CHAP. LI. V. 1. Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes , 4:11-13. 50:1-3,28,29. Zech . 2:6-9.
V. 2. 'As the wind drives and scatters chaff 'in a threshing floor; so shall the Persian ar'mies make a perfect riddance of every thing 'that is valuable. Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . - Notes , 15:7. Is . 17:12-14.30:27,28. 41:15,16.)
V. 3. "He that bendeth his bow, shall bend it no more, nor exalt himself in his brigandine, &c." Thus some render the first clause. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 50:41,42.) V. 4. Note , Is . 13:13-15.
V. 5. "For Israel hath been no widow, &c." Old Version . Though Israel and Judah had been sharply corrected for the iniquities, with which they had filled the land; their enemies
of the Lord's vengeance; he will render || the shields: the LORD hath raised up the
unto her a recompense.
7 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.
8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; "take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.
9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for * her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
10 The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness; come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God.
11 a Make * bright the arrows; gather
p Is. 14:4. Dan. 2:32,38. Rev. | v 46:16,21. 17:4.
q See on 25:9,14-27. Dan. 3:1 -7. Hab. 2:15,16. Rev. 14:8. 17:2. 18:3,23. 19:2.
r 25:16. 50:38.
s 41:1,2. Is. 21:9. 47:9. Rev. 14:8. 18:2,8.
t See on 48.20,31.-Ez. 27:30 -32.30:2. Rev. 18:9,10,17-19. u 8:22. 30:12-15. 46:11. Nah. 3:19.
should
47:15.
50:16. Is. 13:14.
x 2 Chr. 28:9. Ezra 9:6. Dan. 4:20-22. Rev. 18:5.
y Ps. 37:6. Mic. 7:9,10.
z 31:6-9.50:28. Ps. 9:14. 102: 19-21.116:18,19. 126:1-3. Is. 40:2. 51:11. 52:9,10. Rev. 14: 1-3.19:1-6.
a 46:4,9. 50:9,14,25,29. Is. 21:5. * Heb. pure.
uld find, that they were not left as a friendless widow, to be oppressed with vith impunity. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Is . 47:7-10.54:4-10.)
V.6. The Jews were ordered to leave Babylon, when permission was given them, ( Note , Ezra 1:1-4.) as Lot left Sodom, lest they should be involved in her calamities, or corrupted by her idolatries. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 50-53. 50:7,8. Gen. 19:12-29. Zech. 2:6-9. Rev. 14:9-11. 18:4-8.)
V. 7. The great splendor and prosperity of Babylon are denoted by the term golden : as the extensive desolations, occasioned by the victorious arms of Nebuchadnezzar, and the idolatries, which he propagated, are represented by a cup in the hand of God, to intoxicate the nations and make them mad. ( Marg . Ref .- Notes , 25:15-17. Dan . 2:38. Hab . 2:58,15-17.) Babylon has recommended her 'idolatries to the world by several specious 'pretences, as well as by her authority and 'example: so that they have been like poison 'set off by a golden cup, which hath enticed 'men to drink without being aware of the 'danger; and all this by God's permission, in order to the accomplishing some great ends 'of his providence.... The sense of this verse is 'applied by St. John to spiritual Babylon, 'which has used the most plausible methods to 'disguise her idolatrous practices.' Lowth . (Notes, Rev. 14:8. 17:1-5. 18:1-3.)
V. 8. Marg. Ref . Notes , 50:24. Is . 47:7-15. -Take , &c.] 'This is spoken ironically, im'plying that her ruin is irrecoverable.' Lowth . ( Notes , 8:21,22. 46:11.)
V. 9. The allies of Babylon did what they could to prevent her ruin; but finding it in vain, they determined to shift for themselves: for they saw the hand of God lifted up against her; who determined that her judgment should be made manifest to all men, as those objects are most conspicuous which reach very high. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 46:16,17. 50:16.)
spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it, because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.
12 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.
13 O thou that & dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covet
ousness.
ans; and that theirs was indeed the true religion, and their cause righteous as far as man was concerned. ( Note , 5.) "Therefore we ought 'to give glory to him, in the assemblies of his 'church, and in the most public manner im'aginable.' Lowth. (Notes, 31:6-9. 50:28. Ps . 37:5-8, v. 6. Is. 47:6. Mic. 7:8-10. Rev. 19: 1-6.)
V. 11. ( Marg . Ref .) 'Neriglissorus, king of 'Babylon, having formed an alliance against 'the Medes, Cambyses sent his son Cyrus, with 'an army of thirty thousand Persians, to join 'the Medes commanded by Cyaxares.... Cyax'ares, king of Media, called Darius the Mede 'in scripture, was Cyrus's uncle; and it was 'properly his army, that made the expedition 'against the Babylonians; he employing Cyrus 'as his general.... Persia ... was of little ac'count, till Cyrus made a figure in the world.' Lowth . ( Notes , 27,28. Ezra 1:1-4. Is . 13:17, 18. 21:2. Dan . 5:30,31. 7:5. 8:3,4.) - Gather the shields .] "Fill the quivers." Blayney.- Hath raised up , &c.] Marg . Ref . b.- Notes , Ezra 1: 1-6, υυ . 1,5,6.- Vengeance .] Notes, 50:15,28.
