Jeremiah 51:27

KJV

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Set ye up {H5375} a standard {H5251} in the land {H776}, blow {H8628} the trumpet {H7782} among the nations {H1471}, prepare {H6942} the nations {H1471} against her, call together {H8085} against her the kingdoms {H4467} of Ararat {H780}, Minni {H4508}, and Ashchenaz {H813}; appoint {H6485} a captain {H2951} against her; cause the horses {H5483} to come up {H5927} as the rough {H5569} caterpillers {H3218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Raise up a banner in the land, blow the shofar among the nations. Prepare the nations for war against her. Summon kingdoms against her - Ararat, Minni and Ashkenaz. Appoint an officer against her; bring up horses like bristling grasshoppers.

Berean Standard Bible

“Raise a banner in the land! Blow the ram’s horn among the nations! Prepare the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms against her— Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts.

American Standard Version

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz: appoint a marshal against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough canker-worm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:27 serves as a powerful divine decree, meticulously outlining the orchestrated downfall of Babylon. This prophetic oracle details God's command to raise a battle standard, sound the war trumpet, and mobilize specific northern kingdoms—Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz—under a divinely appointed captain. The verse culminates in a vivid simile, likening the overwhelming cavalry force to a destructive swarm of "rough caterpillers" (locusts), thereby emphasizing the unstoppable, comprehensive, and devastating nature of the impending judgment upon the arrogant Babylonian empire, which had long oppressed God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:27 is embedded within the extensive oracle against Babylon, which spans chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This section constitutes a distinct and climactic prophetic unit, serving as a detailed indictment and declaration of God's sovereign judgment against the very superpower that had conquered Judah and exiled its inhabitants. Specifically, this verse functions as a precise divine command, outlining the military preparations and the specific participants in Babylon's destruction. It follows earlier pronouncements of Babylon's impending desolation and precedes further declarations of its utter ruin, thereby reinforcing the certainty, comprehensiveness, and divine orchestration of God's judgment. The detailed nature of the command here underscores the immediate and inevitable fulfillment of God's word against a nation that had become a vessel of His wrath but also exceeded its divine mandate through its cruelty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah were delivered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period dominated by the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Babylon had risen to unprecedented power, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE and the subsequent exile of the Judeans. The military imagery in Jeremiah 51:27 reflects common ancient Near Eastern practices: "setting up a standard" (a battle flag or ensign) and "blowing the trumpet" were universal signals for assembling troops and declaring war. The explicit mention of "Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz" is historically significant. These were kingdoms located in the northern regions, corresponding to parts of modern-day Armenia and eastern Anatolia. Historically, Babylon was conquered by a coalition of Medes and Persians in 539 BCE, and these northern peoples were often associated with or absorbed into the Median empire, which was a key component of the conquering force. This precise naming highlights God's meticulous control over geopolitical events, using even pagan nations as instruments of His divine justice and judgment against those who defy Him.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and the destinies of nations. Babylon, despite its immense power and perceived invincibility, is revealed as merely a tool in God's hand, now facing retribution for its pride, idolatry, and cruelty, particularly against God's people (as seen in [Jeremiah 50:11](/jeremiah/50-11 "Jeremiah 50:11 - Babylon's Cruelty to Judah") and [Jeremiah 51:35](/jeremiah/51-35 "Jeremiah 51:35 - Babylon's Violence Against Zion")). The detailed instructions for Babylon's downfall also emphasize the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**, underscoring the reliability and precision of God's spoken word. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of a vast, destructive force, particularly the "rough caterpillers," highlights the theme of **Overwhelming Retribution**, portraying an unstoppable judgment that will utterly devastate Babylon, mirroring the destructive power Babylon itself wielded against others. This divine orchestration of judgment provides a profound message of hope and vindication for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that their oppressor would not go unpunished, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Isaiah 47](/isaiah/47 "Isaiah 47 - The Humiliation of Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Standard (Hebrew, _nêç'_):** From H5251, this term refers to a flag, banner, signal, or ensign. In a military context, a "standard" was typically raised on a prominent location (like a hilltop) to serve as a rallying point for troops, a signal for mobilization, or a declaration of war. Here, it signifies a public, unmistakable, and visible call to arms, signaling the commencement of a divinely ordained campaign against Babylon, visible to all nations summoned by God's decree.
* **Prepare (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, this root fundamentally means "to be clean," "to make holy," "to consecrate," or "to sanctify." In the context of warfare, as used here, it carries the nuance of setting apart or consecrating nations for a specific, sacred purpose—the execution of God's righteous judgment. It implies that this military action is not merely a geopolitical conflict but a divinely ordained and set-apart act of holy retribution, emphasizing God's direct involvement and authorization.
