Jeremiah 51:12

Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Set up {H5375} the standard {H5251} upon the walls {H2346} of Babylon {H894}, make the watch {H4929} strong {H2388}, set up {H6965} the watchmen {H8104}, prepare {H3559} the ambushes {H693}: for the LORD {H3068} hath both devised {H2161} and done {H6213} that which he spake {H1696} against the inhabitants {H3427} of Babylon {H894}.

Raise a standard against the walls of Bavel! Strengthen the guard! Post the sentries! Prepare ambushes! For ADONAI has both planned and accomplished what he promised to do to those living in Bavel.

Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.

Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes; for Jehovah hath both purposed and done that which he spake concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 51:12 (KJV)

Jeremiah 51:12 is a powerful command within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, detailing its impending destruction. This verse calls for specific preparations for battle, emphasizing that these actions are in direct response to God's sovereign plan and declared judgment.

Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51, which comprise one of the most extensive prophecies against any foreign nation in the Bible. Babylon, the mighty empire that had conquered Judah and carried its people into exile, is here depicted as facing its own devastating judgment. The prophecy foretells the downfall of Babylon at the hands of nations God raises up (historically, the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great). This specific verse serves as an imperative, instructing the attacking forces to ready themselves, knowing that their success is guaranteed because the Lord Himself has "devised and done" what He promised against Babylon.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse unequivocally states that "the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon." This highlights God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to executing justice. Babylon's fall is not merely a political shift but a divinely orchestrated event. For more on God's unwavering word, see Isaiah 55:11.
  • Babylon's Inevitable Fall: Despite its formidable defenses, Babylon's destruction is certain. The commands to "Set up the standard upon the walls," "make the watch strong," and "prepare the ambushes" are given to the attacking armies, implying that their efforts are part of a pre-ordained victory, not a risky endeavor. The prophecy against Babylon is extensive, as seen in Jeremiah 50:2.
  • Call to Military Action: The detailed instructions—setting up a banner (a rallying point or signal), strengthening the guard, deploying watchmen, and preparing ambushes—underscore the practical, military aspects of the divine judgment. God uses human instruments to bring about His will, even while He remains the ultimate strategist.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Set up the standard" uses the Hebrew word nes (נס), which can refer to a banner, ensign, or signal pole. It was a common military practice to raise a standard as a rallying point for troops or a sign of impending battle or conquest. The phrase "devised and done" emphasizes the completeness of God's action. Ya'ats (יעץ), "devised," implies careful planning and counsel, while 'asah (עשה), "done," signifies the execution and completion of that plan. This pairing powerfully conveys God's deliberate and effective will.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:12 offers several timeless insights:

  • God's Word is Reliable: What God declares, He will bring to pass. This provides immense comfort and assurance to believers that God's promises—whether of judgment or blessing—are trustworthy.
  • Justice Will Prevail: Even when oppressive powers seem insurmountable, God's justice will ultimately triumph. This verse reminds us that no empire or individual can defy God's ultimate authority indefinitely.
  • Human Agency in Divine Plan: While God is sovereign, He often uses human agents to accomplish His purposes. Our actions, when aligned with His will, become part of His grand design. This encourages faithfulness and obedience in our callings.
  • Warning Against Pride: The fall of Babylon serves as a perpetual warning against pride, idolatry, and oppression. Those who exalt themselves against God will inevitably face His judgment, as articulated in many prophetic books, including Isaiah 14:12-15 regarding the king of Babylon.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 13:2 (4 votes)

    Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

  • Jeremiah 51:11 (4 votes)

    Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

  • Jeremiah 51:29 (3 votes)

    And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.

  • Nahum 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make [thy] loins strong, fortify [thy] power mightily.

  • Jeremiah 51:27 (2 votes)

    Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

  • Jeremiah 50:2 (2 votes)

    Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

  • Nahum 3:14 (2 votes)

    Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.