Jeremiah 51:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:32 vividly portrays the climactic moment of Babylon's fall, depicting a scene of utter military and infrastructural collapse. This verse, embedded within a larger prophetic oracle against the mighty Babylonian empire, illustrates the immediate and devastating effects of divine judgment through the disruption of strategic defenses, the destruction of natural barriers, and the complete demoralization of its once-feared warriors. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over nations and the inevitable fulfillment of His word against pride and oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:32 is part of an extended prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. These chapters collectively form the longest single prophecy in the Old Testament, detailing Babylon's impending destruction by the Medes and Persians as God's instrument of judgment. The verses immediately preceding Jeremiah 51:32 describe the advance of the invading army and the confusion within Babylon, while the subsequent verses continue to detail the city's complete desolation and the ultimate triumph of Yahweh over its false gods. This specific verse acts as a dramatic snapshot within this larger narrative of divine retribution, highlighting the immediate breakdown of Babylon's defenses and morale.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had been the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. Its capital city was renowned for its immense fortifications, including massive walls, the Euphrates River flowing through it, and an intricate system of canals and marshes that served as natural defenses. Culturally, Babylon was a hub of pagan worship, pride, and imperial arrogance, believing itself invincible. The prophecy in Jeremiah, penned decades before its actual fall in 539 BC to Cyrus the Great, directly challenges this perceived invincibility, portraying its destruction as a direct act of God's justice. The "passages" likely refer to strategic fords or entry points, while "reeds" point to the marshy areas and waterways that formed part of Babylon's natural defenses, all of which were being neutralized by the invading forces.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah's prophecy against Babylon. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God acts as the sovereign judge over all nations, bringing down even the most powerful empires for their pride, idolatry, and oppression of His people. This is evident throughout [Jeremiah 50](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Jeremiah 51](/jeremiah/51 "Jeremiah 51 - God's Judgment on Babylon"). Another key theme is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating the absolute certainty of God's word coming to pass, regardless of human might or expectations. The panic described in the verse underscores the theme of **Military Demoralization and Inevitable Defeat**, showing that no human army, however formidable, can withstand God's decreed judgment. Finally, the verse implicitly highlights **God's Vindication of His People**, as Babylon's fall means deliverance and restoration for Judah, a promise echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 50:33-34](/jeremiah/50-33 "Jeremiah 50:33-34 - God's Redemption of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passages (Hebrew, _maʻăbâr'_):** From H4569, this word refers to a "crossing-place" such as a ford over a river or a mountain pass. In the context of Babylon, it would denote strategic entry or exit points, possibly over the Euphrates or through the surrounding marshlands. Their being "stopped" signifies a complete blockage, preventing escape, reinforcement, or communication, effectively trapping the city's inhabitants and defenders.
* **Stopped (Hebrew, _tâphas'_):** From H8610, meaning "to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably; catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, surely, surprise, take." Here, it conveys the forceful and decisive action of the invaders in seizing and rendering impassable these critical routes, indicating a thorough and effective military strategy to isolate and conquer the city.
* **Affrighted (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** From H926, this root means "to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e. (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously." The use of this word for "men of war" powerfully depicts their profound psychological state: not merely scared, but utterly dismayed, broken, and thrown into a state of panic and disarray, rendering them ineffective in defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that the passages are stopped":** This clause describes the immediate military objective and success of the invading forces. The "passages" (maʻăbâr) refer to critical strategic points—likely fords over the Euphrates River, bridges, or narrow access routes into or out of the city. Their being "stopped" (tâphas) indicates that these vital arteries for movement, escape, or communication have been seized and rendered impassable by the enemy. This action effectively isolates the city, cutting off any hope of retreat or outside help, and signals the thoroughness of the siege.
* **"and the reeds they have burned with fire":** This part of the verse points to the destruction of natural defenses. The "reeds" (ʼăgam) refer to the dense vegetation found in marshy areas or along riverbanks, which often formed a natural barrier around fortified cities like Babylon. The act of burning these reeds with "fire" (ʼêsh) serves multiple purposes: it eliminates potential hiding places for defenders, clears lines of sight for the attackers, and, most significantly, removes a natural obstacle, allowing the invading army to advance unimpeded and further destabilize the city's periphery. It also suggests a scorched-earth tactic, intensifying the feeling of total devastation.
* **"and the men of war are affrighted":** This final clause reveals the psychological impact of the siege on Babylon's formidable army. The "men of war" (ʼĕnôwsh milchâmâh) who were once renowned for their might are now "affrighted" (bâhal)—meaning they are utterly terrified, dismayed, and thrown into a state of internal trembling and panic. This signifies a complete breakdown of morale and courage, rendering them incapable of effective resistance. Their fear is a direct consequence of the overwhelming and relentless nature of the divine judgment unfolding against their city.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity of Babylon's destruction. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of military collapse: blocked passages, burning reeds, and terrified soldiers. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the chaos and devastation. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche** by referring to "men of war" to represent the entire Babylonian military force, whose collective demoralization signifies the complete breakdown of the city's defense. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** within the broader prophetic context, as these immediate signs of collapse foreshadow the complete and utter desolation of Babylon, a theme that reverberates throughout Jeremiah 50-51. The rapid succession of destructive actions and their immediate impact on the soldiers creates a sense of **Rapid Progression** and inevitability, emphasizing the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:32 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and justice. It underscores that no earthly power, however mighty or seemingly invincible, can stand against the determined will of God. Babylon, a symbol of human pride, imperial oppression, and idolatry, is brought to ruin not by mere geopolitical forces but by the direct decree and execution of Yahweh's judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His people and their defiance of His righteous standards. The collapse of Babylon's defenses and the terror of its soldiers illustrate that true security lies not in human strength or fortifications, but in alignment with God's purposes. For the exiled Israelites, this prophecy offered immense hope and assurance that their suffering was not overlooked and that their oppressor would face just retribution.

