Jeremiah 51: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh proclaims a destroying wind will come against Babylon (vv. 1-2). Strangers will winnow her and utterly destroy her army (vv. 3-4). Despite Israel's guilt, Yahweh will not forsake them (v. 5). The people are urged to flee Babylon to escape impending judgment (vv. 6-8). Babylon is likened to a golden cup that has made the nations drunk (vv. 7-8). Yahweh's power and judgment are affirmed, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation (vv. 15-24). Babylon will face desolation, with no one to inhabit her lands (vv. 25-32). The fate of Babylon includes being a desolate wasteland, and her inhabitants will suffer (vv. 33-44). A final plea urges the people to escape and warns of judgment (vv. 45-58). Jeremiah instructs Seraiah on how to deliver this message to Babylon (vv. 59-64).

Key verse

“For the destroyer has come on her, even on Babylon. Her mighty men are taken. Their bows are broken in pieces, for Yahweh is a God of retribution. He will surely repay.”

Jeremiah 51:56 (WEB)

Outline

1. Jeremiah 51:1–8 A Proclamation Against Babylon
2. Jeremiah 51:9–14 The Call to Flee Babylon
3. Jeremiah 51:15–24 Yahweh's Power and Judgment
4. Jeremiah 51:25–32 Desolation of Babylon
5. Jeremiah 51:33–44 The Fate of Babylon
6. Jeremiah 51:45–58 A Final Plea and Judgment
7. Jeremiah 51:59–64 Jeremiah's Instructions

Discussion questions

1. In v6, why are the people told to 'flee out of the middle of Babylon'?
2. What does Yahweh mean in v11 by stirring up 'the spirit of the kings of the Medes'?
3. In vv. 57-58, what does the description of Babylon's 'wide walls' symbolize about its downfall?
4. In v45, why does Yahweh instruct His people to 'go away from the middle of her'?
5. Have you ever had to leave a situation, like Babylon in v6, to protect yourself?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 51: Jeremiah 50, Revelation 18, Isaiah 13.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 52.