ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Jeremiah 51

Jer. 51:1 Leb-kamai is a code name for Chaldea (Babylon; see esv footnote). It may simply refer to Babylon as God’s enemy because the nation opposed God (50:24).

Jer. 51:2 Just as God winnowed Judah (15:7), so he will winnow Babylon . . . on the day of trouble (see 2:28).

Jer. 51:5 Despite all the judgments that God has sent on Judah and Israel, he has not . . . forsaken them, for he will unite them (3:6–18) and give them a new covenant (31:31–40).

Jer. 51:7 golden cup. A metaphor for Babylon’s wealth (v. 13) and role as God’s instrument of judgment (25:15–26).

Jer. 51:9 We. Perhaps Babylon’s allies. would have healed Babylon. Would have come to her aid, but such attempts would be pointless because her sins have reached up to heaven, where God sees and judges.

Jer. 51:11 Medes. See Isa. 13:17–18. Cyrus incorporated the Medes into the Persian Empire in 550 b.c. vengeance for his temple. See Jer. 50:28.

Jer. 51:12 standard. Signal. See 4:6 and Isa. 13:2. watchmen. Persons charged with making certain that Babylon has not figured out the invader’s plan. ambushes. Intended to catch Babylon unaware as soldiers leave the city.

Jer. 51:14 sworn by himself. The highest name and authority (Isa. 45:23; 62:8; Amos 6:8; Heb. 6:13).

Jer. 51:15–19 Stated also in 10:12–16. God alone created and rules the earth. Israel forgot this and was judged; Babylon has ignored this and will be judged (Dan. 5:13–30).

Jer. 51:20–23 In the past Babylon was God’s hammer, or instrument of judgment (50:23). Now a new nation will play that role as Babylon becomes like the nations it defeated.

Jer. 51:25 As in Dan. 2:35, 44–45, Babylon is compared to a great mountain that once destroyed others but will now be destroyed. A volcano may be the basis for the metaphor, but the exact meaning is uncertain.

Jer. 51:31–32 Several messengers tell Babylon’s king the same news: the city is surrounded, the water escape routes are cut off, and the places of hiding (marshes) have been torched. No wonder the soldiers are in panic.

Jer. 51:34–35 like a monster. Though Nebuchadnezzar was sent by God against Jerusalem (27:1–15), he was unnecessarily violent and brutal in how he treated Judah (50:17–18; 51:11; 24).

Jer. 51:36 plead your cause. See 50:33–34. dry up her sea. Cut off her fertility. See 51:13.

Jer. 51:44 Bel. See note on 50:1–2. what he has swallowed. Babylon believed that its god gave its victories, but he has no power to help in its time of need. wall. The tops of Babylon’s walls were wide enough for several chariots to travel side by side.

Jer. 51:48 All of creation will sing for joy when Babylon, the great destroyer, falls.

Jer. 51:49 Babylon made other nations drink the cup of God’s wrath (25:15–25), and soon Babylon will drink the same cup (25:26).

Jer. 51:50 Remember the Lord. Israel must recall and renew its covenant with God (2:2–3; 31:31–40). The Israelites should let Jerusalem enter their thoughts and draw them home.

Jer. 51:57 make drunk. See 25:15–29; 51:38–40. the King. God, not human monarchs like Nebuchadnezzar, rules the universe (46:18).

Jer. 51:58 broad wall of Babylon. See note on v. 44. high gates. Babylon’s walls and gates were for defensive purposes, but they could not protect her in the end (v. 53). peoples labor for nothing. Humans work hard to build great cities to make names for themselves, but God rules history (45:1–5; Hab. 2:12–14).

Jer. 51:59 Seraiah the son of Neriah. Probably Baruch’s brother (32:12). went with Zedekiah. Apparently Zedekiah was summoned to Babylon to explain his questionable behavior (27:1–15). fourth year. 594–593 b.c. quartermaster. Responsible for the king’s travel arrangements.

Jer. 51:60–62 Jeremiah wrote in a book all these words concerning Babylon (most likely 50:2–51:58). read all these words. Apparently Seraiah was sent to deliver this message, as Baruch was sent in 36:1–8.

Jer. 51:63–64 Jeremiah’s final symbolic act (see 13:1–14; 16:1–9; 19:1–15; etc.) fulfills his initial call to be a prophet to the nations (1:5). Thus far are the words of Jeremiah indicates Jeremiah’s last words either in the whole book or in the scroll composed in 594–593 b.c.