* [Isaiah 13:19-20](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-20 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation")
* [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - Belshazzar's Fall and Darius's Reign")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:32, though describing an ancient historical event, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in contemporary life. It powerfully reminds us that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, including the rise and fall of nations and empires. For those who feel overwhelmed by powerful, oppressive systems or who witness injustice seemingly triumph, this verse provides a profound reassurance that God sees, God judges, and God will ultimately act. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust: in human strength, material security, or the unfailing power and justice of God. The terror of Babylon's soldiers should prompt humility, recognizing that true peace and security are found not in our own defenses but in God's protective hand. Ultimately, it calls us to align our lives, our communities, and our nations with God's righteous standards, knowing that pride and oppression inevitably lead to ruin, while humility and justice lead to flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in society do I tend to place my trust in human strength or systems rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the swift and complete judgment on Babylon encourage me when I feel overwhelmed by injustice or powerful, ungodly forces in the world today?**
* **What "passages" or "reeds"—be they physical, emotional, or spiritual defenses—might I be relying on that God might need to "stop" or "burn" to reorient my trust fully in Him?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "passages" being stopped and "reeds" being burned?**

Answer: The "passages" (Hebrew: *maʻăbâr*) refer to strategic crossing points, likely fords over the Euphrates River or narrow entry/exit routes into Babylon. Their blockage signifies that the invading army has successfully cut off escape routes, reinforcements, and communication, effectively trapping the city's inhabitants. The "reeds" (Hebrew: *ʼăgam*) refer to the dense marsh vegetation that formed a natural defensive barrier around parts of Babylon. Burning these reeds (Hebrew: *sâraph* with *ʼêsh*) served to clear the way for the attackers, eliminate potential hiding places for defenders, and destroy natural cover, thereby dismantling Babylon's natural defenses and intensifying the sense of a complete and overwhelming assault. This dual action highlights the thoroughness of the siege and the inevitability of Babylon's fall.

**Why were the "men of war affrighted" if Babylon was so strong?**

Answer: The phrase "men of war are affrighted" (Hebrew: *bâhal*) is crucial because it indicates a complete psychological collapse, not just a tactical defeat. Babylon's army was indeed formidable, but the prophecy emphasizes that their terror was a direct result of God's judgment. When God's hand is against a nation, no amount of human strength or military prowess can stand. Their being "affrighted" signifies a deep internal trembling and dismay, rendering them broken and ineffective. This serves as a powerful theological statement that even the mightiest human forces are powerless when confronted with the sovereign will of Yahweh, as seen in other instances of divine intervention in warfare, such as in [Joshua 10:10](/joshua/10-10 "Joshua 10:10 - God Throws the Enemy into Confusion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:32, while describing the historical fall of ancient Babylon, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of Jesus Christ over all spiritual forces of darkness and the ultimate judgment of all ungodly systems. Babylon, in its pride, oppression, and idolatry, serves as a prototype for all earthly kingdoms and spiritual strongholds that oppose God. Just as Babylon's strategic "passages" were stopped and its "reeds" burned, symbolizing the dismantling of its defenses, so too did Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarm and dismantle the spiritual powers that held humanity captive. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers") declares that He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." The "men of war" in Jeremiah 51:32, once mighty but now "affrighted," foreshadow the ultimate terror and defeat of Satan and his demonic forces at the cross and at Christ's second coming. Jesus, the true King, will ultimately bring to naught every opposing kingdom and ideology that exalts itself against God, culminating in the final judgment of "Babylon the Great" described in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great"). His victory ensures that every spiritual "passage" to sin and death is stopped, and every "reed" of deceptive power is burned, establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness reigns supreme, as promised in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ").

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 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: