CHAP. L. 4 In those days, and in that time, Prophecies against Babylon, for all her idolatries and iniquities, saith the Lord, the children of Israel but particularly for her oppression of God's people, 1-3; 917; 21-32; 35-46: intermixed with many and great mercies shall come, they and the children of Judah
to Israel, 4-8; 18-20; 33, 34.
together, going and weeping: they shall the go, and seek the LORD their God.
Tagainst Babylon, and against HE word that the LORD spake land of the Chaldeans, by *Jeremiah the
prophet.
2 Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard: publish, and conceal not; say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, & Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.
3 For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.
a 25:26,27. 27:7. 51:1, &c. Ps. 137:8,9. Is. 13:1-3. 14:4. 21: 1-10. 47: Hab. 2:5-20. Rev. 18:
b Gen. 11:31. Job 1:17. Is. 23: 13. Acts 7:4.
c 2 Sam. 23:2. 2 Pet. 1:21. * Heb. the hand of Jeremiah. d 6:18. 31:10. 46:14. Ps. 64:9. 96:3. Is. 12:4. 43:6. 66:18,19. Rev. 14:6-8.
† Heb. lift up. Is. 13:2.
e 51:8. Is. 21:9. Rev. 14:8. 18:2.
f 51:44. Is. 46:1.
g 52:31. 1s. 39:1.
h 47. See on 43:12,13.-1s. 37: 19. Zeph. 2:11.
i 9,41. 51:11,27,48. Is. 13:5,17. k 12,13,35-40. 51:8,9,25,26,37 -14,62. Is. 13:6-10,19-22. 14:22-24. Rev. 18:21-23. 1 7:20. 21:6, Gen. 6:7. Ex. 12:12. Ez. 14:13-21. Zeph. 1:3.
needs not the powerful of the earth to execute his vengeance when his purposes are to be fulfilled, the feeblest instrument may prevail against the most potent of his enemies; and the earth shall be moved at the sound of their fall, whilst their "hearts melt, as the heart of a woman in her pangs."
V. 23-39.
Divine judgments continually go round from nation to nation: dismal tidings are heard: the earth is full of commotion, and cannot be quiet: admired and joyous cities are desolated, and their splendid palaces are consumed: and those who dwell in tents, and have neither gates nor bars, cannot escape the rapacity of the executioners of divine vengeance. In all these events, the righteousness of God should be observed, amidst the violence and injustice of men. He "sits on his throne judging right:"| by his judgments he shews his own holiness and the evil of sin, and gives an earnest of the day of future righteous retribution. He thus
5 They shall ask the way to Zion
with their faces thitherward, saying , Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord sin a perpetual covenant, that shall not be
forgotten,
6 My people hath been lost sheep: * their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they z have forgotten their
resting place.
m 20. 3:16-18. 33:15. 51:47, 48. Is. 63:4.
n 19,20,33,34. 3:18. 23:6-8. 30:10,11. 31:6,7,31. 33:7. Is. 11:12,13. 14:1. Ez. 37:1622. 39:25. Hos. 1:11.
ο 31:9,10. Ezra 3:12,13. Ps. 126:4-6. Joel 2:12. Zech. 12:10. Jam. 4:9.
p 29:12-14. Ps. 105:4. Is. 45: 19. 55:6. Hos. 3:5. Zech. 8: 21-23.
q 6:16. Ps. 25:8,9. Is. 35:8. John 7:17.
r 31:31-56. Is. 2:3-5. 4:1,2.
Mic.
s 32:40. Gen. 17:7. 2 Sam. 23: 5. Is. 55:3. 56:6,7.
t 32:40. 1 Kings 19:10,14. Heb. 8:6-10.
u 17. Ps. 119:176. Is. 53:6. Matt. 9:36. 10:6. 15:24. 18:11 -13. Luke 15:4-7. 1 Pet. 2:25.
x 10:21. 23:11-15. Is. 56:10 12. Ez. 34:4-12. Zech. 11: 4-9.
y 2:20. 3:6,23. Ez. 34:6. z 2:32. Ps. 32:7. 90:1. 91:1. 116:7. Is. 30:15. 32:2.
Heb. place to lie down in. Ps. 23:2. Ez. 34:14,25-28.
-57. Is . 47:6. 49:24-26.) - 'This follows the 'rest of the prophecies against th against the neighbor'ing countries, according to the method of 'God's judgments laid down before; (25:12,13.) 'where the prophet declares, that after Neb'uchadnezzar and his successors had fulfilled 'God's purposes, in being executioners of his 'vengeance upon other countries; they them'selves should drink of the same cup. The 'prophecy has a farther aspect on that mystical Babylon, mentioned in Revelation, and many 'expressions of it are applied by St. John to 'the downfal of Antichrist. Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes, &c. Is . 13: 14: 21: 26: 47: Rev. 14:-19:)- By , &c.] "By the ministry of Jeremiah." Old Version.
