Jeremiah 51:2

Analysis & Commentary

And will send unto Babylon fanners—the Hebrew zarim (זָרִים, foreigners, strangers) is a wordplay with zarah (זָרָה, to winnow, scatter). God sends 'foreign fanners' who will winnow Babylon like grain. That shall fan her, and shall empty her land—winnowing separates wheat from chaff; applied to Babylon, it means separating people from land, destroying the empire's coherence and prosperity.

For in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about—enemies encircle Babylon from all sides. The Medo-Persian coalition included diverse peoples—Medes, Persians, Elamites, and others—forming a comprehensive siege. The agricultural metaphor of winnowing conveys both judgment (separating valuable from worthless) and scattering (dispersion of population). Babylon scattered other nations; now she is scattered.

Historical Context

Cyrus's coalition included multiple ethnic groups—Persians, Medes, Elamites, and others—fulfilling the prophecy of 'fanners' from various origins. After conquering Babylon, the Persians did 'empty her land' by allowing conquered peoples (including Jews) to return to their homelands, depleting Babylon's captive workforce and diminishing its centrality. Subsequent revolts and Persian reprisals further depopulated and weakened Babylon. The winnowing was thorough—what was once history's greatest empire became an abandoned ruin.

Questions for Reflection

• What does the winnowing metaphor teach about God's judgment—both its discriminating nature and its scattering effect?
• How does Babylon's experience of being 'fanned' and 'emptied' after doing the same to others illustrate divine justice?
• What hope does this verse offer to scattered and oppressed peoples that God will reverse their oppressors' fortunes?