affirms that the preceding words are not merely Jeremiah's opinion or a human prediction, but an authoritative, immutable decree from YHWH, the covenant God. It seals the prophecy with divine certainty and power, guaranteeing its eventual and complete fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:24 employs several significant literary devices to amplify its message of divine justice. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle**, explicitly marked by the concluding phrase "saith the LORD." This formula lends absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy, transforming it from a mere prediction into an unalterable decree from the sovereign God. There is also a strong element of **Retributive Justice**, where the punishment is directly proportional and reciprocal to the crime. Babylon "rendered" evil, and God will "render" judgment back to them, embodying the ancient principle of *lex talionis* (though applied divinely and perfectly). Furthermore, the phrase "in your sight" functions as a form of **Assurance and Witness**. It assures the oppressed exiles that they will be eyewitnesses to God's vindication, providing a powerful psychological and spiritual comfort. The entire verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, predicting the imminent and devastating fall of Babylon, which would indeed occur when Cyrus the Great conquered the city in 539 BC.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:24 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reveals that while God may use nations as instruments of His will, He holds them accountable for their actions, especially when they act with excessive cruelty and pride against His people or His purposes. This verse is a powerful reminder that no evil goes unnoticed by God, and there will always be a day of reckoning where He "renders" full and righteous judgment. For the suffering exiles, it was a promise of vindication and a demonstration of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people were in exile. It assures us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires to fulfill His divine plan and ultimately bring about justice for the oppressed.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompense")
* [Psalm 94:1-2](/psalms/94-1 "Psalm 94:1-2 - God of vengeance, shine forth!")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave room for God's wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:24 calls us to a profound trust in God's perfect justice, even when the world around us seems to be dominated by injustice and oppression. It reminds us that God sees every act of evil, every tear shed by the oppressed, and every arrogant deed of the powerful. In a world where wrong often seems to triumph, this verse anchors our hope in the truth that God will ultimately set all things right. It encourages us to refrain from taking vengeance into our own hands, instead entrusting our grievances to the Lord, who is the righteous judge. For those who feel marginalized or oppressed, it offers immense comfort, assuring them that God is their defender and vindicator. For those in positions of power or influence, it serves as a solemn warning that accountability before God is inevitable, and all actions, whether good or evil, will be fully rendered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 51:24 challenge our perception of justice in a world where evil often seems to go unpunished?**
* **In what ways can we practically demonstrate our trust in God's ultimate justice when faced with personal or societal injustices?**
* **What comfort does this verse offer to those who are currently experiencing oppression or suffering for their faith?**
* **How should the certainty of God's judgment on "evil" influence our own actions and choices today?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use Babylon as His instrument if He was going to punish them later?**

Answer: God's use of Babylon as His instrument of judgment against Judah, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's servant"), demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over nations. He raises up and brings down empires according to His divine plan. However, Babylon's actions often exceeded the divine mandate. While God used them to punish Judah for its covenant unfaithfulness, Babylon acted with its own malicious intent, excessive cruelty, and arrogant pride, taking credit for their victories rather than acknowledging God's hand. Therefore, God, in His perfect justice, holds Babylon accountable for its own sin and pride, even though it served His initial purpose. This illustrates that being an instrument of God's will does not absolve a nation or individual from responsibility for their own moral choices and the evil they commit.

**What is the significance of the phrase "in your sight" for the original audience and for us today?**

Answer: For the original audience, the exiled Israelites, "in your sight" was a profound promise of vindication and comfort. They had witnessed the horrific destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and their forced exile, all at the hands of Babylon. This phrase assured them that they would also witness God's righteous and public judgment upon their oppressors. It meant their suffering was seen by God, and He would act decisively on their behalf, proving His faithfulness and justice. For us today, "in your sight" signifies that God's justice is not hidden or delayed indefinitely. While we may not always see immediate retribution for evil, this phrase reminds us that God's judgment is certain and will ultimately be revealed. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His clear vision, knowing that all things are laid bare before Him, and He will indeed render justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:24, with its powerful declaration of divine retribution against Babylon for its evil against Zion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Babylon's judgment was a historical event, it foreshadows a greater, cosmic judgment against all evil and oppression. Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate agent of God's justice, the one through whom all things will be judged ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has committed all judgment to the Son")). He is 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")), but also the Lion of Judah who will execute righteous judgment ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")). The "evil" done against Zion finds its ultimate expression in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ, the true King of Zion. Yet, through His death and resurrection, Christ secured the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, effectively "rendering" judgment upon the spiritual Babylon of this world system. The vindication of Zion, God's people, is fully realized in the Church, the body of Christ, who are redeemed and assured of their eternal dwelling in the New Jerusalem, where no evil can enter ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing impure will enter New Jerusalem")). Thus, the justice promised in Jeremiah 51:24 is not merely a historical event but a glimpse into the final, complete triumph of God's righteousness through His Son, Jesus Christ, who will ultimately make all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I am making all things new")).

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 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.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:4

For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

Revelation 18:24

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?