Jeremiah 51:3

KJV

Against [him that] bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against [him that] lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host.

KJV (with Strong's)

Against him that bendeth {H1869} let the archer {H1869} bend {H1869} his bow {H7198}, and against him that lifteth himself up {H5927} in his brigandine {H5630}: and spare {H2550} ye not her young men {H970}; destroy ye utterly {H2763} all her host {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the archer draw his bow, let him flaunt his coat of mail; do not spare her young men, completely destroy her whole army.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not let the archer bend his bow or put on his armor. Do not spare her young men; devote all her army to destruction!

American Standard Version

Against him that bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against him that lifteth himself up in his coat of mail: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:3 is a divine command issued to the nations appointed by God to execute judgment against Babylon, the oppressive world power. It vividly portrays the ferocity and totality of the impending destruction, instructing the attacking forces to be relentless in their assault, targeting Babylon's military might and its young men without mercy, ensuring the complete annihilation of its formidable army. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice for His oppressed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah chapters 50-51, a lengthy prophetic oracle dedicated entirely to the downfall of Babylon. These chapters serve as a counterpoint to the prophecies of Judah's destruction, promising restoration for God's people after their seventy-year exile. Jeremiah 51:3 specifically falls within a section detailing the instruments of God's wrath and the specific actions they are to take against Babylon. The preceding verses set the stage for this divine war, proclaiming Babylon's impending desolation, while the subsequent verses elaborate on the extent of the destruction and the reasons for God's judgment. The repeated calls for destruction emphasize the certainty and severity of Babylon's fate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant superpower, having conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC, taking its inhabitants into exile. Babylon was renowned for its military prowess, particularly its skilled archers and heavily armored soldiers. The "brigandine" (coat of mail) mentioned in the verse speaks to the advanced military technology and confidence of the Babylonian army. The prophecy anticipates the rise of the Medo-Persian empire, which would eventually overthrow Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling these very pronouncements. Culturally, the destruction of a nation's "young men" and "host" signified a complete and devastating defeat, often leading to the end of that nation's independent existence and its capacity for future rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. First, it highlights **Divine Retribution and Justice**, showcasing God's active involvement in history to punish nations for their arrogance, idolatry, and oppression of His people, as seen in Babylon's treatment of Judah (cf. [Jeremiah 50:11](/jeremiah/50-11 "Jeremiah 50:11 - Babylon's Joy in Plundering Judah")). Second, it emphasizes the **Total Annihilation of an Oppressor**, indicating that God's judgment would be comprehensive, leaving no part of Babylon's military or infrastructure intact, fulfilling earlier prophecies of desolation (cf. [Jeremiah 51:8](/jeremiah/51-8 "Jeremiah 51:8 - Babylon's Sudden Fall")). Third, the verse illustrates **God's Use of Instruments**, demonstrating that while God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, He employs human armies and nations (like the Medes and Persians, implicitly referenced in [Jeremiah 51:11](/jeremiah/51-11 "Jeremiah 51:11 - God Stirring Up the Kings of the Medes")) to execute His sovereign will and bring about His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bendeth (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** This primitive root means "to tread" or "to walk," but specifically in this context, "to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)." The repetition of "bendeth" and "bend his bow" emphasizes the action of preparing for battle. It highlights the primary weapon of ancient warfare and the readiness for a decisive engagement. The word also carries a sense of pressing down or treading, suggesting the forceful action required to string a powerful bow, mirroring the forceful nature of the impending attack.
* **brigandine (Hebrew, _çiryôn'_):** This term refers to a "coat of mail" or "scale armor." It signifies the protective gear worn by soldiers, particularly those of a well-equipped army like Babylon's. The mention of the brigandine highlights the confidence and military might of the Babylonian warriors, who are depicted as "lifting themselves up" in their armor. The divine command to attack "against him that lifteth himself up in his brigandine" underscores that even their formidable defenses and pride will be no match for God's judgment.
* **destroy ye utterly (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This primitive root means "to seclude," but specifically, "to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)." In a military context, it signifies a ban or a complete consecration for destruction, often without quarter. This is the concept of "herem" or "holy war," where everything is devoted to God by being utterly destroyed. The command to "destroy ye utterly" emphasizes the absolute and merciless nature of the judgment against Babylon, leaving no survivors from its military ranks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Against [him that] bendeth let the archer bend his bow":** This clause is a direct command to the attacking forces to meet Babylon's military prowess head-on. Babylon was known for its archers, and this instruction calls for a mirror-image, decisive counter-response. It signifies that the invading army should not be intimidated but should prepare their own bows with equal or greater force, ready for a direct and fierce confrontation.
* **"and against [him that] lifteth himself up in his brigandine":** This continues the command, specifically targeting the heavily armed and confident Babylonian soldiers. The phrase "lifteth himself up" suggests pride, arrogance, and a sense of invincibility, perhaps bolstered by their formidable armor. The instruction is to attack these well-equipped warriors directly, indicating that their defenses and self-assurance will be futile against God's ordained judgment.
* **"and spare ye not her young men":** This is a stark and severe command for total annihilation. "Young men" (Hebrew: *bachurim*) often refers to the prime fighting age, the strength and future of a nation's military and population. The explicit instruction "spare ye not" emphasizes the lack of mercy and the completeness of the destruction, ensuring that Babylon's capacity for future military action or national resurgence is utterly crushed.
* **"destroy ye utterly all her host":** This final clause reiterates and expands upon the previous command, leaving no doubt about the comprehensive nature of the judgment. "Her host" (Hebrew: *tsaba*) refers to the entire army, a mass of persons organized for war. The command to "destroy ye utterly" (using the strong term *charam*) signifies a complete and devastating defeat, a divine ban of destruction that leaves nothing remaining of Babylon's military might.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and antithetical parallelism, seen in the repetition of "bendeth... bend his bow" and the contrasting targets: the archer and the one lifting himself up in his brigandine. This structure emphasizes the direct and decisive nature of the counter-attack. There is also strong **Imagery** of warfare: the bending of the bow, the armored soldier, the young men, and the host, all contributing to a vivid mental picture of a fierce and unsparing battle. The language used, particularly "spare ye not" and "destroy ye utterly," employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and devastating nature of the judgment, ensuring that the message of total annihilation is unequivocally clear. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Command**, an imperative from God to His chosen instruments, lending immense authority and certainty to the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:3 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no earthly power, however formidable or arrogant, can ultimately defy the Lord of Hosts. Babylon, in its pride and oppression of God's people, had filled up its cup of iniquity, and this verse reveals God actively orchestrating its downfall. It underscores the principle that those who oppress God's people will face divine retribution, and that God will raise up instruments, even unlikely ones, to execute His righteous judgments. This provides immense comfort to the suffering, assuring them that God sees their affliction and will ultimately bring about deliverance and restoration.

* [Isaiah 13:17-18](/isaiah/13-17 "Isaiah 13:17-18 - God Stirring Up the Medes Against Babylon")
* [Psalm 7:12-13](/psalm/7-12 "Psalm 7:12-13 - God's Prepared Weapons for Judgment")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-3 - The Lord is a Jealous and Avenging God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:3, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, holds timeless truths for reflection and application in our lives today. It serves as a stark reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and empires, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice in the world, this verse offers a powerful assurance that God sees, God acts, and He will bring accountability to those who defy His will and harm His people. It challenges us to align ourselves with God's justice, to pray for righteousness in leadership, and to trust in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Furthermore, it cautions against pride and arrogance, reminding us that any strength or power we possess is ultimately derived from God and should be used for His glory, not for oppression or self-exaltation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our perception of earthly power and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, "lift ourselves up" in pride or self-reliance, similar to Babylon?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against Babylon encourage us to trust in His justice in a world that often seems unjust?**
* **What is our role, as believers, in seeking justice and righteousness in our communities and nations, in light of God's active involvement in history?**

### FAQ

**What is the "brigandine" mentioned in Jeremiah 51:3?**

Answer: The "brigandine" (Hebrew: *çiryôn*) refers to a type of body armor, specifically a coat of mail or scale armor. It was a common piece of protective gear for soldiers in ancient warfare. In this verse, its mention highlights the formidable and well-equipped nature of the Babylonian army, which was known for its military strength and confidence. The command to attack those "lifting themselves up in his brigandine" emphasizes that even their strong defenses would be ineffective against God's divinely orchestrated judgment.

**Why is God so intent on the utter destruction of Babylon's young men and host?**

Answer: God's intent for the "utter destruction" (Hebrew: *châram*) of Babylon's young men and host signifies a complete and irreversible judgment. The "young men" represented the future military and demographic strength of the nation, while "her host" referred to the entire army. This extreme measure was a consequence of Babylon's severe oppression of God's people, its idolatry, and its arrogance against the Lord. It was a divinely sanctioned act of justice, ensuring that Babylon would no longer be able to oppress other nations or defy God's will, fulfilling prophecies of its desolation (e.g., [Jeremiah 51:25](/jeremiah/51-25 "Jeremiah 51:25 - God's Judgment on Babylon as a Destroying Mountain")). This level of judgment underscores the seriousness of defying God and harming His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:3 speaks of a literal military judgment against ancient Babylon, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual victory achieved by Jesus over all oppressive powers of sin, death, and the devil. Just as God raised up instruments to utterly destroy Babylon's physical host, Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, utterly destroyed the spiritual "host" that held humanity captive. The "one who bends his bow" and "lifts himself up in his brigandine" can be seen as a type of the ultimate adversary, Satan, who boasts in his power and seeks to enslave humanity. However, Christ, the true "Archer" of God's judgment and salvation, met this foe head-on. His death on the cross was the decisive blow, disarming the powers and authorities (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The command to "spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host" finds its spiritual echo in Christ's complete triumph over sin, ensuring that its dominion is utterly broken for those in Him (cf. [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ")). Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the Lamb of God, who will return to execute final judgment, utterly destroying all who oppose Him and establishing His eternal kingdom of justice and peace, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (cf. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse") and [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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 50:14

Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

Jeremiah 46:4

Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with [your] helmets; furbish the spears, [and] put on the brigandines.

Jeremiah 50:21

¶ Go up against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Isaiah 13:18

[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Deuteronomy 32:25

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.