V. 2, 3. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes, Is. 13:19-22. 14:21-23. 21:6-9. 39:1. 46:1,2. Zeph . 2:11. Rev. 14:8. 17:1-5. 18:1-3.) The ruin of Babylon was here predicted, as if it had already taken place. Notice was particularly taken of the destruction of the idols of Bab
calls sinners to repentance; he confirms theylon: for that city was renowned for her idols
faith and hope of his people, and warns them not to abuse his mercy: and they learn not to fear any purposes of man against them, when they can rejoice in the assurance, that "the LORD of hosts is with them, the God of Jacob is their Refuge;" and to expect, that by all these convulsions and revolutions, way will be made for the more complete establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom, "in the latter days," when peace, holiness, and truth shall fill the whole earth.
NOTES.
CHAP. L. V. 1. ( Notes , 25:12-36. 51:6164.) The Chaldeans had been employed as the scourge of God against all the surrounding nations: but it was his purpose, that they should be made a still more tremendous example of the power of his wrath, and the truth of his word. Their crimes were more enormous than those of the other nations: and they were the most grievous oppressors which Israel had then ever had. ( Notes , 51:33-37 Deut . 28:49
and the immense treasures dedicated to them; and the Persians destroyed all images wherever they came, and plundered all the treasures contained in their temples: for they worshipped the sun under the emblem of fire; or, as some think, an invisible supreme God, under the external symbols of fire and of the sun.Chaldea lay more towards the north than Judea; but the Medes and Persians came from the north of Chaldea. The Pagan Roman empire was subverted by the northern nations: and probably the ruin of the antichristian powers will come upon them from the same quarter. The destruction of Babylon, which was begun by the Medes and Persians, became at length so entire, that it has for ages been uninhabited by man, and deserted by every useful animal. This prophecy was delivered when Babylon was rapidly becoming more and more powerful and prosperous.
V. 4-6. The restoration of the Jews, and of many Israelites with them, to their own land, was closely connected with the subversion of
1 Is. 33:4,23. 45:3. Rev. 17:16. m Prov. 17:5. Lam. 1:21. 2:15, 16. 1:21,22. Ez. 25:3-8,15 -17. 26:2,3. Ob. 12.
n 17. 51:34,35. Ps. 74:2-8. 79:1-4. 83:1-5. Is. 10:6,7. 47:6. Zech. 2:8,9. 14:1-3,12. ο 27. 46:21. Deut. 32:15. Ps. 22:12. Hos. 10:11. Am. 4:1. ↑ Heb. big , or, corpulent. 5:
28.
Or, neigh as steeds. 5:8.
p 49:2. Gal. 4:26. Rev. 17:5. q 25:26. Is. 23:13.
r 35-40. 25:12. 51:25,26,43,62 -64. Is. 13:20-22. 14:22. Rev. 18:21-23.
s 18:16. 19:8. 49:17. 51:37. Job 27:23. Is. 14:4-17. Lam. 2 15,16. Hab. 2:6,&c. Zeph. 2:15.
the Babylonish monarchy: and the more exten- petual covenant , &c.] The original words are
the same, as are elsewhere translated "an everlasting covenant." ( Notes , 32:39-41. Ex . 19: 5.2 Sam . 23:5. Is . 55:1-3.)
sive promulgation of Christianity, attended with the conversion of the Jews, will be as intimately connected with the ruin of the New Testament Babylon: but some think that the future conversion of the Jews, and their restoration to their own land are also predicted, to which the mention of Israel, with Judah, gives much support. The people are repre-ed that they did not offend by destroying them.
V. 7,8. ( Notes , 11. 12:7-13. 40:2,3. Ps . 71: 10,11. Is . 47:6. Lam . 4:13-16. Zech . 11:4-6.) The Chaldeans, having heard that the Lord was punishing the Jews for their sins, suppos
sented, as convinced of their guilt, their duty, and their true interest: so that, weeping for their former sins and for joy on account of their happy deliverance, they go "to seek the LORD their God:" they determine to leave Babylon and return to Zion, according to the liberty given them by Cyrus. ( Marg . Ref . m-p. -Notes, 31:8,9.
Ezra 1: Is . 43:5-7. 45:12,13. 48:20-22.) Being unacquainted with the road, they inquire about it, as travellers who have turned their faces in that direction, being already set out and determined to proceed: and they invite their brethren to go with them, and encourage each other to go forward; that on mount Zion they may "join themselves to the LORD," and renew their acceptance and confirmation of his covenant, which was perpetually in force and obligatory: that (as fully persuaded he would not fail to perform n it with them,) they might engage themselves not to forget to walk with him according to it. ( Marg .
