Jeremiah 51:56

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Jeremiah 51:56 is part of a lengthy prophecy detailing God's impending judgment against Babylon, the powerful empire that had conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights the *cause* of Babylon's downfall and the certainty of God's just retribution.

Context

The book of Jeremiah dedicates two full chapters (Jeremiah 50-51) to the pronouncement of God's judgment against Babylon. This specific verse, 51:56, comes near the end of these prophecies, emphasizing the inevitability and divine orchestration of Babylon's destruction. Babylon, once God's instrument for disciplining His people (Jeremiah 25:9), had exceeded its commission, acting with excessive pride and cruelty against Judah, thereby incurring God's wrath. The "spoiler" refers to the Medo-Persian forces that would eventually conquer Babylon, fulfilling these divine pronouncements.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The fall of Babylon is not a mere geopolitical event but a direct act of God's sovereign will. He orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating His ultimate control over history.
  • Just Recompense: The powerful phrase "the LORD God of recompenses shall surely requite" underscores God's perfect justice. He repays those who inflict harm, especially upon His people, ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished. This principle of divine retribution is a consistent theme throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 32:35).
  • Utter Demise of Power: "Her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken" vividly depicts the complete incapacitation of Babylon's military strength. Their famed weaponry, a symbol of their might, is rendered useless, signifying their total and humiliating defeat.

Linguistic Insights

The term "spoiler" (Hebrew: shoded) refers to a devastator, plunderer, or robber, indicating the violent and destructive nature of the coming invasion. The phrase "God of recompenses" (Hebrew: 'el gemulot) is particularly potent. It emphasizes God's attribute as the One who justly repays or gives retribution. It highlights that God's justice is not merely punitive but also restorative, bringing balance to the scales of righteousness and ensuring that all accounts are settled according to His perfect standard.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 51:56 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over human history.

  • God's Justice Prevails: This verse assures believers that no injustice, pride, or cruelty goes unnoticed by God. Even the most powerful empires are ultimately accountable to Him, and His word will be fulfilled.
  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those suffering under oppressive powers or experiencing injustice, this prophecy offers profound hope. It reminds us that God will eventually vindicate His people and judge their oppressors, bringing an end to tyranny.
  • Humility for All: It's a solemn call for all, particularly those in positions of power, to humble themselves before God, recognizing that ultimate authority and judgment belong to Him alone. The prophecies against ancient Babylon also find echoes in the future judgment of 'Babylon the Great' in Revelation, signifying enduring spiritual principles of pride leading to a fall.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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