Babylon must fall
The phrase "Babylon must fall" is a prophetic declaration of the inevitable downfall of Babylon, a city and empire that symbolizes human pride and opposition to God throughout the Bible. In Hebrew, "Babylon" is "Babel," which means "confusion." Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its grandeur and idolatry, often standing in opposition to God's people. The fall of Babylon is not just a historical event but also a spiritual metaphor for the ultimate defeat of all systems and powers that oppose God. This phrase reassures believers that no matter how powerful evil may seem, God's justice will prevail.

for the slain of Israel
This phrase highlights the reason for Babylon's downfall: the violence and destruction it inflicted upon Israel. The Hebrew word for "slain" is "chalal," which refers to those who have been killed or wounded. Israel, God's chosen people, suffered greatly at the hands of Babylon, particularly during the Babylonian exile. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's justice and His commitment to avenge the wrongs done to His people. It underscores the biblical principle that God is a defender of the oppressed and will hold nations accountable for their actions against His people.

just as the slain of all the earth
Here, the phrase "just as the slain of all the earth" expands the scope of Babylon's guilt beyond Israel to include all nations. Babylon's influence and oppression were not limited to Israel; it was a global power that caused widespread destruction. The Hebrew word for "earth" is "erets," which can mean land, country, or the entire world. This phrase emphasizes the universal nature of Babylon's sin and the comprehensive scope of God's judgment. It serves as a warning to all nations that God sees and will judge all acts of injustice and violence.

have fallen because of Babylon
The concluding phrase "have fallen because of Babylon" ties the fate of the slain to Babylon's actions. The Hebrew root for "fallen" is "naphal," which conveys the idea of being overthrown or destroyed. This phrase indicates that Babylon's aggressive expansion and oppressive rule led to the downfall of many. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and pride. In a broader spiritual sense, it points to the ultimate downfall of all systems that oppose God's kingdom. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan and His promise to bring justice to the earth.

1. Babylon
A powerful empire known for its wealth, military might, and idolatry. It was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Israel but was also prophesied to fall due to its own sins and pride.

2. Israel
The chosen people of God, who were taken into captivity by Babylon as a result of their disobedience and idolatry. Their eventual deliverance is a key theme in the prophetic writings.

3. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to Judah and the surrounding nations. His prophecies include both the judgment of Babylon and the restoration of Israel.

4. The Slain of All the Earth
This phrase refers to the widespread impact of Babylon's conquests and the resulting loss of life, symbolizing the far-reaching consequences of its actions.

5. The Fall of Babylon
A prophesied event symbolizing divine justice and the ultimate downfall of oppressive powers. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations.Divine Justice
God's justice is inevitable. Just as Babylon fell for its sins, all nations and individuals are accountable to God. We must live righteously, knowing that God sees and judges all actions.

God's Sovereignty
The fall of Babylon demonstrates God's control over history. Trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or unjust.

Hope and Restoration
Despite the judgment, there is hope for restoration. God's promises to Israel remind us that He is faithful to restore and redeem His people.

The Consequences of Sin
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning about the consequences of pride, idolatry, and injustice. We must examine our lives and repent of any sin that separates us from God.

The Power of Prophecy
Jeremiah's prophecies remind us of the power and reliability of God's Word. We should study and heed biblical prophecies, understanding their relevance for our lives today.(49) As Babylon hath caused . . .--The interpolated words and the marginal reading indicate that the construction is obscure, but the Authorised version probably comes close to the meaning of the original. The punishment that falls on Babylon comes on account of her slaughter of the Israelites, but in that punishment other nations from all parts of the earth who are mingled with her people should be involved. Perhaps, however. we should read the slain of all the land, as giving more emphatically the law of retribution. The rendering of the margin, "Both Babylon is to fall, O ye slain of Israel, and with Babylon . . ." is adopted by some recent commentators, but gives a less satisfactory meaning.

Verse 49. - As Babylon hath caused, etc. The verse is very difficult. Ewald and others render thus: "Not only must Babylon fall, O ye slain ones of Israel, but slain ones of the whole earth have fallen because of Babylon." But why this address to the slain ones of Israel? Besides, the antithesis indicated in the Hebrew is thereby destroyed. Hell explains the antithesis thus: "Just as Babylon was intent on the fall of slain ones in Israel, so also there fall because of Babylonian slain ones of all the earth," viz. because there are to be found, in the capital of the empire, people from all quarters of the world, who are slain when Babylon is conquered. A better antithesis seems to be gained if we follow the Peshito, and read, at the end of the verse, "in the whole earth." It will then be asserted by the prophet that, just as Babylon was the cause of the slaying of Israelites, so (as a punishment) the Babylonian fugitives shall be slain wherever they may wander.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Babylon
בָּבֶ֕ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

must fall
לִנְפֹּ֖ל (lin·pōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

on account of the slain
חַֽלְלֵ֣י (ḥal·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2491: Pierced, polluted

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

just as
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

the slain
חַֽלְלֵ֥י (ḥal·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2491: Pierced, polluted

of all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the earth
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

have fallen
נָפְל֖וּ (nā·p̄ə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

because of Babylon.
לְבָבֶ֥ל (lə·ḇā·ḇel)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 51:49 As Babylon has caused the slain (Jer.)