Ref . q. s.) The covenant entered into by Josiah and the people, which was speedily forgotten and violated, may be referred to. ( Note , 2 Kings 23:3.)-Then the Lord mercifully considers the former sufferings of his people. Their rulers and teachers, who should have fed and attended them as the flock of God, had occasioned their dispersion, by seducing them to idolatry. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . t-z.Notes, 5:30,31. 23:13-15. Is . 9:13-17. Ez . 22: 'ecutors of God's judgments on the Jews; yet
They allowed, that JEHOVAH had in former times been "the Habitation of justice," the sure Protector of the righteous, and "the Hope of the fathers" of the Jews; ( Note , 31:23-26.) but they thought that he would not defend such wicked persons, or punish those who spoiled and murdered them: as if they had been free from sin; or as if they had sought the glory of God, or acted in obedience to his commandment, and in support of his righteousness, when they fought against that nation!
But as the Lord had now taken vengeance on these oppressors of his people, the Jews were ordered to leave Babylon; and the leading men to go before others, as the he-goats before the flock, without fearing any obstruction or opposition. 'Let every one strive to lead the way to others, and give them an example of 'speedily obeying God's call, without shewing she 'any fondness for the place, or the idolatries 'there practised.' Lowth . (Notes, 4-6. 51:6. Num . 16:26. Is . 51:1-3, v . 3,9-11, v . 11. Zech . 2:6-9.)- He - goats . (8) Note, Prov . 30:29--31.
25-31.)-They have turned them aside from the right worship of God at Jerusalem; to sacrifice to idols on mountains and high places.' Lowth . Thus they were exposed, as lost sheep, to be devoured by their enemies, who were like wolves and lions: and they had not thought of re returning to their resting-place, to God and to his worship.
Come, &c. (5) Note, Is. 2:2-5.- "They shall come, and shall join themselves," ," &c. Blayney . This seems the inore literal translation. A per VOL. IV.
V. 9, 10. Marg . Ref. Notes, 41,42. 51:27, 28. Is . 13:1-5. 21:1-5.- Satisfied . (10.) They shall be enriched by the plunder, and have as much as they can desire. -The treasures, accumulated at Babylon, were immensely great. ( Note , Is . 45:1-6.)
V. 11. Though the Chaldeans were the exthe punished them for what they did by his ap'pointment: because they were carried on purely by their own ambition and covetous'ness, though Providence directed their cruel'ties and oppressions to the fulfilling its own 'ends and purposes.' rposes.' Lowth . ( Notes , Is . 10:715. Hos . 1:4,5.) 5.) They insulted over the miseries of the Jews, and in their success against the worshippers of JEHOVAH; and they were become exceedingly prosperous and insolent. "A heifer that treadeth." Blayney. ( Note , Hos . [417 Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.
14 Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that "bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows; * for she hath sinned against the LORD.
15 Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: a her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; cas she hath done, do unto her.
16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his
own land.
10:9-11.)- Bellow , &c.] "Neigh as steeds." Marg. Note, 5:7-9.
V. 12, 13. Babylon was the mother-city, or metropolis, of the Chaldean empire.
This was the greatest monarchy on earth at that time: (Notes, Dan . 2:38. 4:20-26.5:18-24.) yet the prophet called the Chaldeans "the hindermost of the nations," either because of their wickedness, or in the prospect of the abject state to which they would be reduced; or perhaps as drinking last of the cup of vengeance, which he had been directed to send to the nations. ( Note , 25:26.) The words may mean, "She shall be the hindermost of the nations, a wilderness, &c." Isaiah predicted, that "Babylon should be pools of water;" ( Note , Is . 14:21-23.) yet here it is foretold, that she should be "a dry land and a desert." At first, the overflowing of the Euphrates reduced the adjacent country to a fen or marsh: but there is some ground to think, that in process of ages, and by the changes thus gradually produced, Jeremiah's prediction tion also was literally literally fulfilled; as well as in the entire desolations of the city. ( Marg .
Ref . Notes , 51:61-64. Is . 13:19-22.34:9-15.
17 Israel is a scattered sheep, the lions have driven him away: "first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.
18 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.
19 And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.
209 In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be
f 6. 23:1,2. Ez. 34:5,6,12. Joel 3:2. Matt. 9:36-38. Luke 15:4-6. John 10:10-12. 1 Pet. 2:25.
g 2:15. 5:6. 49:19. 51:38. h 2 Kings 15:29. 17:6,&c. 18:9 -13. 2 Chr. 28:20. 32:1, &c. 33:11. Is. 7:17-20. 8:7,8. 10: 5-7.36:37:
39: 51:34,35. 52:1. 2 Kings 24: 25: 2 Chr. 36: Is. 47:6. Dan. 6:24.
k Is. 37:36-38. Ez. 31:3-17. Nah. 1-3: Zeph. 2:13-15.
14,5. S:18. 23:3. 24:6,7. 30:10 18. 31:8-10. 32:37.33:7-12 Ez. 11:17. 34:13,14. 36:24,33. 37:21,22. 98:8.39:25-29. Am. 9:14,15. Ob. 17-21.
m Is. 33:9. 35:2. Mic. 7:14. n See on 31-14,25.
