Jeremiah 51:25

KJV

Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I am against thee, O destroying {H4889} mountain {H2022}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, which destroyest {H7843} all the earth {H776}: and I will stretch out {H5186} mine hand {H3027} upon thee, and roll thee down {H1556} from the rocks {H5553}, and will make {H5414} thee a burnt {H8316} mountain {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I am against you, destructive mountain, destroying all the earth," says ADONAI. "I will stretch out my hand against you, to send you tumbling down from the crags and make you a burned-out mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

“Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain.

American Standard Version

Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith Jehovah, which destroyest all the earth; and I will stretch out my hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:25 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from the LORD against Babylon, personified as a "destroying mountain." This verse is a powerful pronouncement of divine judgment, foretelling the complete and utter desolation of Babylon, which had acted as God's instrument of judgment against Judah and other nations, yet exceeded its commission through its own pride and cruelty. The imagery conveys Babylon's immense power and global destructive reach, contrasted sharply with God's absolute sovereignty and His promise to dismantle this seemingly impregnable empire, reducing it to a barren, burnt ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:25 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophecy against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. These chapters serve as a counterpoint to the earlier prophecies of Judah's destruction and exile, now promising divine retribution upon the nation that carried out God's judgment. The immediate verses preceding Jeremiah 51:25 describe Babylon's role as God's "battle-ax" or "weapon of war" [Jeremiah 51:20-23](/jeremiah/51-20 "Jeremiah 51:20-23 - Babylon as God's Instrument"), used to shatter nations, but now facing judgment for its own arrogance and excessive cruelty. Following this verse, the prophecy continues to elaborate on the means and totality of Babylon's downfall, emphasizing its irreversible ruin and the liberation of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, having conquered the Neo-Assyrian Empire and subsequently subjugated Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC and the exile of its people [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Babylon was renowned for its immense fortifications, its vast wealth, and its imperial might, which made it seem invincible. The imagery of a "mountain" would have resonated with its perceived stability and towering influence. The prophecy was delivered to a people suffering under Babylonian oppression, providing a message of hope and assurance that their oppressor, despite its formidable appearance, was not beyond the reach of divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over all nations and empires. No earthly power, regardless of its might, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or escape His judgment. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Justice for the Oppressed** and **Retribution for Pride**. Babylon's destructive actions and its arrogant self-exaltation [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Arrogance of Babylon") are met with divine vengeance, assuring the exiled Israelites that God sees their suffering and will act on their behalf. Finally, it speaks to the **Futility of Human Power** when arrayed against the Almighty, demonstrating that what seems unshakeable to humans can be utterly dismantled by God, turning a "destroying mountain" into a "burnt mountain."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroying (Hebrew, _mashchîyth'_):** From H4889, meaning "destructive, destruction, corruption." This word describes Babylon's inherent nature and its primary activity. It's not merely that Babylon *causes* destruction, but that it *is* destruction personified. This emphasizes the widespread, pervasive, and corrupting influence of Babylon's power across the earth, making it a force of ruin in God's eyes.
* **mountain (Hebrew, _har'_):** From H2022, referring to "a mountain or range of hills, sometimes used figuratively for promotion or stability." In this context, "mountain" symbolizes Babylon's perceived impregnability, its towering strength, and its seemingly unshakeable dominion over nations. The use of this metaphor highlights the sheer scale of Babylon's power and its dominant position in the world, making God's promise to dismantle it all the more dramatic.
* **roll thee down (Hebrew, _gâlal'_):** From H1556, a primitive root meaning "to roll (literally or figuratively); commit, remove, roll (away, down, together)." This verb vividly describes the forceful, decisive, and irreversible action God will take to dislodge Babylon from its elevated position. It signifies a complete and violent overthrow, a descent from power and prominence, implying utter humiliation and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD":** This opening declaration establishes the divine speaker and the direct, personal opposition of God to Babylon. "Behold" draws immediate attention to the gravity of the pronouncement. The epithet "destroying mountain" powerfully identifies Babylon as a formidable, yet malevolent, force. The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh'_) authenticates the message as a direct oracle from the sovereign God, Yahweh.
* **"which destroyest all the earth":** This clause further elaborates on the "destroying mountain" metaphor, specifying the global reach and impact of Babylon's destructive power. It highlights the vast extent of its conquests and the devastation it wrought upon numerous nations, not just Judah. This universal scope underscores the magnitude of the judgment to follow.
* **"and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee":** This signifies God's active, powerful, and direct intervention. The "stretching out of the hand" is a common biblical idiom for divine action, often associated with judgment or deliverance, indicating that God Himself will execute this judgment, not merely permit it.
* **"and roll thee down from the rocks":** This vivid imagery depicts the violent overthrow of Babylon. "Rolling down from the rocks" implies a sudden, forceful, and irreversible collapse from its high, secure position. It emphasizes the humiliation and complete dismantling of what was once perceived as unassailable.
* **"and will make thee a burnt mountain":** This final clause describes the ultimate state of Babylon after God's judgment. A "burnt mountain" signifies utter desolation, barrenness, and an irreversible state of ruin. It suggests a landscape scorched by divine wrath, stripped of all life, power, and glory, leaving behind nothing but ashes and a permanent memorial of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:25 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily seen in the depiction of Babylon as a "destroying mountain." This powerful image conveys Babylon's immense strength, its perceived permanence, and its role as a source of widespread ruin. The transformation into a "burnt mountain" extends this metaphor, vividly illustrating the complete and irreversible desolation that awaits it. **Personification** is also evident as Babylon, an empire, is addressed directly as "thee," endowing it with agency and making the divine confrontation more immediate and dramatic. Furthermore, the phrase "destroyest all the earth" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the vast and devastating reach of Babylon's conquests, underscoring the universal impact of its destructive power and the comprehensive nature of the judgment it faces.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that no empire, however mighty or destructive, can ultimately stand against His will. It underscores the biblical principle that pride and unchecked power inevitably lead to a downfall orchestrated by God, who raises up and casts down nations according to His righteous purposes. For the oppressed, it offers a powerful message of hope and vindication, assuring them that divine justice will prevail, and their suffering will not go unnoticed or unpunished. The "burnt mountain" imagery serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible consequences of defying God and engaging in widespread cruelty.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:1-24](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:25 serves as a timeless and potent reminder that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, including the rise and fall of nations and empires. For those who feel overwhelmed by oppressive systems, unjust powers, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse offers profound encouragement: no earthly force is too great for the LORD to confront and dismantle. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in human strength or political power, but in the unfailing justice and omnipotence of God. Conversely, for those in positions of power, it is a sobering warning against arrogance, unchecked ambition, and the abuse of authority. It teaches that accountability before God is inevitable, and those who wield destructive power will ultimately face His righteous judgment. This passage encourages us to align ourselves with God's justice, to pray for the downfall of oppressive systems, and to live with humility, recognizing that all power ultimately belongs to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, act like a "destroying mountain" in our own spheres of influence, wielding power without humility or justice?**
* **How does this prophecy against Babylon strengthen your faith in God's ultimate justice and His control over world events, even in times of great chaos or oppression?**
* **What specific actions can you take to advocate for justice or stand against oppressive forces, trusting that God is ultimately "against" such destructive powers?**

### FAQ
**What does "destroying mountain" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "destroying mountain" is a powerful **metaphor** for Babylon. "Mountain" symbolizes Babylon's immense size, strength, perceived impregnability, and its dominant position as a world power. "Destroying" highlights its inherent nature and active role in bringing ruin and desolation to many nations, including Judah. Together, it paints a picture of a formidable, towering entity that has caused widespread destruction across the "earth" (meaning the known world of that time), making it a source of ruin to all in its path.

**How was Babylon "rolled down from the rocks" and made a "burnt mountain"?**

Answer: This imagery describes Babylon's complete and irreversible downfall. Historically, Babylon fell to the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, as recorded in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - The Fall of Babylon"). While not literally rolled down a mountain or burned in a volcanic eruption, the prophecy's vivid language signifies its sudden, decisive, and humiliating defeat. "Rolled down from the rocks" implies being dislodged from its secure, elevated position, symbolizing its loss of power and prestige. "Burnt mountain" suggests utter desolation, barrenness, and an irreversible state of ruin, signifying that Babylon would never again rise to its former glory. This prophecy was fulfilled as Babylon eventually became a desolate ruin, a testament to God's judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:25 speaks directly to the historical judgment of ancient Babylon, its theological implications find their ultimate fulfillment and eschatological echo in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Babylon, as a symbol of oppressive worldly power, human arrogance, and opposition to God's people, foreshadows the "Babylon the Great" described in the book of Revelation. Just as God promised to "roll down" and make a "burnt mountain" of the ancient empire, so too does Christ, the Lamb who was slain and is now King of Kings, stand against all systems and powers that embody destructive pride and oppose His kingdom. The ultimate "destroying mountain" of sin and death, which held humanity captive, was decisively conquered by Christ through His crucifixion and resurrection [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities"). His victory ensures that every oppressive force, every earthly kingdom that exalts itself against God, will ultimately be brought to nothing. The final "burnt mountain" will be the complete and eternal destruction of all evil and rebellion at His return, ushering in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells and His kingdom reigns supreme [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy points forward to the definitive triumph of Christ over all destructive powers, establishing His eternal and unshakeable reign.

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

Revelation 8:8

And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

Zechariah 4:7

Who [art] thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel [thou shalt become] a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone [thereof with] shoutings, [crying], Grace, grace unto it.

Jeremiah 50:31

Behold, I [am] against thee, [O thou] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time [that] I will visit thee.

Isaiah 13:2

Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

Jeremiah 51:53

Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, [yet] from me shall spoilers come unto her, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:58

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.

Revelation 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: