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The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD--vengeance for His temple." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/51-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/51-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/51.htm">Chapter 51</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/51-10.htm" title="Jeremiah 51:10">◄</a> Jeremiah 51:11 <a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm" title="Jeremiah 51:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/51.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Sharpen the arrows, take up the shields! The LORD has stirred up the kings of the Medes, because his purpose is to destroy Babylon. The LORD will take vengeance, vengeance for his temple. <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/51.htm">New Living Translation</a> Sharpen the arrows! Lift up the shields! For the LORD has inspired the kings of the Medes to march against Babylon and destroy her. This is his vengeance against those who desecrated his Temple. <a href="/esv/jeremiah/51.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Sharpen the arrows! Take up the shields! The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it, for that is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance for his temple. <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple. <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/51.htm">King James Bible</a> Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the 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. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/51.htm">New King James Version</a> Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The LORD has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it, Because it is the vengeance of the LORD, The vengeance for His temple. <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/51.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, Because His plan is against Babylon to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple. <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/51.htm">NASB 1995</a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple. <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/51.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple. <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! Yahweh has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of Yahweh, vengeance for His temple. <a href="/amp/jeremiah/51.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows, take up the shields [and cover yourselves]! The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, Because His purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it; For that is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance [on Babylon] for [plundering and destroying] His temple. <a href="/csb/jeremiah/51.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has roused the spirit of the kings of the Medes because his plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the LORD’s vengeance, vengeance for his temple. <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has put it into the mind of the kings of the Medes because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the LORD&#8217s vengeance, vengeance for His temple. <a href="/asv/jeremiah/51.htm">American Standard Version</a> Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: Jehovah hath stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of Jehovah, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/cev/jeremiah/51.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I, the LORD, want Babylon destroyed, because its army destroyed my temple. So, you kings of Media, sharpen your arrows and pick up your shields. <a href="/erv/jeremiah/51.htm">English Revised Version</a> Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: the LORD hath stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his device is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/51.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Sharpen the arrows; fill the quivers. The LORD will stir up the spirit of the kings of the Medes because his plan is to destroy Babylon. The LORD will avenge his temple. <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/51.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD has stirred up the kings of Media, because he intends to destroy Babylonia. That is how he will take revenge for the destruction of his Temple. The attacking officers command, "Sharpen your arrows! Get your shields ready! <a href="/isv/jeremiah/51.htm">International Standard Version</a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes— he has decided to destroy Babylon. Indeed, it's the LORD's vengeance, vengeance for his Temple. <a href="/msb/jeremiah/51.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD?vengeance for His temple. <a href="/net/jeremiah/51.htm">NET Bible</a> "Sharpen your arrows! Fill your quivers! The LORD will arouse a spirit of hostility in the kings of Media. For he intends to destroy Babylonia. For that is how the LORD will get his revenge--how he will get his revenge for the Babylonians' destruction of his temple. <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/51.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: the LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/51.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/web/jeremiah/51.htm">World English Bible</a> “Make the arrows sharp! Hold the shields firmly! Yahweh has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it; for it is the vengeance of Yahweh, the vengeance of his temple. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/51.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Cleanse the arrows, fill the shields, "" YHWH has stirred up the spirit of the kings of Media, "" For His purpose [is] against Babylon to destroy her, "" For it [is] the vengeance of YHWH, "" The vengeance of His temple. <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/51.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Cleanse ye the arrows, fill the shields, Stirred up hath Jehovah the spirit of the kings of Madia, For against Babylon His device is to destroy it, For the vengeance of Jehovah it is, The vengeance of His temple. <a href="/slt/jeremiah/51.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Polish the arrows; fill the quivers: Jehovah roused up the spirit of the kings of the Males: for his purpose is against Babel, to destroy her; for it is the vengeance of Jehovah, the vengeance of his temple.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/51.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers, the Lord hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: and his mind is against Babylon to destroy it, because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/51.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers. The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. And his mind is against Babylon, so that he may destroy her. For this is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/51.htm">New American Bible</a> Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers; The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, for his resolve is Babylon’s destruction. Yes, it is retribution from the LORD, retribution for his temple. <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/51.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it, for that is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for his temple.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/51.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Gather the quivers; fill them with arrows; the LORD has stirred up the spirit of the king of the Medes; for his device is against Babylon, to destroy her; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/51.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Gather the quivers; fill them with arrows. LORD JEHOVAH has stirred the spirit of the King of Media, because his mind is upon Babel for its destruction, because her payment is of LORD JEHOVAH and the vengeance of his temple<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/51.