ο 31:6. Josh. 17:15.
p Num. 32:1. Ob. 19. q See on 4. 33:15.
31:34. Num. 23:21. Is. 11:1, 2. 43:25. 44:22. Mic. 7:19. Acts 3:19,26. Rom. 8:33,34. Heb. 8:10-12. 10:17,18.
Chr. 29:24. marg. Lam. 5:6.)- Foundations .] The word occurs no where else. Probably, it means battlements . Though Cyrus did not destroy the walls of Babylon: yet he began to execute that vengeance of God, which continued to be inflicted, till her battlements, walls, and foundations, were totally destroyed. ( Marg . Ref .) - As she , &c.] Marg . Ref . c.-Notes, 28, 29. Ps . 137:7-9. 149:7-9. Rev. 16:3-7.19:1 -6.
V. 16. 'Babylon was more like a country 'walled in, than a city; her walls being sixty 'miles in compass according to Herodotus; for'ty-eight according to Strabo. ... Within this 'circuit, circuit, a a great deal of ground was taken up in 'corn-fields; so that they had corn enough growing within the walls to maintain a siege, 'as Q. Curtius asserts.' Lowth . The slaughter of the husbandmen, therefore, and the consequent neglect of agr agriculture, would increase the miseries of the inhabitants, and hasten the ruin of the city. The reader must recollect, - that not only the taking of Babylon by by Cyrus, but all the subsequent sieges and calamities of that city, terminating in her utter deso
Hab . 2:4-18. Zeph. 2:13-15. Rev. 18:21-lation, are here predicted.- For fear .] This
24.)
Inhabited. (13) "Re-established." Blayney. 'That is, rebuilt : for that seems the meaning of the original word, as used in this connexion. -Jerusalem would be rebuilt, but Babylon never would. ( Note , Rev. 20:4-6.)
V. 14. Sinned . She hath been, in a remark'able manner, an enemy to God's truth and 'people. This may be especially applied to the 'mystical Babylon.' Lowth . - "Though the Lord 'called the Babylonians his servants, and their 'work his work; yet because they did it not to 'glorify God, but for their own malice, and to 'profit themselves, it is here called sin.' ( Notes , 1,7,8,11.)
is spoken of the allies and hired soldiers of Babylon. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 46:16,17. 51:9. Is . 13:13-15. Rev. 18:9,10.)
V. 17. Marg . Ref . Notes , 4-6. 2 Kings 17: 18:13-16. 19:17-19. 25: -Broken , &c.] Or, "gnawed his bones." ( Note , Zeph. 3:1-4.)
V. 18. Either the destruction of Sennacherib's army, and his death by the hand of his sons; or the destruction of Nineveh, as foretold by Nahum and Zephaniah, is here referred to. ( Marg . Ref . - Nah . 1:9-14. 2:3: Zeph . 2:13— 15.)
V. 19. 'These promises of grace and favor to 'the Jewish nation, are chiefly to be understood 'of the general restoration, after the downV. 15. Given , &c.] Either, in entering into 'fal of the anti-christian empire.' Lowth . ( Marg . a confederacy with other nations to defend Ref .-- Notes , 4--6. 32:42--44. Ez . 34:23--31. 37:24--28. 39:23--39. Ob. 17-21. Mic . 7:1417.)
herself against the predicted vengeance; or rather, in surrendering to the conqueror. (1
found: for I will pardon them whom I re- || mory, and hath brought forth the weapons
serve .
22 A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction .
23 How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!
24 I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the LORD.
25 The LORD hath opened his ar
s 44:14. Mic. 7:19. Rom. 11: 6,26,27.
t See on 3,9,15.
*Or, the rebels.
†Or, visitation. Ez. 23:23. u 34:22. Num. 31:14-18. 1 Sam. 15:3,11-24. 2 Chr. 36: 23. Is. 10:6.
x 4:19-21.51:54-56. Is. 21:2
-4.
y 51:20-24. Is. 14:4-6,12- 17. Rev. 18:16-19.
z 51:31-39,57. Is. 21:3-5. Dan. 5:30,31. Rev. 18:7,8. a Ex. 10:3. Job 9:4. 40:2,9. Is. 13:11. 45:9. 2 Thes. 2:4. b 35-38. 51:11,20. Is. 13:2-5, 17,18. 21:7-9.
V. 20. The Jews never relapsed, after the captivity, into those idolatries, which had before been their great national offence, and had exposed them to these extreme sufferings. This and their other national sins were repented of, pardoned, and blotted out; so that they could no more be found. But the words can be applied in their full meaning to none but true believers, the spiritual Israel, all the sins of whom are "buried in the depth of the sea," so that none can lay any thing to their charge, or find any unpardoned or unmortified sin in them.