V. 12. Let the Chaldeans inake every preparation for war, and for the defence of Babylon, yet their efforts would be in vain: for the Lord would surely fulfil his predictions against them. The certainty of the event is expressed by language, implying that it had already taken place. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 44,45. Is . 14:24-27. 46:10,11.)-Or, the words may be addressed to the besiegers, animating their exertions by assurance of success. ( Note , Is . 13:2-5.)-Ambushes belong to the besiegers, rather than to the besieged.
V. 13. Upon, &c.] 'Upon the river Eu'phrates, which encompassed Babylon and ran 'through it; and by means of which it thought itself secure and impregnable. - "Many wa'ters" do likewise mystically signify the many 'people, over which this was the reigning city. Measure.] God has put a bound to thy cov
V. 10. By the vengeance of God on Baby- 'etousness which it shall not go beyond.' lon, it was manifested, that the Jewish nation Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 34-37. Is . 44:25 had been unjustly oppressed by the Chalde- || -28.45:1-6. Rev. 17:1,2,15-18.)
17 Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: "for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.
18 They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.
19 The Portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things, and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.
20 Thou art my battle-axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I m 46:23. Judg. 6:5. Joel 1:4-7. | t 10:14. Ps. 14:2, 53:1,2. 92:5,6. 2:3,4,25. Nah. 3:15-17. Heb. utter. See on 50:15.
n 10:12-16. 32:17. Gen. 1:16. Ps. 146:5,6. 148:1-5. Is.
115:8. 135:18. Is. 44:18-20. Rom. 1:20-23.1 Cor.1:19-21. Or, more brutish than to knότο.
break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;
21 And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;
22 With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid;
23 I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers:
24 And I will render unto Babylon, and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea, all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.
25 Behold, I am against thee, JO destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
26 And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for founda
40:26. Acts 14:15. 17:24. Rom. u See on 10:14. 50:2 Ps. 135:17. tions; but thou shalt be || desolate for ever,
1:20. Col. 1:16,17. Heb. 1:2,3. Rev. 4:11.
o Ps. 104:24. 136:5 Prov. 3:19. Rom. 11:33.
p Job 9:8. Ps. 104:2. Is. 40:22. 42:5. 44:24. 45:12.48:13. 51:13. q See on 10:13. Job 37:2-11. 40:9. Ps. 18:13. 29:310. 46: 6. 68:33. 104:7. Ez. 10:5.
Job 36:26-33. 37:13. 38:3438. Ps. 135:7. Am. 9:6.
Hab. 2:13,19. x See on Acts 14:15.
10:8,15. Jon. 2:8.
V. 14. Marg , and Marg . Ref . Notes, Joel 1:5-7. 2:1-11,25. Nah . 3:15-17.
saith the LORD.
e See on 25:9,11. 27:5-7. f 50:37. Ex. 15:1,21. Ps. 46:9. 76:6. Ez. 39:20. Mic. 5:10. Nah. 2:13. Hag. 2:22. Zech. 10:5. 12:4. Rev. 19:18.
g 6:11. Deut. 32:25. 1 Sam. 15:3. 2 Chr. 36:17. Is. 20:4. Lam. 2:11. Ez. 9:6.
h 11,35,49. 50:15,17,18,28,29, 33,34. Ps. 137:8,9. Is. 47:6- | 9. 51:22,23. 61:2. 63:1-4. 66:6. 1 Thes. 2:15,16. Rev. 6.10. 18:20,24. 19:2-4.
I i See on 50.31.
j 53,58. Gen. 11:4. Dan. 4:30. Zech. 4:7.
k7:20-23. 25:9,18-27. Rev. 17:1-6.
12 Pet. 3:10. Rev. 8:8. 18:9. 19.
m See on 37,43. 50:12,13. Is. 13:19-22. 14:23.
|| Heb.everlasting desolations. 50:40. Is. 34:8-17. Rev. 18: 20-24.
34,35,44,45. Mic . 5:7-15. Zech. 12:2-8. Rev. 19:11-21.)-In your sight .] This may either refer to the evil done at Zion by the Chaldeans, in the sight of God's worshippers, who seem here addressed; or to the public manner, in which judgment would be executed on Baby
V. 15-19. ( Marg . Ref . See on Notes , 10: 12-16.) 'This is a powerful argument to en'courage our trust in God, and to assure us, 'that he will in due time assert his own author'ity, against all the encroachments of idol-lon. 'worship and false religions.' Lowth.
V. 20-24. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 50:23. Is . 10:5,6. 13:2-5. 54:15-17.) Some understand these verses of Cyrus, whom God would employ to execute his dreadful sentence upon Babylon and the Chaldeans: but others suppose, that Babylon, or the king of Babylon, is spoken of, as "the battle-axe," by whom God would break in pieces the nations: and that after he had thus accomplished his purposes, God would execute vengeance on Babylon and the Chaldeans, for all the evil done in Zion; as well as for all their idolatries and iniquities. ( Notes , 25:9-26. 27:4-9.) -'Or else the words 'may be understood of the church, and imply, 'that God will destroy all those powers and 'kingdoms, which are adversaries to his truth 'and people. This will be fulfilled at the fall 'of mystical Babylon, when God's kingdom 'shall "break in pieces all the kingdoms of the
V. 25. Babylon stood in a plain: but the immense multitude of its buildings, and the height of the temples, walls, and towers, rendered the city as an artificial mountain. The destruction, which was thence diffused to all the surrounding nations, rendered Babylon as a tremendous volcano: but at length the empire and city would be consumed, as it were, by fire; and the Lord would overturn and roll them down, as a burnt mountain, into the ocean, to be found no more. ( Notes , Rev. 8:8, 9. 18:4-8.) -Destroying , &c.] 'Or, "O corrupt ' ing mountain, which corruptest the whole "earth." Babylon... was the seat of idolatry, 'from whence it was derived into other coun'tries; ... which is remarkably true of mystical 'Babylon. ( Rev. 17:5.) ... We do not find that 'Babylon was ever destroyed by fire: but that 'mystical Babylon shall be so destroyed is plain 'from Rev. 17:16. 18:8,9.' Lowth.
'earth," in the destruction of that remnant of V. 26. There shall not be left an entire 'the fourth monarchy. Lowth . ( Notes , Dan . 2:11'stone fit to use. 50:40. Lowth . It is a figura
27 Set ye up a standard in the land, forborne to fight, they have remained in blow the trumpet among the nations, pre- their holds: their might hath failed; they pare the nations against her, call together became as women: they have burned her against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Min- dwelling places; her bars are broken.
ni, and
Ashchenaz: appoint a captain against her; a cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillars.
28 Prepare against her the nations with 'the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.
29 And s the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.
30 The mighty men of Babylon have
n 12. 6:1. 50:2,41. Is. 13:25. 18:3. Am. 3:6. Zech. 14:2. o Gen. 8:4.
p Gen. 10:3. Ashkenaz. 1 Chr. 1:6.
q See on 14.-46:23. 50:41,42, Judg. 6:5. Joel 2:2,3. Nah. 3:15-17. Rev. 9:7-11. r 11.
25:25. Gen. 10:2. 1 Chr. 1:5. Madia. Esth. 1:3. 10:2. Is. 13:17. 21:2. Dan.
5:28-30. 6:8. 8:3,4,20. 9:1. s See on 8:16. 10:10. 50:36,43. Is. 13:13,14. 14:16. Joel 2:10. Am . 8 :8.
t 11,12,43,62-64. 50:13,39,40, 45. Is. 13:19,20. 14:23,24. 46:10,11. 47: Rev. 18:2,21-24. u 32,57. 48:41. 50:36,37. Ps. 76:5. Is. 13:7,8. 19:16. Nah. 3:13. Rev. 18:10.
tive description of the most complete desolation; of being "swept with the besom of destruction," as Isaiah has expressed it. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . -Note, Is . 14:21-23.)
V. 27. (Marg. Ref . Notes, Gen. 8:4,5. 10:1 -5.) The two former' ( Ararat and Minni ) 'are probably the same with the greater and lesser Armenia. Cyrus's first expedition, in 'this war, was for reducing the Armenians who had revolted from the government of the Medes, who upon this conquest were obliged 'to send their usual quota of auxiliaries, to the 'carrying on the war against against the Babylonians. '... By Ashchenaz Bochart understands Phrygia 'and Troas, ... part of that country being called ' Ascania by Homer.... Cyrus had con 'Cræsus, and subdued several nations from the 'Egean sea to the Euphrates, before he march'ed against Babylon.... Xenophon informs us, 'that there were both Phrygians and Capado'cians in Cyrus's army. Lowth . Virgil gil calls the son of Æneas the Trojan, Ascanius . As the , &c.] That is, in immense multitudes destroying all before them. ( Marg . Ref . q.)
conquered
V. 28. Marg . Ref . Notes , 11.50:14-16,41,42. -Kings.] The princes or viceroys of the Median empire, or the kings that were allies and tributaries of the king of Media. Long after this prophecy was delivered, Media was far more renowned than Persia: though at length the Median dominion was swallowed up, as it were, in the mighty empire of Persia.
V. 29. Marg. Ref . Notes, 12,26,43,61-64. 50:39-45. Is . 13:17-22. 14:16-26. Rev. 18:21
-24.
V. 30. Accordingly the Babylonians, after 'the loss of a battle or two, never recovered 'their courage to face the enemy in the field 'again: they retired within their walls; and the 'first time that Cyrus came with his army be'fore the place, he could not provoke them to 'venture forth, and try the fortune of arms: 'and the last time that he came, he consulted 'with his officers about the best manner of car'rying on the siege, since, saith he, they do not 'come forth and fight. Bp. Newton. The Chaldeans were very valiant, when the Lord used them as his hammer, or battle-axe; but they became as women, when his vengeance VOL. IV.
31 One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, y to shew the king of Babylon that his city is taken at one end.
32 And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and a the men of war are affrighted.
was to be executed on them. ( Marg . Ref. Note , Dan . 5:1-4.) - Bars , &c.] Marg . Ref. Note , Is . 45:1-6.
V. 31, 32. ( Marg . Ref .) Cyrus, having spent two years before Babylon, with little prospect of success, and being even derided by the the inhabitants; at length drained the river, divided his army into two parts, and marched them into the city at each end, by the channel of it; and through the brazen gates, at the ends of each street toward the river, which the riotous Babylonians had left open. ( Note , (Note, Dan . 5:1-4, 30,31.)-When When the Persians appeared in the city, messengers would immediately be sent to inform the king, "that the city was taken at messengers one end," not supposing that the other end was taken also: and these would meet with one another, and increase the terror and confusion of the inhabitants: but it seems, that the troops of Cyrus arrived at the palace, before king of his
thes
the messengers could inform the ki danger. They were also employed to carry information, that the Persians had had stopped the passages, and cut off the communication between one part of the city and another: that they had set the reeds on fire; and that the soldiers were so affrighted, as to be incapable of making any resistance. The word trans'lated reeds properly signifies marshes or lakes . ... The enemies have burnt up all the outworks, belonging to the marshy grounds about 'the river. Herodotus takes notice, that the 'extreme parts of the city were taken, before 'they who dwelt in the middle of it were sensi'ble of the danger.' Lowth .
V. 33. Babylon had crushed and trampled on the nations, and especially on the Jews, as the corn was trodden out on the threshing floor: and she was about to endure like miseries herself. ( Notes , Is . 21:10. Am. 1:3-5. Mic . 4:11-13. Rev. 14:14-20.)-The riches of the nations, likewise, had been collected into her, as the sheaves into the floor: but her crimes had made her ripe for divine vengeance; the time of her harvest was at hand; the whole would be carried away by her enemies, as the field is cleared at harvest, and the conquerors would be enriched by her spoils. It is very common, in those countries, to thresh the corn [425
d See on 49. 39:1-8. 50:7,17. -Lam. 1:14,15.
e 48:11,12. Is. 24:1-3. 34:11. Nah. 2:2,9,10.
f 44. Job 20:15. Prov. 1:12. Lam. 2:16. Ez. 36:3. Am. 8:4. Matt. 23:14.
* Heb. My violence.
g 50:29. Judg. 9:20,24,56,57. Ps. 9:12. 12:5. 137:8,9. Is. 26: 20,21. Zech. 1:15. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. Rev. 6:10. 16:6. 18:6,20.
† Or, remainder.
Heb. inhabitress.
h See on 50:33,34.-Ps. 140:12. Prov. 22:23. 23:11. Is. 43:14. 47:6-9, 49:25,26. Mic.7:8
10. Hab. 2:8-17.
i Deut. 32:35,43. Ps. 94:1-3. Rom. 12:19. Heb. 10:30,31. Rev. 19:1-3.
k Seeson 50:38. Ps. 107:33,34. Is. 44:27. Rev. 16:12.
1 25,26,29. 25:9,12,18. 50:12,13, 23-26,38-40. Is. 13.19-22. 14:23. 34:8-17. Rev. 18:2, 21-23.
m 18:16. 19:8. 29:18. 2 Chr. 29:8. Lam. 2:15,16. Mic. 6: 16. Zeph. 2:15.
n 2:15. Job 4:10,11. Ps. 34: 10. 58:6. Is. 35:9. Nah. 2:11 -13. Zech. 11:3.
Or, shake themselves. Judg.
16:20.
on a floor placed in the field, soon after it is reaped: so that the time of harvest and that of threshing are nearly the same.
V. 34-37. Zion here complains to the Lord of the injuries, which she had sustained from the Chaldeans. They had devoured the substance, and destroyed the people, of Judah; they had rendered Jerusalem like "an empty vessel:" and, having gorged themselves, like voracious animals, with all her precious stores, they cast her and her children out of the land of promise, and carried them into captivity. (Marg. Ref . d-g. - Notes , 50:17,18,22,23,28. 2 Kings 25:1-10. Is . 47:6. Rev. 6:9-11.18:4-8. 19:1-6.)-But this violence done to the children of Zion, and their blood which had been shed, lay upon Babylon as a heavy load; and in avenging Zion, God would waste Babylon, and render it the residence of venomous and hateful creatures alone. ( Is . 34:9-15. Rev. 18:21
39 In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LoRD.
40 I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he-goats. 41 How is Sheshach taken! and how
the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become tan astonishment among the nations!
42 The "sea is come up upon Babylon; she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.
45 Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, * a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby.
44 And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and a the nations shall not flow together any more unto him; yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.
honor of their idols; that their clamorous rejoicing and intoxication might make way for Cyrus to destroy them when fallen asleep, and they should wake no more in this world. ( Marg . Ref .-Notes, Is . 21:3-5. Dan. 5:1-9,30,31. Nah . 1:9,10.) For thus God made them sacrifices to his awful justice; while they were exposed to the swords of their enemies, with as little consciousness of the doom which awaited them, as the animals had which were butchered or sacrificed. ( Notes , 50:27. Rev. 18:9,10,20.)
V. 41. ( Marg . Ref .) 'Babylon was esteem'ed the wonder of the world, for the height, breadth, and compass of her walls, and the 'palace and hanging gardens belonging to it; for the temple of Belus; for the banks and 'facing of the river; and the artificial lakes and 'canals made for the draining of it.' Lowth . ( Notes , 52,53. Dan. 4:28--33.)--Some think that Sheshach was an idol worshipped at Bab( Note , 25:26.)
-24.) By drying up the sea and springs of Babylon, from which the city derived this name.
ylon, the destruction of her people, and the total failure of all those resources, whence she derived her immense riches, may be meant: and perhaps the draining off the waters of the Euphrates may be alluded to; as all great waters are called seas in scripture. ( Marg . Ref . -Notes , 50:38–40. Rev. 16:12-16.)
Swallowed me, &c. (34) The animals, which some large serpents swallow whole and alive, may be alluded to.-- Heaps , &c. (37) Notes , 25, 26. Is . 13:19--22.
V. 38--40. The noisy and boasting revels of the Chaldeans would be turned into howlings, when they found their enemies in the midst of them. The Lord so ordered it, that they should be left at this crisis to inflame themselves with wine, at a feast observed in
V. 42. The multitude of the invaders, who came against Babylon, was as irresistible as the impetuous waves of the ocean: and her ruin would be as surprising, as if the sea had quitted its channel, and had come up to destroy the city.. ( Marg . Ref .-- Notes , Is . 8:6–8. Dan . 9:25-27, υ. 26.)
V. 43. ( Notes , 61-64. 50:12,13,32. Is . 13:19 -22. 14:21--23.) Babylon, and all the adjacent regions, would become uninhabited, uncultivated, and unproductive, like a barren desert.
V. 44. Bel was the chief idol of Babylon and the destruction of his temple and worship. pers was as his punishment; and doubtless it was a heavy punishment to those ambitious
45 My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumor that shall be heard in the land; a rumor shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumor, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.
47 Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.
48 Then the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come unto her from the north, saith the LORD.
c 6,10,50. 50:8. Is. 48:20. Zech. 2:7. Rev. 14:8-11. 18:4.
d Gen. 19:12-16. Num. 16:26. Acts 2:40. 2 Cor. 6:17.
Or, let not. Matt. 24:6-8. Mark 13:7,8. Luke 21:9-19, 28 .
e Is. 13:3-5. 21:2.3.
f Judg. 7:22. 1 Sam. 14:16-20. 2 Chr. 20:23. Is. 19:2.
g 52. See on 50:2. Is. 21:9. 46:1,2.
Heb. visit upon. 18. 11:22. 13:21. 23:34. 25:12. Margins. h 24,43. 50:12-16,35-40. i 10. Ps. 58:10,11. Prov. 11: 10. Is. 44:23. 48:20. 49:13. Rev. 15:1-4. 16:4-7. 18:20. 19:1-7.
k See on 11. 50:8,9,41.
spirits, whom all idolaters worship. The im- mense treasures of his temple, which had been accumulating for ages, became the property of the conquerors. (Marg. Ref.--Notes, 34-37. 50:2,3. Is . 45:1-6. 46:1,2.)—“The heathens as- 'cribed the honor of all their successes to their 'idols; and upon any great victory, offered the 'best part of the spoils to their gods, and de- osited them in their temples, as a grateful 'acknowledgment that the success was owing 'to their assistance.
The restoring of the 'holy vessels to their right owner is here 'particularly foretold, which was done by Cy- 'rus, upon his proclamation lamation for rebuilding the ' temple . ( Ezra 1:7.) ... )... The accomplishment of 'this prophecy, Dr. Prideaux places in Xerxes's 'demolishing the temple of Belus, and plun- 'dering it of its vast wealth, which from Dio- 'dorus Siculus's account of it, he computes to 'amount to twenty-one millions of our money. '... There shall be no more costly presents brought by foreign nations to the temple of 'Bel.
Just as, under the Roman empire, peo- 'ple that were conquered by the them, sent golden 'crowns to Jupiter Capitolinus.' Lowth .- Yea , the wall, &c.] The idols and the lofty strong wall of Babylon, were combined as the confi- dence of the inhabitants: but they should both fall together. ( Note , 47.)
49 As Babylon hath caused the siain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the earth.
50 Ye that have mescaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.
51 We are confounded, because we have heard reproach: shame hath covered our faces: 4 for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the Lord's house.
52 Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan.
53 Though Babylon should mount up or, Both Babylon is to fall, 21. 79:4,12. 123:3,4. 137:1-3.
O ye slain of Israel, and with Babylon shall fall the slain of all the country.
1 10,11,24,35. 50:11,17,18,29,33, 34. Judg. 1:7. Ps. 137:8,9. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. Rev. 18 : 5,6 .
m 6,45. 31:21. 44:28. 50:8. Is. 48:20.51:11. 52:2,11,12, Zech, 2:7-9. Rev. 18:4.
n 29:12-14. Deut. 4:29-31. 30:1-4. Ezra 1:3-5. Neh. 1:2-4. 2:3-5. Ps. 102:13,14. 137:5,6. Dan. 9:2,3,16-19.
Lam. 2:15-17. 5:1. Ez. 36: 30.
p 3:25. 14:3. Ps. 44:13-16.69: 7-13. 71:13. 109:29. Ez. 7. 18. Mic. 7:10.
q 52:13. Ps. 74:3-7. 79:1 Lam. 1:10. 2:20. Ez. 7:21,22. 9:7. 24:21. Dan. 8:11-14.9. 26,27. 11:31. Rev. 11:1,2. r See on 47. 50:38.
s Ez. 30:24.
t 25,58. 49:16. Gen. 11:4,9. Is 14:12-15. 47:5,7. Ez. 31:911. Dan. 4:30. Am. 9:2. Ob.
ο 3:22-25. 31:19. Ps. 74:18-3,4.
'ken: yet this is not that horrible destruction, 'which the prophets threatened in many pla'ces; for that was after this, when they rebelled, and Darius overcame them by the policy of Zopyrus, and hanged three thousand gen'tlemen, emen, besides the common people.' ( Note , 61
-64.)
V. 47. ( Notes , 44. 50:2,3. Is . 21:6-9.) 'Taking 'this prophecy in its full extent, it comprises the fall of mystical Babylon, lon, which is repre'sented here, and in the parallel places of Isai'ah and the Revelation, as a decisive stroke, 'which should the thoroughly vindicate the cause 'of oppressed oppressed ressed truth and innocence, and put a 'final pe period to idolatry, and to all the oppres'sions of God's people. Lowth . ( Notes , Rev. 17:18:) St. John introduces all the friends and servants of God, exulting in the fall of the New Testament Babylon. (See on Note , 48, 49.)
V. 48, 49. Marg . Ref . Notes , 50:28. Is . 14: 3-6. 44:23. 48:20-22. 49:9-13, v . 13. Rev. 15: peo-1-4. 16:3-7. 18:20. 19:1-6.-All the earth. (49) The regions which constituted this very large empire, which was spoken of as the whole earth, or world, as the Roman empire afterwards was. ( Notes , 25:26. Luke 2:1.)
V. 45. Marg. Ref . See on Notes , 6,10,50, 51. 50:8.
V. 46. (Marg. Ref.) Lest the invasion of the land, and the taking of the city where they resided, should terrify the Jews, the Lord intended to prepare them for it. Rumors would reach them, one year after another, of Cyrus's intended expedition: and by comparing the wars, insurrections, and revolts, which took place, with these predictions, they might learn to consider such events as the forerunners of their own deliverance. ( Notes , Matt . 24:6-8. Luke 21:20-28.) - 'Meaning that Babylon 'should not be destroyed all at once; but by 'little and little should be brought to nothing. For the first year came the tidings, the next 'year the siege, and in the third year it was ta
V. 50, 51. ( Marg . Ref . See on Notes , 6,10. 50:8.) The Jews, who survived all preceding sufferings, and who escaped the sword when Babylon was taken, were again exhorted to leave Babylon, to think of JEHOVAH and his temple, though far off from Jerusalem; and to make haste to return thither with confidence, zeal, and gratitude. To which they answered, that they were covered with shame, because of the reproach under which they lay, whilst their holy places had been profaned, destroyed, and trampled on by strangers. ( Notes , Ps . 74:3-8.79:1-5. Is . 63:15-19. 64:9-12. Lam. 1:8-11. 4:1,2. Dan . 8:13,14. 9:25--27.)
Let Jerusalem, &c. (50) "Let Jerusalem 'gain possession of your heart." Let it be a 'prime object of your affection and desire. 3: '16. 7:31. 44:21. Blayney . Notes, Ps. 122:6 -9.137:1-6, vv . 5,6.)
56 Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompenses shall surely requite.
57 And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men , her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall fsleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.
58 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, The *broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly †broken, and her high gates shall be burnt
u 1-4,11,48. 50:9,10,21,25,3134,45. Is. 10:6,7. 13:2-5,17. 41:25, 45:1-5.
x 48:3-5.50:22,43,46. Is. 13:6 -9. 15:5. Zeph. 1:10. Rev. 18:17-19.
y 38,39. 25:10. 50:10-15. Is. 15:1. 24:8-11. 47:5. Rev. 18: 22,23.
z Ps. 65:7. 93:3,4. Is. 17:13. Ez. 26:3. Luke 21:25. Rev.
17:15.
