Jeremiah 51:62
and say, 'O LORD, You have promised to cut off this place so that no one will remain--neither man nor beast. Indeed, it will be desolate forever.'
Then say
This phrase indicates a direct instruction from God to the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew word for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of divine communication. It underscores the authority and certainty of God's message. In the biblical narrative, when God instructs someone to "say," it is a command to proclaim His will, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the role of the prophet as God's mouthpiece.

‘O LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenant relationship with Israel. By addressing God as "O LORD," the speaker acknowledges His sovereignty and faithfulness. It is a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His ultimate authority over all creation.

You have said
This phrase reflects the acknowledgment of God's previous declarations. It is a recognition of the prophetic word that has been spoken by God. The Hebrew root "אָמַר" (amar) is again used here, emphasizing the reliability and truth of God's promises. It serves as a reminder that God's words are not idle but are fulfilled in His perfect timing.

You will cut off this place
The phrase "cut off" comes from the Hebrew "כָּרַת" (karath), which means to sever or destroy. It conveys a sense of finality and judgment. The "place" referred to is Babylon, a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, but God's judgment was pronounced against it due to its idolatry and oppression. This serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

so that no one will remain in it
This part of the verse highlights the totality of the destruction. The Hebrew word "שָׁאַר" (sha'ar) means to remain or be left over. The prophecy indicates that the judgment will be so complete that no inhabitants will survive. It underscores the seriousness of God's judgment and the certainty of His word.

neither man nor beast
The inclusion of both "man" and "beast" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the desolation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, animals were integral to daily life and survival. Their absence signifies a complete cessation of life and activity. This phrase serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

but it will be desolate forever
The word "desolate" is translated from the Hebrew "שָׁמֵם" (shamem), meaning to be deserted or laid waste. The term "forever" (עוֹלָם, olam) indicates an indefinite, enduring period. This prophecy was fulfilled historically when Babylon fell and eventually became uninhabited ruins. Spiritually, it serves as a symbol of the ultimate fate of all who oppose God. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of the hope found in aligning with God's eternal purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and other nations.

2. Babylon
The empire and city that is the subject of God's judgment in this passage. Babylon was a dominant power in the ancient Near East and a symbol of human pride and opposition to God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is declaring judgment upon Babylon for its sins and rebellion.

4. Desolation
The event prophesied by God through Jeremiah, indicating the complete destruction and abandonment of Babylon.

5. Man and Beast
Symbolizing the totality of life that will be removed from Babylon, emphasizing the completeness of its desolation.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God has the authority to judge nations and individuals. His declarations are certain and will come to pass.

The Consequences of Pride and Rebellion
Babylon's fall serves as a warning against pride and rebellion against God. Nations and individuals must humble themselves before the Lord.

The Certainty of God's Word
God's pronouncements, as seen in Jeremiah's prophecy, are reliable and trustworthy. Believers can have confidence in the fulfillment of God's promises and warnings.

The Call to Repentance
While judgment is certain for those who oppose God, there is always an opportunity for repentance. This passage encourages self-examination and turning back to God.

The Hope of Restoration
Although Babylon is judged, God's ultimate plan includes restoration for His people. Believers can find hope in God's redemptive purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 51:62 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?

2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon serve as a warning for contemporary societies and individuals?

3. How can believers today find assurance in the certainty of God's Word as demonstrated in this passage?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not living in pride and rebellion against God, as Babylon did?

5. How does the theme of judgment and restoration in Jeremiah 51:62 connect with the broader account of redemption in the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, highlighting the theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God.

Genesis 11
The Tower of Babel, where Babylon's roots are traced, represents humanity's pride and rebellion against God, setting the stage for its eventual judgment.
Evil Written in a BookD. Young
People
Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Babylonians, Jacob, Jeremiah, Maaseiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Neriah, Seraiah, Zedekiah
Places
Ararat, Babylon, Chaldea, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Leb-kamai, Zion
Topics
Age-during, Animal, Beast, Cattle, Cut, Desolate, Desolation, Destroy, Dwell, Dwelling, Forever, Hast, None, Nothing, O, Perpetual, Promised, Reading, Spoken, Therein, Unpeopled, Whether, Wilt
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 51:59-64

     4215   Babylon

Library
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 14.) Differently to be admonished are those who fear scourges, and on that account live innocently, and those who have grown so hard in wickedness as not to be corrected even by scourges. For those who fear scourges are to be told by no means to desire temporal goods as being of great account, seeing that bad men also have them, and by no means to shun present evils as intolerable, seeing they are not ignorant how for the most part good men also are touched by them. They are to be admonished
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14).
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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