The passage implies a prediction of the future conversion of Israel and Judah to Christ, and their full participation of all the blessings of his gospel.-In all the judg'ments God brings upon his people, he prom'ises to reserve a remnant. (44:14. Is . 1:9.)-St. "Paul calls it "a remnant according to the elec'tion of grace."" Lowth . (Marg. Ref . Notes , 31:33:6-9. Is . 59:20,21. 65:8-10. Am . 9:7-10, v . 9. Matt . 24:21,22. Rom . 11:1-6,11-32.)
V. 21. "Merathaim" signifies rebels , and "Pe kod ," visitation . ( Marg .) But Pekod is spoken of, as the name of a country or city belonging to Babylon; ( Ez . 23:23.) and it is probable, Merathaim was the same. The names, however, seem to have been selected, because of their signification. The time of visitation on -the rebels is come.
After them.] Or, "their posterity." ( Note , Is . 14 :21-23.)- According , &c.] 'Those persons, 'whom God raises up to fulfil the decrees of 'his Providence, are said to perform his com'mands. (34:22. Is . 10:6.)' Lowth . (Notes, Ez ra 1:1-4. Is . 10:56. 13:2—5. 41:25. 45:1–6.)
V. 22, 23. Marg . Ref . Hammer . (23) "That oppressive empire, which "smote the nations 'with a continual stroke." ( Is . 14:6.)' Lowth. Babylon had been used as a hammer to break in pieces the nations, in all that part of the earth; and was found too hard and heavy to be resisted by them: but this hammer would soon be broken in pieces by the Medes and Persians, to the astonishment of all the surrounding countries. ( Notes , 51:20-24. Is . 14: 3-6,12-15.)
of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord God of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.
26 Come dagainst her from the utmost border, open her storehouses; cast her up as heaps, and destroy her utterly: let nothing of her be left.
27 Slay all her & bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.
28 The voice of them that flee, and escape out of the land of Babylon * to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.
29 Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp
c See on 15.-51:12,25,55. Is.g 11. 46:21. Ps. 22:12. Is. 34: 14:22-24. 46:10,11, 48:14,15. 7. Ez. 39:17-20. Rev. 19: Am. 3:6, 18:8. 17,18.
d 41. 51:27,28, Is. 5:26. Heb. the end.
e 10. 51:44. Is. 45:3.
Or, tread her. Is. 10:6. 25: 10. 63:3,4. Mic. 7:10. Rev. 14:19,20. 19:15.
f 13,15,23. 51:25,26,64. Is. 14: 23. Rev. 18:21-24.
h 31. 27:7. See on 48:44. Ps. 37:13. Lam. 1:21. Ez. 7:57. Rev. 16:17-19. 18:10.
1 51:50,51. Is. 48:20.
k 15. 51:10,11. Ps. 149:6-9. Dan. 5:3-5,23. Zech. 12:2,3. 19,14,26.
V. 24. Cyrus took Babylon by surprise, when neither the king, nor the inhabitants, had the least expectation of such an event. His stratagem was successful, because God was pleased in this manner to shew, how vain, and how fatal, it is to strive against him. ( Marg . Ref . -Notes , 38. 51:38-40. Is . 21:3-5. Dan . 5:14,30,31. Rev. 18:4-8.)
V. 25. God hath raised up enemies to sub'due the Chaldeans, Cyrus and his confede'rates, and hath furnished them with all neces'sary provision for such an undertaking.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Note , 51:11.)
V. 26. Marg . Ref . -Note , 51:31,32.- Heaps .] 'The marginal reading is to be preferred, "Tread her as heaps;" that is, as corn is trod'den down when it is threshed.' Lowth . ( Note , Rev. 14:14—20.)
V. 27. Bullocks , &c.] The princes of Babylon had been living in prosperity, and growing fat as bullocks: (11) and they would very soon be led forth to the slaughter, continuing insensible of their danger to the last. Cyrus took Babylon, when they were all engaged in feasting and riot. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 51:3840. Is . 34:3-7. Ez . 39:17-20.)- Their day , &c.] Marg . Ref . h.
V. 28. The Jews, when liberated by Cyrus, returned to Jerusalem, and there celebrated the praises of God in fulfilling his word against Babylon: and from time to time, as further desolations were there made, many Jews, fleeing from that city and its neighborhood, doubtless carried the report to their brethren in Judea. ( Notes , 51:50,51,61-64.)
The vengeance, &c.] The Chaldeans were guilty of the greatest impiety, in destroying the temple of God; as well as of cruelty and oppression upon the Jews. (7) Belshazzar was profaning the vessels of the temple in the most daring and impious manner, when the handwriting announced his destruction: ( Notes , Dan . 5:1--4,18-24.) and the ruin of the Chaldeans was the vengeance of God's temple, and the punishment of their enmity against him and his people. ( Notes , Ps . 74:3-6. 79:1-7. Lam. 2:15,16. Zech . 12:2--5.)
against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done do unto her; for she hath been proud against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel.
30 Therefore shall her young men fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the
LORD.
31 Behold, I am against thee, thou * most proud, saith the Lord God of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.
35 TA dsword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the Lord, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise men.
36 A sword is & upon the liars, and they shall dote: a sword is upon ther mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.
37 A sword is upon their horses, and Oupon their chariots, and upon 1 all the mingled people that are in the midst of her, and they shall become m as women: a sword is upon her treasures, and they shall be robbed.
32 And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and "none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.
33 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel, and the children of Judah were oppressed together; and all that took them captives held them fast; * they refused to let them go.
34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may
m See on 15. Ps. 137:8,9. Rev. 16:6. 18:6.
n 24,32. Ex. 10:3. Is. 14:13,14. 37:23. Dan. 4:37. 5:23. 11:36. 2 Thes. 2:4. Rev. 13:5,6.
• 9:21. 18:21. 48:15. 49:26. 51:3,4. Is. 13:15-18.
p 36. 51:56,57. Rev. 6:15. 19:18. 9 21:13. 51:25. Ez. 5:8. 29:3,9, 10. 38:3. 39:1. Nah. 2:13. 3:5. 29,32. 48:29. 49:16. Job 40: 11,12. Dan. 4:30,31. Hab. 2:4, 5. Jam. 4:6. 1 Pet. 5:5.
-15. 14:13-15. Ez. 28:2-9. Dan. 5:20,23-30.
u 51:26,64. Rev. 18:21.
x 21:14. 49:27. Deut. 32:22. Am. 1:4,7,10,12,14, 2:2,5.
y 7,17,18. 51:34-36. Is. 14:17. 47:6. 49:24-26. 51:23. 52:4- 6. Zech. 1:15,16,
z 34:15-18. F.x. 5:2. 8:2, 9:2, 3,17,18. Is. 14:17. 58:6.
a Ex. 6:6. Prov. 23:11. Is. 41: 14. 43:14. 44:6,23,24. 47:4. 54: 5. Mic. 4:10. Rev. 18:8.
b 51:36. Ps. 35:1. 43:1. Prov. 22:23. Mic. 7:9.
c Is. 14:3-7.2 Thes. 1:6,7. Rev. 19:1-3.
V. 29. Marg . Ref . Notes , 9-11,14,15,21,31. 2 Thes . 1:5-10, v . 6. Rev. 18:4–8,20. -The ar chers.[ רבים. The multitudes , or the commanders . -Let none thereof escape .] Μη εστω αυτης ανασωζομενος. Sept.
V. 30. Gadatas and Gobryas, two of Cyrus's captains, when they had entered Babylon, marched, with the troops under their command, directly to the palace; and killing all whom they met, became masters of it, and slew Belshazzar also. Xenophon. ( Marg . Ref . -Note , 24.)
38 Adrought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.
39 Therefore the wild beasts of the desert, with the wild beasts of the islands, shall dwell there , and the owls shall dwell therein; and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.
d 47:6. Lev. 26:25. Is. 66:16. Ez. 14:2. Hos. 11:6. Zech. 11: 17.
k 51:21. Ps. 20:7,8. 46:9. 76:6, Ez. 39:20. Nah. 2:2-4,13. Hag. 2:22.
e 27,30. 51:39,57. Is. 41:25. 125:20,24. Ez. 30:5. Dan. 5:1,2,30.
f 8:9. 10:7. Is. 19:11-13.29: 14. 44:25. 47:13,14. Dan. 5:7,8. g 48:30. Is. 44:25. 2 Thes. 2:9, 10. 1 Tim. 4:2. Rev. 19:20. 21:8. 22:15.
Or, chief stays. Heb. bars. Is. 43:14. marg .
h 2 Sam. 15 31. 17:14. 2 Chr. 25:16. Is. 47:10-15. 1 Tim. 6 :4.
i See on 30. 49:22.-51:23,30, 32. Nah. 2:8. 3:7,13,17,18.
m See on 48:41. -51:30. Is. 194
16. Nah. 3:13.
n 26. Is. 45:3.
o 12. 51:32-36. Is. 44:27. Rev. 16:12. 17:15,16.
p 2. 51:44,47,52. Is. 46:1-7. Dan. 3: 5:4. Hab. 2:18,19. Rev. 17:5.
q See on 51:7.-Is. 44:25. Acts 17:16.
r 12,13. 25:12. 51:26,37,38,43, 62-64. Is. 13:20-22. 14:23. 34:11-17. Rev. 18:2,21-24.
the worshippers of JEHOVAH. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Is . 14:16-20. 47:6. Dan . 4:27.)
V. 34. Marg . Ref . - Notes , 51:34-37. Prov. 23:10,11. Is . 47:4. 54:4,5. 2 Thes . 1:5-10, νο 5,6. Rev. 18:4-8,20.
V. 35. Princes , &c.] Most of these were slain with Belshazzar, when Babylon was taken.-'The Chaldeans were famous for their skill in 'astrology, and other arts of divination; and 'yet the learned in these sciences were not able 'to foresee or prevent the dangers coming on 'themselves.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Is . 47 : 12-15 . Dan . 5: 5-9 .)
V. 31. "I am against thee, O proud one." Blayney.-Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, is especially meant.-Nebuchadnezzar had hum-ers mad." ( Notes , 35. Is . 44:25-28.) bled himself before God, but Belshazzar continued to magnify himself against him; till the hand-writing on the wall declared that his day was come, &c. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Dan . 5 : 18-24 .)
V. 36. Marg . Ref .- Liars .] "He frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh the divin
V. 32. Marg . and Marg . Ref .-I will kindle , &c.] 'This may be meant of the destructions 'made in the Babylonian territories, in the sev'eral expeditions Cyrus undertook against that 'monarchy, during the space of twenty years 'before the taking of Babylon.' Lowth. ( Note , Dan . 5 : 1-4 .)
V. 33. The kings of nearly the same territories oppressed both Israel and Judah. The kings of Babylon, having succeeded to those of Assyria, imitated them in cruelly oppressing 420]
V. 37. Marg . Ref . -Treasures .] 'They shall 'be a prey to such as come sword in hand to 'rifle thein. As Solon said to Cræsus, who, by 'way of ostentation, shewed him his treasures: "Sir, if any one come that has better iron than you, he will be master of all your gold.' Lowth . ( Notes , 51:34--37. Is . 45:1-6.)
V. 38. Babylon was taken by means of the draining of the channel of the Euphrates, through through which Cyrus marched his army into the heart of the city; at the very time when Belshazzar and his princes, his wives and his concubines, were madly insulting the God of heaven, and celebrating the praises of their idols. ( Notes , 51:7,31,32,47,52,53. Dan . 5:1-4, 18--31. Rev. 17:1--5.)
41 Behold, ta people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance; they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they 2 shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.
43 The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and bpangs as of a woman in travail.
V. 39, 40. ( Marg . Ref . See on Note , 49:17, 18. Notes , 12,13.51:61-64. Is . 13:19-22. 34:9 -15. Rev. 18:21-24.)
V. 41, 42. ( Marg . Ref . ) It is generally inferred, from this account of the cruelty, manifested by the Medes and Persians, that Xenophon's encomiums on Cyrus, for clemency , as well as other virtues, were rather a declaration of what he thought a great prince should be, than a just estimate of Cyrus's character. Yet the cruelties of his successors, the Medo-Persian kings, might be more directly intended in the prophecy. ( Notes , Ps . 137:7-9. Is . 13:17, 18.)- Roar , &c. (42) Marg . Ref . y. Is . 5:2630.
V. 43. Marg . Ref . Notes , 51:31,32. Is . 21:3 -5. Dan . 5:5-9.
V. 44, 45. ( Note , 49:19,20.) The same expressions, which were before used concerning the king of Babylon, as the executioner of the vengeance of God on Edom, are here used of Cyrus, as employed in a similar service against Babylon. ( Marg . and Marg . Marg . Ref .-- Notes , Is . 14: 24--27. 46:10,11. Dan . 4:34--37.)
V. 46. Notes , 49:21. 51:41,46--49. Is . 14:4-
23. Rev. 18:1--20.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-8.
44 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong; but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and d who is a chosen man , that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
45 Therefore shear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.
46 At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved and the cry is heard among the nations.
destruction as ancient Babylon was; and that all her idols will be broken, and her abominations buried in her ruins: for the Lord will cause his standard to be set up, and the instruments of his anger will be gathered together, to render "her land desolate, that none may dwell therein." ( Note , Rev. 18:21-24.) Then will immense multitudes learn to mourn for sin, and "to seek the LORD, and join themselves to him" according to his new and everlasting covenant: then will "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" be brought back into the fold of the good Shepherd, and stray no more.
In the mean time let us rejoice, that there is a remnant in every age, who seek him with weeping and supplication; especially, if conscious that we are of the number. They, who would find acceptance with him, must come to his mercyseat, through the heavenly Advocate.
If not acquainted with this "new and living Way" to Zion, they should inquir nquire after it, by by reading the word of God and praying for his Spirit; they should also attend the instructions and seek the counsel of pious ministers, and cultivate the acquaintance of nce of experienced Christians: above all, they all, they should "set their faces thitherward," and walk in the ways of God as far as they have learned them: for it is absurd and im impious to pretend to inquire the way to heaven, heaven, whilst men continue in that course of life, which they are conscious leads to hell. ( Notes , Is . 35:8-10.
John 7:14-17. Acts 10:1,2.)
The longer God delays his judgments, the heavier they will fall on those, who "treasure up wrath against the day" of righteous retribution. His servants must not hesitate to de--Those, who have acquired some knowledge
of the way, should be always ready to give instructions to inquirers. Nor ought we willingly to travel the road alone: nay, we should use every kind of argument, persuasion, and expostulation, in calling on others to attend us; and desire that both we and they may be
clare his threatenings to the most prosperous sinners, either from fear of their frown, hope of their favor, or even gratitude for their kindness. -The ruin of those, who have been the supporters of idolatry, superstition, infidelity, or impiety, is necessary in order to the revival of true religion, and the more general propaga-joined to the Lord, in the most intimate union, tion of Christianity: and the prophecies of as his redeemed servants and worshippers.
How earnest ought we to be in choosing and securing "that good part, which can never be taken from us!" For worldly possessions often render men a more desirable and satisfying spoil to the sons of rapine and violence: and those who were chief soon become "the hindermost," because of the wrath of the Lord. When he arises to render to sinners according to what they have done, accumulated miseries come upon them from every quarter; and every comfort and helper fails and vanishes.
Indeed the people of God seem to fall a defenceless prey to their foes; and one king or nation after another scatters them, as the lion does the helpless sheep: thus they devour and torment them; they break their bones on racks, burn them in fires, immure them in dungeons, or reduce them to cruel bondage, and refuse to let them go. But persecutors of every age and nation may read their certain doom, in what befel the Assyrians and Chaldeans of old for "the Redeemer of Israel is strong, the LORD of Hosts is his name, and he will through-Il
scripture may yield great comfort to the believer, in this view of them. It should not be concealed, but published to all the nations, that the great seat of anti-christian tyranny, idolatry, and superstition, and the grand persecutor of true Christians, is as certainly doomed to
If we be reconciled to him, according to the tenor of his new covenant, by faith in Christ, the blessings will be perpetually, yea, eternally secured to us: our God will never forget his own engagements; and we should continually beseech him not to leave us to forget the du
ties of our relation to him. Then we shall no more be as "lost sheep, who have forgotten our resting-place," and are exposed to the great devourer of souls; but we shall find rest and safety in God, “the Habitation of justice," and the Hope of all the generations of Israel. Nor will he leave us to those wretched shepherds, who cause their flocks to go astray by false doctrine and corrupt examples; or who suffer them to wander in ignorance and error, through sloth and negligence: but he will himself "feed us with knowledge and understanding." The sins of professed Christians do not excuse the enmity, injustice, and cruelty of those, who rejoice in destroying the heritage of God. He, who will not save his people in their sins, will never countenance the wickedness of his open enemies, who upbraid them with their crimes, and then commit still viler
abominations. We should avail ourselves of
opportunities given us of separating more entirely from ungodly persons, and idolatrous and corrupt professors of the gospel. Every one should be prompt in taking the lead, and setting the example, in such pious singularity; and they especially, whose office or rank gives them pre-eminence, should be as "the hegoats before the flocks," in every pious and zealous endeavor to do good. ( Notes , Tit . 3:8, 12-15.)
V. 9-46.
spare ye not her young men: destroy ye utterly all her host.
4 Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and they that are thrust through in her streets.
5 For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the Lord of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.
6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity;
for this is the time
1 16:18. 19:4. 28:15. 2 Kings 21:16. Ez. 8:17. 9:9. 22:24-31. Hos. 4:1,2. Zeph. 3:1-4.
m 9,45,50. 50:8,28. Is. 48:20. Zech. 2:6,7. Rev. 18:4.
n Gen. 19:15-17. Num. 16:26. Prov. 13:20. 1 Tim, 5:22.
ο 11. 27:7. 46:10. See on 50:15, 28,31. Deut. 32:35,41,43. Rev. 16:19. 18:5,6.
ly plead their cause," and give them rest, and feed them in his green pastures, and satisfy them with his abundant consolations. ( Note , Ps. 23:1-3.) He will "pardon those whom he reserves, " and for ever bury their sins in oblivion, and be propitious to his chosen remnant.-But his enemies, after having, perhaps, been employed as his hammer to dash in pieces their fellow criminals, will themselves be broken in pieces: they will be taken in a snare, when they least suspect it; their treasures will be robbed, and they led away as fatted bullocks for the slaughter: for it is the work of God, against whom they have dared to contend.
The vengeance of his broken law is terrible, and that of his despised or abused gospel still more so: but the vengeance of his temple, the punishment of those, who have used all their power to put down his worship and ex extirpate his people, is most tremendous; ( Note , Matt . 21:40-44.) and it will be far "more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them."-From the the judgments denounced against prosperous Babylon, and the mercies promised to afflicted Israel, we should learn to "choose affliction with the people of God," rather than "the pleasures of sin for a season." ( Note , Heb . 11:24-26.) And in the exact accomplishment, which has taken place of these ancient predictions; we may be encouraged to expect, with realizing faith, the performance of all the promises and prophecies of the sacred scriptures: for "heaven and earth shall pass away, but the words of our Lord shall not pass away." ( Note , Matt . 24: 32-35.)
NOTES.