2:4. Ps. 37:15. 46:9. 76:3. Ez . 39:3,9.
d See on 6,24. 50:28,29. Deut. 32:35. Ps. 94:1,2. Is. 34:8. 35:4. 59:18. 2 Thes. 1:6. Rev. 18:5,6,20. 19:2.
e See on 39.-Is. 21:4,5. Dan. 5:1-4,30,31. Nah. 1:10. Hab. 2:15-17. Rev. 18:6,7,9.
with fire; and the people shall labor in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.
59 The word which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah: into Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. And this Seraiah was a quiet prince.
60 So Jeremiah wrote in a book all
the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon.
61 And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When thou comest to Babylon, and shalt see, and shalt read all these words;
62 Then shalt thou say, O Lord, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be || desolate for ever.
63 And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:
64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not arise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they Thus far are the words shall be weary.
of Jeremiah.
k 9,64. Ps. 127:1. Is. 65:23. Hab. 2:13.
1 See on 32:12. 36:4. 45:1.
Or, on the behalf of .
f Ps. 76:5,6. Is. 37:36. g See on 46:18. 48:15. Mal. 1: Or, prince of Menucha, or,
14.
chief chamberlain.
m 30:2,3. 36:2-4,32. Is. 8:14. 30:8. Dan. 12:4. Hab. 2:
2,3. Rev. 1:11,19.
n Matt. 24:1,2. Mark 13:1,2.
o 29:1,2. Col. 4:16. 1 Thes.
of several nations and peoples , in erecting the stupendous walls and towers of Babylon, and forming the massy brazen gates, and in endeavoring to defend them; in which numbers had labored as in the fire, and been wearied even unto death, would in the event be found entirely vain, useless, and ruinous. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .) Modern travellers concur in testifying, that no vestiges remain of all these immense buildings and fortifications. ( Notes , 44,47,52,53. Dan . 4:28-33. Hab . 2:12-14.)
tifying, sixty
V. 52, 53. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 44,47.) The builders of Babel, (or Babylon, meant to "build a tower, whose top should reach unto heaven:" ( Note , Gen. 11:1-4.) and the walls of Babylon were of prodigious and almost incredible height and strength. It appears from the testimony of some who had been upon the spot, that the walls were three hundred and fifty feet in height, and eighty seven in thickness, and sixty miles in circuit; circuit; with towers still higher and stronger at proper distances: and, though there is some difference in the account given by different authors; authors; yet all agree that the fortifications of Babylon were unparalleled. unparalleled. Depending on these, and the plenty of provisions sions that were in the city, the inhabitants derided the besiegers. But God had sent them, and they were sure to prevail. ( Notes , 30-32.)
V. 54, 55. ( Marg . Ref .) The multitude, tumult, and boastings of the inhabitants of Babylon, made a noise like the waves of the sea: but in process of time it would be succeeded by entire solitude and silence; except as interrupted by the noise of doleful birds and venomous creatures. ( Notes , 61–64. Is . 13:19— 22. 14:9-11.47:5,7—10. Rev. 18: 21-24 .)
V. 56, 57. Marg. Ref. Notes, 38-40.25:27 -29. 50:27,28,35. Deut . 32:40-43. Ps . 94:1-7. Dan . 5:
V. 58. The labor and expense, beyond all computation, which had been employed by men
V. 59. With , &c.] Or, "on the behalf of Zedekiah." Marg . It does not appear that Zedekiah went to Babyl Babylon at this time.-Qui et .] Some interpret this word, of Seraiah's office under Zedekiah, or of his carrying present to Nebuchadnezzar: ( marg .) but perhaps it refers to his character as a peaceable and pious man; who, (though employed by Zedekiah on an embassy to Babylon,) was ready to perform this service put upon him by the prophet. Seraiah was brother to Baruch. (32:12. 36:4. 45:2.)
V. 60. Marg . Ref . Notes, 36:1-4,27-32. V. 61-64. When Seraiah was come to Babylon, and had surveyed the strength, magnificence, prosperity, luxury, pride, and wickedness of that flourishing city; he was ordered to read, (probably before some principal persons among the captive Jews,) all the words of this prophecy, concerning its entire and final ruir lemnity to the transaction, and to shew his belief of what he had read, he was directed to make an address to JEHOVAH, the God of Israel, concerning the import of the transaction,
and desolation: and then, to give the greater so- || 'means of all these changes Babylon became
'an utter desert, .... so that the most able geog'raphers at this day cannot determine where it 'stood.' Rollin's Ancient History . (Note, 50:12, 13.)-This prophecy, the latest of those deliv
and to sink the book in the Euphrates, declar-ered against Babylon, has been extant two
ing that thus Babylon would fall, and rise no more; for its inhabitants would be like men fainting with weariness, who can no longer resist their assailants. Babylon was in the full height of her prosperity, when this declaration was made: and these predictions could scarcely escape the notice, either of the Jews or the Chaldeans at that time; though the event rendered them far more generally regarded. ( Notes , Rev. 14:8. 18:21-24.)
Shall not arise, &c. (64) Intimations of mercy in reserve for Israel and Judah, and even for other nations, "in the latter days," are joined to the most awful denunciations of avenging judgments: but the contrary is expressly predicted concerning Babylon. She "shall arise no more." -Thus far . ] The next chapter seems to have been added by Ezra, or some other person, to illustrate the predictions of Jeremiah which are here terminated, and
thousand four hundred years; and all historians, travellers, and geographers, (the persons in all the world, who are the most capable of knowing,) whether Jews, infidels, or Christians; whether papists or protestants; agree that the state of those regions at this day, exactly accords with it! So certainly, also, shall the prophecies against the New Testament Babylon be accomplished.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-32.
the Lamentations which follow. ( Note , 46.)- blood, generally perish by by others as blood
It may be proper, very briefly to state a few particulars, concerning the gradual fulfilment of this extraordinary prophecy.-'Notwith'standing these precautions,' (those used by Cyrus, to prevent a revolt of the Babylonians,) against Darius; and in order to
they rebelled against Darius; hold out to the last extremity, they they took all 'their women, and each man choosing one of 'them, out of his own family, ... they strangled 'the rest,' (with their children also,) 'that un'necessary mouths night not consume their 'provisions. ... They sustained the siege for 'twenty months.... As soon as Darius had made 'himself master of the place, he ordered three 'thousand of the principal men to be crucified, 'and thereby fulfilled the prophecies of the cru'elty, which the Medes and Persians should use 'towards the Babylonians.' Вр . Newton . B. c. 516.-'After this, 1. Babylon ceased to be a 'royal city, the kings of Persia choosing to re'side elsewhere. They delighted more in Shu'shan, Ecbatana, Persepolis, &c. and did them'selves destroy a good part of Babylon. 2. We 'are informed by Strabo and Pliny, that the 'Macedonians, who succeeded the Persians,
built Selucia in the neighborhood, on purpose 'to draw away its inhabitants, and to have it de'serted. Nothing can better explain what the 'prophet had foretold, "It shall not be inhabit'ed." Its own masters endeavor to depopulate 'it. 3. The new kings of Persia, who after'wards became masters of Babylon, completed 'the ruin of it by building Ctesiphon, which 'carried away all the ... inhabitants she had 'left: so that from the time the anathema was 'pronounced against that city; it seems as if 'those very persons, who ought to have pro'tected her, were become her enemies; as if 'they had all thought it their duty to reduce 'her to a state of solitude, though by indirect 'means without using any violence.... 4. She 'was so totally forsaken, that nothing was left 'remaining but the walls, ... when Pausanias 'wrote his remarks on Greece, A. D. 96.
5. The kings of Persia, finding the place de'serted, made a park of it, in which they kept 'wild beasts for hunting.... 6. At length the 'walls of Babylon fell down... and were never 'rapaired. ... The animals, which served for 'pleasure to the Persian kings, abandoned the 'place: serpents and scorpions remained. The Euphrates,... having no longer a free 'channel, took its course another way.... 7. By
When they who have prospered sink into trouble, those professed friends who were attached to their prosperity alone, often set themselves against them round about: (P. O. 2 Kings 9:30--37.-Notes, 2 Kings 10:1--7.
Esth . 7:8,9.) but the Lord is a Friend who changes not, and is especially kind to his people in adversity.--Such as delight delight in war and thirsty as themselves: but "blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God." ( Note , Matt . 5:9.) He will punish his offending worshippers; but that does not secure their oppressors: for though the land of Judah was "filled with sin against the holy One of Israel;" yet the king and people of Babylon had no right to seize upon it and destroy its inhabitants.
The Lord will therefore "bring forth the righteousness" of such as have been unjustly oppressed; and will plead the cause of his people against those, who slander, enslave, or spoil them: and if we have waited for him and are helped, we should come and declare in Zion his work in our behalf. ( Notes , Ps . 66:13 -16.116:12-19.) When he devises evil against sinners, he will easily "raise up the spirits" of his chosen instruments, that he may effect it: and they, who would deliver their own souls, must separate without delay from among the workers of iniquity.
The splendid achievements of mighty conquerors, and the majesty of haughty monarchs and oppressive empires, only render them a golden cup in the hand of God, to make the nations mad and miserable: and too often idolatry and iniquity have spread, in proportion to the enlargement of flourishing monarchies.
But these have their rise, progress, continuance, and decline: some of them gradually decay; others fall, and are destroyed suddenly and irreparably; and the just judgments of God are conspicuous to all beholders, in their ruin. - When riches and prosperity are depended on, and no end is put to men's desires of increasing their possessions; severe calamities may be expected to assign a measure to their insatiable covetousness, and to tear from them their idolized treasures. What idol, or created arm, can withstand the Creator and Upholder of the world; who is also the Portion of his people?
He is able to save and to destroy; and whatever use he makes of ungodly men, he will execute vengeance on them at last: but those who trust, love, and serve him, shall be graciously protected and abundantly recompensed.
V. 33-64.
Whilst God avenges all injustice and oppression; the violence done to "the saints and martyrs of Jesus" will draw down the heaviest load of vengeance: and in bringing sinners to condign punishment, he needs only to leave them to their lusts, and they will make way for their