Jeremiah 51:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חוֹמֹ֨ת

H2346

upon the walls

a wall of protection

בָבֶֽל׃

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

שְׂאוּ

H5375

Set up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נֵ֗ס

H5251

the standard

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

הַחֲזִ֙יקוּ֙

H2388

strong

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

הַמִּשְׁמָ֔ר

H4929

make the watch

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

הָקִ֙ימוּ֙

H6965

set up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שֹֽׁמְרִ֔ים

H8104

the watchmen

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#10

הָכִ֖ינוּ

H3559

prepare

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#11

הָאֹֽרְבִ֑ים

H693

the ambushes

to lurk

#12

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#14

זָמַ֣ם

H2161

hath both devised

to plan, usually in a bad sense

#15

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#17

עָשָׂ֕ה

H6213

and done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#18

אֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

דִּבֶּ֖ר

H1696

that which he spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#21

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י

H3427

against the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#23

בָבֶֽל׃

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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