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Make bright the arrows, Fill the quivers, The LORD hath roused the spirit of the kings of the Medes; Because His device is against Babylon, to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of the LORD, The vengeance of His temple. <a href="/sep/jeremiah/51.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Prepare the arrows; fill the quivers: the Lord has stirred up the spirit of the king of the Medes: for his wrath is against Babylon, to destroy it utterly; for it is the Lord's vengeance, it is the vengeance of his people. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=15925" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm">The Judgment on Babylon</a> …10“The LORD has brought forth our vindication; come, let us tell in Zion what the LORD our God has accomplished.” 11<a href="/hebrew/1305.htm" title="1305: hā·ḇê·rū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To purify, select. A primitive root; to clarify, examine, select.">Sharpen</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">the arrows!</a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: mil·’ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">Fill</a> <a href="/hebrew/7982.htm" title="7982: haš·šə·lā·ṭîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Perhaps shield. From shalat; probably a shield.">the quivers!</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5782.htm" title="5782: hê·‘îr (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To rouse oneself, awake. A primitive root; to wake.">has aroused</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">the spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mal·ḵê (N-mpc) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/4074.htm" title="4074: mā·ḏay (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Japheth, also his desc. and their land. Of foreign derivation; Madai, a country of central Asia.">of the Medes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/4209.htm" title="4209: mə·zim·mā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Purpose, discretion, device. From zamam; a plan, usually evil, sometimes good.">His plan</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">is aimed at</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: bā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">Babylon</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: lə·haš·ḥî·ṯāh (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3fs) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">to destroy her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5360.htm" title="5360: niq·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Vengeance. Feminine of naqam; avengement, whether the act of the passion.">is the vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD—</a> <a href="/hebrew/5360.htm" title="5360: niq·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Vengeance. Feminine of naqam; avengement, whether the act of the passion.">vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/1964.htm" title="1964: hê·ḵā·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A palace, temple. Probably from yakol; a large public building, such as a palace or temple.">for His temple.</a> 12Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/13-17.htm">Isaiah 13:17</a> Behold, I will stir up against them the Medes, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold. <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1-2</a> This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. <a href="/daniel/5-28.htm">Daniel 5:28</a> PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” <a href="/revelation/18-6.htm">Revelation 18:6-8</a> Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. / As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ / Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.” <a href="/isaiah/21-2.htm">Isaiah 21:2</a> A dire vision is declared to me: “The traitor still betrays, and the destroyer still destroys. Go up, O Elam! Lay siege, O Media! I will put an end to all her groaning.” <a href="/habakkuk/1-6.htm">Habakkuk 1:6</a> For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans—that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own. <a href="/revelation/17-16.htm">Revelation 17:16-17</a> And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. / For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. <a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">Isaiah 13:1-5</a> This is the burden against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz received: / Raise a banner on a barren hilltop; call aloud to them. Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. / I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have even summoned My warriors to execute My wrath and exult in My triumph. ... <a href="/jeremiah/50-9.htm">Jeremiah 50:9</a> For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. <a href="/isaiah/41-25.htm">Isaiah 41:25</a> I have raised up one from the north, and he has come—one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay. <a href="/revelation/18-20.htm">Revelation 18:20</a> Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. <a href="/isaiah/47-11.htm">Isaiah 47:11</a> But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. <a href="/jeremiah/50-21.htm">Jeremiah 50:21</a> Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Kill them and devote them to destruction. Do all that I have commanded you,” declares the LORD. <a href="/revelation/18-2.htm">Revelation 18:2</a> And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. <a href="/isaiah/48-14.htm">Isaiah 48:14</a> Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD has raised up the 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.Make<a href="/jeremiah/46-4.htm">Jeremiah 46:4,9</a> Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, and put on the brigandines… <a href="/jeremiah/50-9.htm">Jeremiah 50:9,14,25,28,29</a> For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain… <a href="/isaiah/21-5.htm">Isaiah 21:5</a> Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.bright [heb] pure <a href="/jeremiah/51-27.htm">Jeremiah 51:27,28</a> Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers… <a href="/1_kings/11-14.htm">1 Kings 11:14,23</a> And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom… <a href="/1_chronicles/5-26.htm">1 Chronicles 5:26</a> And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.his device<a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm">Jeremiah 51:12,29</a> 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… <a href="/jeremiah/50-45.htm">Jeremiah 50:45</a> Therefore hear 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.the vengeance<a href="/jeremiah/51-24.htm">Jeremiah 51:24,35</a> 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… <a href="/jeremiah/50-15.htm">Jeremiah 50:15,28</a> Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her… <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Psalm 74:3-11</a> Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/50-14.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-9.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-14.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-3.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-11.htm">Device</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-10.htm">Fill</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-14.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-43.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-41.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-25.htm">Medes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-30.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-16.htm">Quivers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-41.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-41.htm">Roused</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-4.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Sharpen</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Shields</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-41.htm">Stirred</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-28.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-6.htm">Vengeance</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/3-12.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-7.