Jeremiah 51:6

Commentary on Jeremiah 51:6 (KJV)

Jeremiah 51:6 is a potent prophetic warning, urging God's people to evacuate Babylon before divine judgment falls upon it. This verse is part of a larger oracle (Jeremiah 50-51) detailing the complete destruction of Babylon, which had previously served as God's instrument for punishing Judah through the Babylonian captivity.

Context

The book of Jeremiah chronicles the prophet's ministry during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, leading up to its fall and exile to Babylon. While Jeremiah had prophesied Judah's seventy-year captivity under Babylon, he also delivered extensive prophecies against the very nation that carried out God's judgment. Chapters 50 and 51 are dedicated solely to Babylon's impending downfall, portraying it as a just recompense for its pride, idolatry, and cruelty towards God's people. This verse specifically calls for the Israelites still residing in Babylon to separate themselves from its impending doom, highlighting God's faithfulness to deliver His remnant even amidst global upheaval.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Vengeance: The verse explicitly states, "this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence." This emphasizes God's sovereign control over nations and His commitment to justice. Babylon, once an instrument of His wrath, now faces its own judgment for its iniquity and for exceeding its role in punishing Judah. This theme of divine retribution is a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books.
• Call to Separation and Deliverance: The command to "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul" is a direct imperative for God's people to physically and spiritually separate from a condemned system. It underscores the urgency of escaping association with sin and impending destruction. This echoes a similar call found in the New Testament concerning a spiritual Babylon, urging believers to "come out of her, my people" in Revelation 18:4.
• Consequences of Iniquity: "Be not cut off in her iniquity" serves as a stark warning. Remaining associated with Babylon means sharing in its fate, emphasizing that participation in or tolerance of sin leads to shared consequences. God desires to preserve His people from the destruction that awaits the wicked.

Linguistic Insights

• "Flee" (נוּס, nus): This Hebrew word implies an urgent, swift escape, often from danger or an enemy. It's not a casual departure but a desperate flight for survival.
• "Vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam): In this context, "vengeance" refers to divine retribution or justice, not human revenge. It is God's righteous act of settling accounts and administering justice against those who have defied Him and harmed His people.
• "Recompence" (שִׁלֵּם, shillem): This term signifies full payment or repayment for actions. It implies that Babylon's destruction is a just and deserved consequence for its deeds, a complete settlement of its account with God.

Practical Application

While Jeremiah 51:6 addresses a historical event, its principles resonate deeply for believers today.

• Spiritual Separation: The call to "flee out of the midst of Babylon" can be understood as a timeless principle for Christians to separate themselves from worldly systems, values, and practices that are contrary to God's will and are ultimately destined for judgment. It's a call to holiness and distinctiveness.
• Urgency of Response: God's warnings are not to be trifled with. The verse highlights the urgency of responding to divine warnings and making timely decisions that safeguard one's spiritual well-being. Procrastination in turning from sin or worldly entanglement can lead to dire consequences.
• Trust in God's Justice: This verse reassures believers that God is just. Even when wicked powers seem to triumph, God's "time of vengeance" will surely come, and He will render "recompence." This provides hope and comfort that ultimate justice will prevail, as seen in Jeremiah 25:12 regarding Babylon's own seventy-year limit.