Jeremiah 51:64
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Jeremiah 51:64
64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 51 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, wisdom, love. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-64: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 51:64
64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Analysis
And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her (וְאָמַרְתָּ כָּכָה תִּשְׁקַע בָּבֶל וְלֹא־תָקוּם מִפְּנֵי הָרָעָה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מֵבִיא עָלֶיהָ, v'amarta kakhah tishqa Bavel v'lo-taqum mippnei hara'ah asher anokhi mevi aleha)—The interpretive key: 'Thus shall Babylon sink.' The scroll's sinking illustrates the empire's sinking. Shaq'a (sink) suggests drowning, being overwhelmed. The negation 'shall not rise' indicates no recovery, no resurrection. The ra'ah (evil/calamity) comes from God personally (anokhi, emphatic 'I').
And they shall be weary (וְיָעֵפוּ, v'yaefu)—Babylon's defenders will be exhausted, unable to resist. This word closes the oracle section. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah (עַד־הֵנָּה דִּבְרֵי יִרְמְיָהוּ, ad-hennah divrei Yirmeyahu)—Colophon marking the end of Jeremiah's prophetic oracles proper. Chapter 52 (historical appendix) follows, but the prophetic word concludes here—appropriately, with Babylon's sinking. From Genesis 11's Babel to Jeremiah 51's Babylon to Revelation 18's eschatological Babylon, the arc of judgment on human pride and autonomy is complete. Christ alone rises from death; all other kingdoms sink.
Historical Context
This colophon indicates chapter 52 was added later as historical verification. Jeremiah's oracles concluded with Babylon's doom—everything after is denouement. The scroll's sinking in Euphrates occurred around 593 BC; Babylon's fall came 539 BC—54 years later. Faith sustained God's people through the waiting.
Reflection
- What does Babylon's 'sinking' and inability to 'rise' reveal about the finality of God's judgments on rebellious powers?
- How does the colophon ('Thus far are the words of Jeremiah') function literarily and theologically?
- In what ways does Babylon's fall from Genesis 11 to Revelation 18 frame the biblical narrative of human rebellion and divine justice?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References Babylon: Jeremiah 51:58, Revelation 18:21
- Word: Job 31:40
- Parallel theme: Psalms 72:20