Jeremiah 51:32

And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.

And that the passages {H4569} are stopped {H8610}, and the reeds {H98} they have burned {H8313} with fire {H784}, and the men {H582} of war {H4421} are affrighted {H926}.

the fords have been occupied, and the swamp thickets set on fire, while the warriors are seized with panic.

The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified.”

and the passages are seized, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.

Commentary

Jeremiah 51:32 is a vivid snapshot of the impending and furious destruction of Babylon, a powerful empire that had previously brought Judah into captivity. This verse, part of a larger prophetic declaration against Babylon, paints a picture of chaos and military collapse, emphasizing the divine judgment against a nation marked by pride and oppression.

Context

This verse is found within Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51, which contain extensive prophecies detailing the downfall of Babylon at the hands of the Medes and Persians. These chapters describe Babylon's ultimate demise as a direct result of God's righteous judgment for its arrogance against the Lord and its harsh treatment of His people, Israel. The imagery in verse 32 portrays the immediate effects of an invading army, highlighting the breakdown of defenses and morale within the once-mighty city.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment Fulfilled: The verse underscores that Babylon's destruction is not mere political upheaval but the precise execution of God's decreed judgment. The "passages stopped" and "reeds burned" signify the thoroughness of this divine decree.
  • Military Demoralization: The phrase "the men of war are affrighted" powerfully conveys the utter panic and shattered courage of the Babylonian soldiers. Despite their formidable reputation, their spirit is broken in the face of inevitable defeat, illustrating that no human might can stand against God's plan.
  • Inevitability of God's Word: This prophecy, like many others in Jeremiah, demonstrates the certainty of God's word coming to pass. What was foretold centuries earlier is now unfolding, proving God's sovereignty over nations and history. The broader prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 details this extensive judgment, such as seen in Jeremiah 50:2, which declares Babylon's fall.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "passages" (ma'abarim) refers to strategic crossing points, often fords over rivers or narrow pathways, which were crucial for defense and movement. Their being "stopped" indicates a complete disruption of communication and escape routes. The term "affrighted" (αΈ₯atatu) denotes being broken, dismayed, or utterly terrified, emphasizing the deep psychological impact of the siege on the soldiers.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:32 offers several enduring lessons:

  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: It reminds us that God remains in control of world events, judging nations according to His righteous standards. No empire, however powerful, is beyond His reach or judgment.
  • Consequences of Pride and Oppression: The fall of Babylon serves as a stark warning against pride, cruelty, and opposing God's purposes. Those who sow injustice will eventually reap destruction.
  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those who feel oppressed or overwhelmed by powerful systems, this verse offers assurance that God sees injustice and will ultimately bring about justice. This historical fulfillment serves as a powerful precursor to the ultimate destruction of spiritual Babylon described in Revelation 18:2, promising a final triumph of righteousness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 51:30

    The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in [their] holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

  • Jeremiah 50:37

    A sword [is] upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that [are] in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword [is] upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

  • Jeremiah 50:38

    A drought [is] upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols.

  • Isaiah 44:27

    That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
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