Jeremiah 51:22

With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden.

Study Bible

With you I shatter man and woman;
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. In the context of Jeremiah 51, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about the impending destruction of Babylon. The use of "man and woman" signifies the totality of the judgment, affecting all people regardless of gender. This reflects the universal nature of God's justice, as seen in other scriptures like Genesis 6:7, where God decides to destroy all flesh due to the wickedness of humanity. The imagery of shattering suggests a complete and irreversible action, highlighting the seriousness of divine retribution.

with you I shatter the old man and the youth;
The mention of both "old man and the youth" underscores that God's judgment is impartial and affects all age groups. This can be seen as a reflection of the principle found in Ezekiel 18:20, where each individual is responsible for their own sin. The inclusion of different age groups also serves to illustrate the totality of the destruction that Babylon will face. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, and its fall would have been a significant event affecting all demographics within the society. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human strength and wisdom, as even the old and experienced, as well as the young and vigorous, are not spared from God's judgment.

with you I shatter the young man and the maiden.
The pairing of "young man and the maiden" further emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the judgment. In ancient cultures, young men and maidens often represented the future and hope of a society. By including them in the list of those who will be shattered, the text highlights the complete eradication of Babylon's future potential and vitality. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin leading to the destruction of what is most cherished and promising. The imagery of shattering also evokes the idea of breaking something precious and valuable, underscoring the severity of the judgment. This phrase, like the others, serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences that follow.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations. His ministry spanned over 40 years during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.

2. Babylon
The empire that God used as an instrument of judgment against Judah. In Jeremiah 51, Babylon itself is the subject of God's judgment, as He declares its impending destruction.

3. God's Judgment
The overarching theme of Jeremiah 51 is God's judgment against Babylon for its pride and idolatry. This chapter is part of a larger prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon.

4. The Nations
The prophecy in Jeremiah 51 is not only directed at Babylon but also serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of defying God.

5. The Remnant of Israel
Throughout Jeremiah, there is a recurring theme of a faithful remnant that God will preserve and restore, even amidst judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of the rise and fall of nations. His purposes will prevail, and He uses nations as instruments of His will.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. Nations and individuals must humble themselves before God.

The Role of God's People in His Plans
Believers are called to be instruments of God's will, just as God used Babylon for His purposes. We must be willing to be used by God in our daily lives.

The Certainty of God's Justice
God's justice is certain and will be executed in His timing. We can trust that He will right all wrongs and bring about His righteous judgment.

Hope for the Faithful Remnant
Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant. Believers can find hope in God's faithfulness to His promises and His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can pride and idolatry manifest in our personal lives, and how can we guard against them?

3. How can we position ourselves to be used by God as instruments of His will in our communities?

4. What assurances do we have of God's justice, and how can this influence our response to injustice in the world?

5. How can the concept of a faithful remnant encourage us in our walk with God, especially during challenging times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 13
This chapter also prophesies the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about their rise and fall according to His purposes.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes found in Jeremiah 51, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God.

Psalm 2
This psalm speaks of God's authority over the nations and His power to shatter those who oppose Him, similar to the imagery in Jeremiah 51:22.