Jeremiah 51:31

One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to shew the king of Babylon that his city is taken at [one] end,

One post {H7323} shall run {H7323} to meet {H7125} another {H7323}, and one messenger {H5046} to meet {H7125} another {H5046}, to shew {H5046} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} that his city {H5892} is taken {H3920} at one end {H7097},

One runner runs to meet another, messenger to meet messenger, to report to the king of Bavel that every part of his city is taken,

One courier races to meet another, and messenger follows messenger, to announce to the king of Babylon that his city has been captured from end to end.

One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken on every quarter:

Commentary

Jeremiah 51:31 vividly portrays the chaotic and urgent scene of Babylon's impending fall. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle spanning Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51, detailing God's judgment against the mighty empire that had destroyed Jerusalem and taken Judah into exile.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah delivers a powerful message of divine retribution against Babylon, depicted here as a sudden and overwhelming event. The phrase "One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another" illustrates the rapid succession of couriers bringing increasingly dire news to the capital. This reflects the intense confusion and panic that would grip the city as invaders breached its defenses. Historically, this prophecy finds its fulfillment in 539 BC when Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian forces under Cyrus the Great, as chronicled in Daniel 5:30-31, where King Belshazzar receives the news of his kingdom being "divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse underscores God's unwavering justice against nations that oppress His people and defy His will. Babylon's arrogance and cruelty sealed its fate.
  • Swiftness and Certainty of Prophecy: The rapid movement of messengers emphasizes the sudden, inescapable, and complete nature of Babylon's collapse, demonstrating that God's word is always fulfilled.
  • The Fall of Human Empires: This passage serves as a potent reminder that no earthly power, no matter how vast or seemingly invincible, is beyond God's ultimate sovereignty and control.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used, rats (post/runner) and mal'ak (messenger/angel), both convey speed and the urgent delivery of information. The repetition and pairing ("one post... another, and one messenger... another") amplify the sense of overwhelming news arriving from different directions, confirming the city's capture "at one end." This paints a picture of a city being swallowed by chaos from all sides, with news spreading like wildfire.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:31 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Justice Prevails: We are reminded that God is just and will ultimately bring accountability for all actions, whether by individuals or nations. No injustice goes unnoticed by Him.
  • Trust in God, Not Earthly Powers: The spectacular fall of Babylon highlights the futility of placing ultimate trust in human institutions, wealth, or military might. Our ultimate security and hope must rest in the unshakeable kingdom of God.
  • The Reliability of God's Word: This fulfilled prophecy reinforces the trustworthiness of Scripture. Just as God's word against Babylon came to pass, so too will all His promises and warnings. For further reading on God's control over nations, consider Daniel 2:21.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 18:19

    ¶ Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

  • 2 Samuel 18:31

    And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:6

    So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

  • Isaiah 21:3

    Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing [of it]; I was dismayed at the seeing [of it].

  • Isaiah 21:9

    And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, [with] a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.

  • Jeremiah 50:24

    I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 4:20

    Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.