Jeremiah 51:48

Then the heaven and the earth, and all that [is] therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come unto her from the north, saith the LORD.

Then the heaven {H8064} and the earth {H776}, and all that is therein, shall sing {H7442} for Babylon {H894}: for the spoilers {H7703} shall come {H935} unto her from the north {H6828}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Then heaven and earth and all that is in them will sing for joy over Bavel; for the plunderers from the north are coming to her," says ADONAI.

Then heaven and earth and all that is in them will shout for joy over Babylon because the destroyers from the north will come against her,” declares the LORD.

Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for joy over Babylon; for the destroyers shall come unto her from the north, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

Jeremiah 51:48 is a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment against Babylon, a dominant empire that had enslaved Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. This verse describes the widespread rejoicing that will accompany Babylon's downfall, emphasizing the certainty and significance of this divine act.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy prophetic oracle (Jeremiah chapters 50-51) detailing the complete destruction of Babylon. At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, Babylon was at the height of its power, having conquered Judah and exiled its people. The prophecy serves as a message of hope and vindication for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that their oppressor would not go unpunished. The phrase "spoilers shall come unto her from the north" specifically points to the Medo-Persian forces that would eventually conquer Babylon in 539 BC, approaching from that geographical direction, a common motif for invading armies in Jeremiah's prophecies (see Jeremiah 1:14).

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Judgment: The verse unequivocally declares God's sovereign hand in bringing down mighty empires that oppose His will and oppress His people. Babylon's destruction is a clear demonstration of God's righteous judgment.
  • Universal Rejoicing: The imagery of "heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for Babylon" is striking. It signifies a cosmic jubilation over the end of tyranny and the restoration of justice. This isn't a song for Babylon in celebration of it, but a triumphant shout over its demise, reflecting profound relief and vindication. Similar expressions of creation's praise can be found elsewhere (Psalm 96:11-12).
  • Prophetic Certainty: The declaration "saith the LORD" underscores the absolute certainty of this prophecy's fulfillment. God's word is reliable and will come to pass, regardless of the apparent power of earthly kingdoms.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "sing" (רָנַן, ranan) often carries the connotation of a loud cry of joy, triumph, or exultation. In this context, it emphasizes the overwhelming sense of relief and vindication felt throughout creation at the fall of such an oppressive power. The "spoilers" (שֹׁדְדִים, shodedim) are literally "devastators" or "destroyers," highlighting the thoroughness of the coming judgment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:48 offers enduring hope to those who suffer under oppressive systems. It reminds us that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, is beyond God's ultimate justice. This verse assures believers that God hears the cries of His people and will, in His perfect timing, bring an end to injustice and tyranny. It also serves as a solemn warning to nations and individuals alike against pride, arrogance, and the abuse of power, reminding them that accountability before God is inevitable. The triumph described here foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's kingdom and the final end of all evil, as seen in the ultimate judgment of the "Babylon" of the New Testament (Revelation 18:20).

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

  • Revelation 18:20

    Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

  • Isaiah 44:23

    Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

  • Jeremiah 50:3

    For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.

  • Isaiah 48:20

    Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

  • Isaiah 49:13

    ΒΆ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

  • Revelation 15:1

    ΒΆ And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

  • Revelation 15:4

    Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
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