Jeremiah 51:54

A sound of a cry [cometh] from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans:

A sound {H6963} of a cry {H2201} cometh from Babylon {H894}, and great {H1419} destruction {H7667} from the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778}:

An agonized cry is heard from Bavel! Great destruction in the land of the Kasdim!

“The sound of a cry comes from Babylon, the sound of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!

The sound of a cry from Babylon, and of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!

Commentary

Jeremiah 51:54 is a vivid prophetic declaration describing the impending catastrophic fall of Babylon, the dominant empire of its time. It paints a picture of utter devastation and lamentation, signaling the reversal of fortunes for the powerful Chaldean kingdom.

Context of Jeremiah 51:54

This verse is part of Jeremiah's extensive prophecy against Babylon, primarily found in chapters 50 and 51. These chapters meticulously detail God's judgment against Babylon for its immense pride, widespread idolatry, and its cruel oppression of Judah, God's chosen people, during the Babylonian captivity. The "land of the Chaldeans" refers to the heartland of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, signifying the very core of its power. This prophecy was historically fulfilled when Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, marking a significant shift in world power and demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse powerfully illustrates God's commitment to justice, as the oppressor nation faces the same devastation it inflicted upon others. God holds all nations accountable for their actions.
  • Reversal of Fortunes: The mighty Babylon, once a source of terror and conqueror of many, is now depicted as a place of lamentation and ruin. This highlights God's ability to humble the proud and bring down even the most formidable earthly powers.
  • Prophetic Authority and Fulfillment: The detailed nature and eventual fulfillment of such prophecies reinforce the truthfulness and divine authority of God's Word, assuring readers that His plans will always come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cry" in this verse is qol (קול), which literally means "voice" or "sound," but in this context, it conveys a loud sound of distress, wailing, or lamentation, emphasizing the deep sorrow and fear of the inhabitants. The word for "destruction" is sheber (שׁבר), which signifies a breaking, shattering, or utter ruin. Together, these terms paint a stark picture of total chaos, despair, and comprehensive downfall, leaving no doubt about the severity of the judgment.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 51:54 serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly power, however mighty or seemingly invincible, is beyond God's judgment. It offers profound hope to those who are oppressed, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring justice and vindication. For believers, it underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, both of judgment against wickedness and restoration for His people. This ancient prophecy also resonates with the symbolic "fall of Babylon" described in the Book of Revelation, which often represents the ultimate demise of all worldly systems opposed to God (Revelation 18:2), providing a timeless message about divine sovereignty and the triumph of righteousness.

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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

  • Jeremiah 50:22 (5 votes)

    A sound of battle [is] in the land, and of great destruction.

  • Jeremiah 48:3 (3 votes)

    A voice of crying [shall be] from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction.

  • Jeremiah 48:5 (3 votes)

    For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

  • Jeremiah 50:46 (3 votes)

    At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

  • Isaiah 13:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

  • Isaiah 13:9 (2 votes)

    Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

  • Isaiah 15:5 (2 votes)

    My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.