Jeremiah 51:56

KJV

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because the spoiler {H7703} is come {H935} upon her, even upon Babylon {H894}, and her mighty men {H1368} are taken {H3920}, every one of their bows {H7198} is broken {H2865}: for the LORD {H3068} God {H410} of recompences {H1578} shall surely {H7999} requite {H7999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, the plunderer has fallen upon her, fallen on Bavel. Her warriors are captured, their bows are broken. For ADONAI is a God of retribution; he will surely repay.

Berean Standard Bible

For a destroyer is coming against her— against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.

American Standard Version

for the destroyer is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, their bows are broken in pieces; for Jehovah is a God of recompenses, he will surely requite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:56 pronounces a definitive judgment against Babylon, declaring that its impending destruction is a direct consequence of a divine reckoning. The verse vividly portrays the complete incapacitation of Babylon's military might through the arrival of a "spoiler" and the breaking of its warriors' bows, asserting that this catastrophic downfall is the certain and just recompense from the LORD God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:56 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. These chapters serve as a counterpoint to the earlier prophecies of Judah's destruction, revealing God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations. Specifically, verse 56 appears near the conclusion of this extensive denunciation, reinforcing the inevitability and finality of Babylon's judgment. It follows a series of pronouncements detailing the methods and extent of Babylon's fall, emphasizing the divine justice behind the impending ruin and setting the stage for the book's concluding historical notes. The preceding verses in chapter 51 describe the Medo-Persian invaders as God's instruments, a theme that culminates in this verse's declaration of divine recompense.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon was delivered during a tumultuous period in ancient Near Eastern history. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had risen to become the dominant superpower, conquering Judah and destroying Jerusalem in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian Exile. This context is crucial, as the Jewish exiles would have been longing for deliverance and justice. Babylon was renowned for its immense military strength, its formidable walls, and its seemingly impregnable defenses. The "mighty men" and "bows" mentioned in the verse refer to the elite Babylonian army, whose prowess was a source of national pride and security. The cultural understanding of divine retribution (lex talionis) would have resonated deeply with the audience, as God's judgment was often understood as a direct response to national sin and oppression, particularly against His covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly empires are subject to God's ultimate authority and judgment. Babylon, though used by God to discipline Judah (as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Instrument")), had acted with excessive cruelty and pride, thus incurring divine wrath. The verse also highlights **Divine Justice and Recompense**, asserting that God is the "God of recompences" who will surely "requite." This principle of God repaying wickedness is a consistent biblical truth, found in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God") and [Psalm 94:1](/psalm/94-1 "Psalm 94:1 - God of Vengeance"). Furthermore, the imagery of "mighty men are taken" and "bows are broken" emphasizes the theme of the **Utter Demise of Human Power** when confronted by divine judgment, illustrating that no human strength or military might can withstand God's decreed will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoiler (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** From H7703, this term refers to one who is burly, powerful, and, by implication, one who ravages, destroys, or lays waste. In this context, it vividly describes the invading force (Medo-Persians) as a devastating plunderer, emphasizing the violent and destructive nature of Babylon's downfall. It signifies not merely a defeat, but a complete and utter desolation.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this word denotes someone powerful, a warrior, a champion, or a valiant man. It refers to the elite, formidable soldiers of Babylon, renowned for their strength and military prowess. Their being "taken" signifies their capture, incapacitation, or defeat, underscoring the unexpected and complete collapse of Babylon's perceived invincibility.
* **recompences (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwlâh'_):** From H1578, this feminine noun signifies a deed, recompense, or reward. It emphasizes God's attribute as the One who justly repays or gives retribution. The phrase "LORD God of recompences" highlights that God's actions are not arbitrary but are a righteous and deserved response to Babylon's actions, ensuring that justice is perfectly administered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon":** This clause establishes the immediate cause of Babylon's downfall: the arrival of an external, destructive force. The "spoiler" is the instrument of God's judgment, signifying the violent and plundering nature of the coming invasion. The repetition of "upon her, even upon Babylon" emphasizes the direct and inescapable target of this devastation.
* **"and her mighty men are taken":** This phrase details the immediate consequence of the spoiler's arrival – the defeat and capture of Babylon's elite military forces. The "mighty men" represent the pinnacle of Babylon's strength and security, and their being "taken" signifies a complete loss of power and control, highlighting the sudden and overwhelming nature of their defeat.
* **"every one of their bows is broken":** This vivid image further underscores the complete incapacitation of Babylon's military. The bow was a primary weapon of war in ancient times, symbolizing military strength and offensive capability. Its breaking signifies the total disarming and rendering useless of Babylon's army, ensuring no further resistance or threat. It represents a humiliating and irreversible defeat.
* **"for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite":** This final clause provides the ultimate theological explanation for Babylon's fall. It is not merely a geopolitical event but a divine act of justice. "The LORD God of recompences" identifies God as the one who justly repays deeds, both good and evil. The emphatic "shall surely requite" (a repetition of the root H7999, _shâlam_, meaning to be complete, to repay, to render) guarantees the certainty and thoroughness of God's retribution, affirming His perfect justice in settling accounts with those who oppose Him and oppress His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:56 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. **Imagery** is central, particularly with the arrival of the "spoiler" and the depiction of "mighty men are taken" and "every one of their bows is broken." These images create a vivid mental picture of military defeat and national collapse. The "broken bows" serve as potent **Symbolism**, representing the complete emasculation of Babylon's military power and its inability to defend itself. The phrase "the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite" utilizes **Emphasis** through the repetition of the root word for "requite" (shâlam), highlighting the absolute certainty and thoroughness of God's just retribution. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event with divine authority and demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:56 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It assures us that no empire, however mighty or oppressive, can escape the divine reckoning. Babylon's fall serves as a timeless paradigm for the principle that pride, cruelty, and opposition to God's purposes will inevitably meet with His righteous judgment. This verse underscores that God is not merely an observer of human history but its active orchestrator, meticulously ensuring that every deed, especially those of injustice against His people, receives its just recompense. It offers comfort to the oppressed, promising vindication, and serves as a solemn warning to those who wield power without humility or righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance and Recompense Belong to God")
* [Psalm 94:1-2](/psalm/94-1 "Psalm 94:1-2 - God of Vengeance, Shine Forth!")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves, But Leave It to the Wrath of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:56 offers a bedrock of assurance for believers in a world often characterized by injustice and the apparent triumph of the wicked. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals, and His justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, is absolutely certain. This verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It challenges us to examine our own lives for any expressions of pride, oppression, or disregard for God's standards, knowing that ultimate accountability rests with Him. For those who suffer under oppressive systems or personal injustices, this passage provides profound hope, affirming that God sees, God remembers, and God will ultimately set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's recompense for Babylon encourage you when facing injustice in your own life or in the world?**
* **What might it mean for us to be "God's instruments" today, and how can we avoid the pride and cruelty that led to Babylon's downfall?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge our reliance on human power, wealth, or military might for security, rather than on God alone?**

### FAQ
**What does "the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite" mean?**

Answer: This powerful phrase means that the LORD (Yahweh), who is the God (El) of just repayment or retribution, will absolutely and certainly pay back or settle accounts. It emphasizes God's attribute as the divine dispenser of justice, ensuring that every deed, especially acts of oppression and wickedness, will receive its deserved consequence. It signifies that Babylon's downfall is not merely a political or military event, but a direct act of divine judgment and righteous repayment for its actions, particularly against God's people and His covenant. This principle is a cornerstone of biblical justice, affirming God's active role in upholding righteousness in the world (see [Psalm 58:11](/psalm/58-11 "Psalm 58:11 - The Righteous Will Be Rewarded")).

**Who is the "spoiler" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "spoiler" refers to the Medo-Persian empire, led by Cyrus the Great, which would eventually conquer Babylon. While not explicitly named in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah 50-51 clearly identifies the northern nations, particularly the Medes, as the instruments God would use to bring about Babylon's destruction. They are depicted as a plundering and devastating force, fulfilling God's prophetic word against the proud empire of Babylon (see [Jeremiah 51:11](/jeremiah/51-11 "Jeremiah 51:11 - God Stirs Up the Kings of the Medes")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:56 speaks directly to God's judgment upon ancient Babylon, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "LORD God of recompences" ultimately reveals His perfect justice and recompense not only in judging sin but supremely in dealing with it through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The ultimate "spoiler" of humanity, sin and death, which held all creation captive, was decisively defeated by Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. On the cross, Jesus became the recipient of divine recompense for the sins of humanity, absorbing the wrath that we deserved, so that those who believe might receive grace and reconciliation instead of judgment (as described in [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God Presented Christ as a Propitiation")). Furthermore, the imagery of "mighty men are taken" and "bows are broken" foreshadows Christ's triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers, disarming them and leading them captive in His victory (a theme powerfully articulated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, the final "requital" of all injustice and the establishment of perfect righteousness will be fully realized in the return of Christ, when He will judge the living and the dead, bringing an end to all forms of "Babylon" and ushering in His eternal kingdom of justice and peace, as depicted in the book of Revelation, particularly [Revelation 18:1-2](/revelation/18-1 "Revelation 18:1-2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great").

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

Psalms 46:9

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Jeremiah 51:6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Psalms 94:1

¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

Psalms 94:2

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

Habakkuk 2:8

Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and [for] the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

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.

Isaiah 59:18

According to [their] deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.