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.
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}.
"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.
“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.
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.
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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:
Jeremiah 51:25 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD concerning Babylon, depicted as a "destroying mountain." This verse is part of an extensive prophecy outlining God's impending judgment against this mighty empire, which had brought immense destruction upon Judah and other nations.
Context of the Verse
The book of Jeremiah contains significant prophecies against foreign nations, with chapters 50 and 51 specifically targeting Babylon. At the time of this prophecy, Babylon was the dominant world power, having conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and carried the people of Judah into exile. The imagery of a "destroying mountain" vividly portrays Babylon's immense strength, its seemingly unshakeable position, and its widespread devastation across the known world. God's declaration, "Behold, I am against thee," underscores His direct opposition to this oppressive force, promising its complete downfall and desolation. This judgment was a source of hope for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that their oppressor would not endure forever, as God is ultimately sovereign over all empires and their destinies. The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah are detailed in passages like 2 Kings 25:8-12.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "destroying mountain" (Hebrew: הַר הַמַּשְׁחִית, har hammashchith) is a striking metaphor. Mountains typically symbolize stability, strength, and permanence. By calling Babylon a "destroying mountain," Jeremiah emphasizes its immense power and its role in causing widespread ruin. Yet, the LORD declares He will "roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain." This transformation from a towering, destructive force to a "burnt mountain" signifies total humiliation, desolation, and utter ruin. It evokes an image of a barren, scorched landscape, stripped of all life and power, perhaps even suggesting a volcanic eruption of divine wrath that leaves nothing but ashes.
Related Scriptures
The theme of God's judgment against proud nations is echoed throughout the prophets. Similar prophecies against Babylon can be found in Isaiah 13, Isaiah 14, and the preceding chapter Jeremiah 50. Daniel's account of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling in Daniel 4:37 also illustrates God's power to bring down the proud. The idea of God removing obstacles, even "great mountains," is also seen in Zechariah 4:7.
Practical Application
Jeremiah 51:25 serves as a timeless reminder of God's justice and ultimate sovereignty. For those facing oppression or injustice, it offers hope that God sees their plight and will act on their behalf. For those in positions of power, it is a sobering warning against arrogance, cruelty, and trusting in one's own strength rather than in God. It teaches that no kingdom, empire, or individual can withstand the LORD's righteous judgment. Ultimately, it reinforces faith in a God who is just, who cares for His people, and who holds all of history in His hands.