* **Caterpillers (Hebrew, _yeleq'_):** From H3218, this word more precisely denotes a young, devouring locust or a cankerworm. While the KJV's "caterpillers" conveys the destructive nature, "locusts" better captures the overwhelming numbers and the swift, devastating consumption of everything in their path. The simile "as the rough caterpillers" vividly portrays an immense, unstoppable cavalry force that will sweep over Babylon, leaving utter desolation in its wake, much like a plague of locusts consumes an entire harvest.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, this term refers to a foreign nation, often used to denote Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. Figuratively, it can also describe a troop of animals or a flight of locusts. In this verse, its dual meaning is powerfully employed: God calls foreign "nations" (Ararat, Minni, Ashchenaz) to act as a "troop" or "flight" of destructive forces, likened to "caterpillers," against Babylon. This highlights God's use of pagan nations as instruments of His judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Set ye up a standard in the land":** This is a direct command from God to raise a battle banner or ensign. The phrase "in the land" refers to the broader region or territory from which the invading forces will be gathered, indicating a widespread and public call to arms that transcends immediate borders, signaling a major international conflict orchestrated by divine will.
* **"blow the trumpet among the nations":** The trumpet (Hebrew: _shôwphâr_) blast serves as another ancient military signal, a loud and unmistakable call to assemble for war. "Among the nations" emphasizes the global reach of this divine summons, indicating that the judgment on Babylon will involve a broad coalition of foreign powers, all responding to God's orchestrating hand.
* **"prepare the nations against her":** This command reinforces the active, deliberate mobilization and equipping of various peoples. The Hebrew word for "prepare" (_qâdash_) carries the connotation of consecration or sanctification, suggesting that these nations are being divinely set apart and empowered for the specific, holy task of executing God's judgment against Babylon, making their military action a sacred act of divine retribution.
* **"call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz":** This specifies the key participants in the divinely summoned coalition. These are kingdoms located to the north of Mesopotamia, historically associated with the Medes and Persians who would eventually conquer Babylon. Their explicit naming underscores the precision and intentionality of God's plan, identifying the very instruments of His wrath with remarkable foresight.
* **"appoint a captain against her":** This indicates the necessity of leadership within the invading forces. God is not merely raising an amorphous mob but an organized military force with a designated commander (Hebrew: _ṭiphçar_, "military governor" or "captain"), ensuring the effective and orderly execution of His judgment. This highlights God's meticulous planning and control over the details of Babylon's downfall.
* **"cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers":** This powerful simile describes the overwhelming number, swiftness, and destructive power of the cavalry. "Horses" (Hebrew: _çûwç_) represent the primary offensive military force of the era. "Rough" (Hebrew: _çâmâr_) implies bristling or shaggy, perhaps referring to the appearance of the horses' manes or the dense, bristly bodies of locusts. The comparison to "caterpillers" (Hebrew: _yeleq_, i.e., locusts) vividly portrays an immense, unstoppable, and utterly devastating force, akin to a plague that consumes everything in its path, leaving nothing but desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:27 is profoundly rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of a massive military mobilization. The "standard" being set up and the "trumpet" being blown are potent auditory and visual cues that immediately convey a sense of urgency, impending conflict, and widespread alarm. The explicit naming of "Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz" provides a remarkable sense of concrete detail and prophetic precision, grounding the divine decree in historical and geographical reality. The most striking and impactful device is the **Simile** at the verse's conclusion: "cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers." This comparison to a locust swarm effectively communicates the overwhelming numbers, the relentless advance, the destructive power, and the unstoppable nature of the invading army. It evokes a profound sense of dread and inevitability, emphasizing that Babylon's downfall will be as complete and devastating as a plague of devouring insects. The verse also employs a subtle form of **Personification** by depicting "nations" as active participants in a divinely orchestrated war, being "prepared" and "called together" as if they are conscious agents responding directly to God's sovereign command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:27 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the rise and fall of empires. It reveals that no nation, however mighty, arrogant, or oppressive, operates outside of God's ultimate control. Babylon, which had been God's instrument of judgment against Judah, now faces its own divinely appointed reckoning. This serves as a powerful reminder that God uses both righteous and unrighteous nations to accomplish His purposes, and that pride, injustice, and defiance against Him will inevitably lead to judgment. The meticulous detail in the prophecy—naming specific kingdoms and military actions—underscores the certainty and precision of God's word, assuring His people that His promises of justice and restoration will be fulfilled. It is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His righteous indignation against those who oppress them.

* [Jeremiah 50:9](/jeremiah/50-9 "Jeremiah 50:9 - Nations Assembled Against Babylon")
* [Isaiah 13:2-5](/isaiah/13-2-5 "Isaiah 13:2-5 - God Calls the Medes Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:27 offers profound insights for believers today, calling us to recognize God's unwavering control over all earthly powers and events. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse provides a bedrock of hope: no empire, ideology, or individual can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan or escape His perfect justice. It encourages us to trust in His timing and His methods, even when they involve the unexpected or appear to be slow in coming. For those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or disheartened by the prevalence of evil, it is a potent reminder that God sees, hears, and will act on behalf of His people, bringing down the proud and exalting the humble in His appointed time. This passage also serves as a sobering warning against national pride, self-sufficiency, and the temptation to rely on human strength or resources rather than God's ultimate control, reminding us that true security lies only in humble submission to the Lord of Hosts, who orchestrates all things for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of God's prophecy in this verse strengthen your trust in His sovereignty over current global events and political landscapes?**
* **What might it look like for us to "prepare" ourselves, as nations were prepared, for God's purposes in our own lives, ministries, or communities today?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be tempted to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or resources rather than acknowledging and submitting to God's ultimate control, much like ancient Babylon?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The explicit mention of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz is highly significant because it demonstrates the prophetic accuracy and specificity of God's plan. These were historical kingdoms located to the north of Mesopotamia, in regions that would later be associated with or absorbed into the rising Medo-Persian Empire. Historically, it was indeed a coalition of Medes and Persians, under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, that ultimately conquered Babylon in 539 BCE. By naming these specific northern peoples, Jeremiah's prophecy precisely identifies the instruments God would use to execute His judgment, underscoring that Babylon's downfall was not a random geopolitical event but a divinely orchestrated act. This level of detail adds immense weight to the certainty of God's word and highlights His meticulous control over the rise and fall of nations, as further seen in prophecies like [Isaiah 13:17](/isaiah/13-17 "Isaiah 13:17 - God Stirs Up the Medes") which specifically names the Medes as God's chosen agents.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:27 describes a literal historical judgment against ancient Babylon, its profound theological principles find ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The divine orchestration of nations to bring down an oppressive empire foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual and earthly powers that stand in opposition to God's kingdom. Just as God raised up a coalition against Babylon, He has established His Son as the supreme "captain of their salvation" (as described in [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")) and the leader of a spiritual army—the Church—to dismantle the strongholds of sin, death, and spiritual oppression. The "standard" raised in the land finds its ultimate reality in the cross of Christ, which serves as the universal rallying point for all who would be saved, drawing people from every "nation, tribe, people, and language" (as seen in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")) into His eternal kingdom. The "trumpet" blast signaling war is echoed in the eschatological trumpet calls that announce Christ's glorious return and the final judgment, where He will come not as a general of earthly armies but as the King of kings and Lord of lords, to finally and utterly destroy "Babylon the Great"—the spiritual embodiment of all rebellion against God and persecution of His people (powerfully depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). The overwhelming force of "horses... as rough caterpillers" is a metaphor for the unstoppable, comprehensive power of God's judgment, which Christ Himself will execute, bringing perfect justice and establishing His eternal kingdom, where righteousness dwells and all things are made new (as promised in [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Genesis 10:3

And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.

Genesis 8:4

¶ And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

1 Chronicles 1:6

And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.

Jeremiah 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Jeremiah 25:14

For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.

Jeremiah 51:12

Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

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.