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-62.htm">Device</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-14.htm">Fill</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-33.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-17.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-28.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-28.htm">Medes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-29.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-16.htm">Quivers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-55.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-6.htm">Roused</a> <a href="/ezekiel/5-1.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-41.htm">Sharpen</a> <a href="/ezekiel/26-8.htm">Shields</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-13.htm">Stirred</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-13.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-36.htm">Vengeance</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 51</div>1. <a href="/jeremiah/51-1.htm">The severe judgment of God against Babylon, in revenge of Israel</a> 59. <a href="/jeremiah/51-59.htm">Jeremiah delivers the book of this prophecy to Seraiah, to be cast into Euphrates, </a> 64. <a href="/jeremiah/51-64.htm">in token of the perpetual sinking of Babylon</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase signifies preparation for battle, emphasizing the urgency and readiness required for the impending conflict. In ancient warfare, arrows were a primary weapon, and sharpening them indicates a call to arms. This preparation reflects the seriousness of the divine judgment that is about to be executed.Fill the quivers! Filling the quivers suggests ensuring an ample supply of arrows, symbolizing thorough preparation and the inevitability of the coming attack. It underscores the completeness of God's plan and the certainty of Babylon's downfall. The imagery of a full quiver also conveys the idea of being fully equipped for the task at hand.The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, This indicates divine intervention in human affairs, where God stirs the Medes to act as His instrument of judgment against Babylon. Historically, the Medes, in alliance with the Persians under Cyrus the Great, played a crucial role in the fall of Babylon in 539 BC. This aligns with God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use them to fulfill His purposes.because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, God's plan to destroy Babylon is a fulfillment of His prophetic word. Babylon, known for its grandeur and power, also symbolizes pride and opposition to God. The destruction of Babylon serves as a reminder of God's justice and the consequences of defying Him. This aligns with prophecies found in Isaiah and Daniel regarding Babylon's fall.for it is the vengeance of the LORD— The concept of divine vengeance is rooted in God's justice and righteousness. It is not mere retaliation but a rightful response to sin and rebellion. The vengeance of the LORD is a theme throughout the Old Testament, where God acts to uphold His holiness and the covenant with His people.vengeance for His temple. Babylon's destruction is specifically linked to its desecration of the temple in Jerusalem, which was a central place of worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people. The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, destroyed the temple in 586 BC, leading to the exile of the Israelites. This act of vengeance is thus a divine response to the violation of what was sacred to God, highlighting the importance of the temple in Israel's relationship with Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The sovereign God of Israel, who orchestrates events according to His divine purpose and justice. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_kings_of_the_medes.htm">The Kings of the Medes</a> Rulers of the Median Empire, whom God uses as instruments to execute His judgment against Babylon. 3. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> A powerful empire known for its conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple, representing human pride and opposition to God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The holy place in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and the center of Jewish worship, which was desecrated by Babylon. 5. <a href="/topical/v/vengeance_for_his_temple.htm">Vengeance for His Temple</a> God's retributive justice for the desecration and destruction of His holy temple by the Babylonians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God is in control of history and uses nations to accomplish His purposes, even in judgment. <a href="/topical/d/divine_retribution.htm">Divine Retribution</a> God's justice is perfect, and He will avenge wrongs done against His people and His holy name. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_nations.htm">The Role of Nations</a> Nations and their leaders are instruments in God's hands, whether they acknowledge Him or not. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_the_temple.htm">The Importance of the Temple</a> The temple was central to Israel's identity and worship, and its desecration was a grave offense to God. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_justice.htm">Hope in God's Justice</a> Believers can find hope in knowing that God will ultimately right all wrongs and bring justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_51.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 51</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jer._50_9_match_babylon's_fall.htm">How does Jeremiah 50:9 align with recorded history of Babylon's overthrow by the Medes and Persians, given the text's specific military descriptions?</a> <a href="/q/why_punish_babylon_if_god_used_it.htm">Jeremiah 51:7 calls Babylon a 'golden cup' in God's hand; if God used Babylon, why should the nation be punished?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jer._51_37_align_with_babylon's_history.htm">Jeremiah 51:37 claims Babylon will be 'a heap of ruins,' but archaeological findings indicate the city remained active for centuries--how does this align with the text?</a> <a href="/q/does_isa._21_2_match_elam_media_history.htm">Does Isaiah 21:2's call to 'Elam' and 'Media' align with historical records of their involvement in Babylon's downfall?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/51.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) Make bright the arrows.--Better, Sharpen, the "polishing" or "making bright" being as the means to that end.Gather the shields.--Literally, fill the shields, i.e., arm yourselves with them, The large shields of the Persian soldiers covered the whole body, and the man literally filled them. The LXX. and Vulgate agree in rendering the noun "quivers" instead of "shields," but this would seem to have been a conjecture rising out of a wish to connect the two clauses. The rendering of the Authorised version agrees with the use of the word in Song <a href="/songs/4-4.htm" title="Your neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, where on there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.">Song of Solomon 4:4</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/27-11.htm" title="The men of Arvad with your army were on your walls round about, and the Gammadims were in your towers: they hanged their shields on your walls round about; they have made your beauty perfect.">Ezekiel 27:11</a>; <a href="/2_kings/11-10.htm" title="And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD.">2Kings 11:10</a>. Some critics interpret the words as meaning "fill the shields with oil," as parallel to "sharpen the arrows," and agreeing with "anoint the shield" in <a href="/isaiah/21-5.htm" title="Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, you princes, and anoint the shield.">Isaiah 21:5</a>.Of the kings of the Medes.--As with the Greeks in their use of the terms Medise and Medism, so with the Hebrews the Medes are more prominent than the Persians in the work of destruction (comp. <a href="/isaiah/13-17.htm" title="Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.">Isaiah 13:17</a>). The "kings" are the chieftains of tribes more or less independent, but owning the suzerainty of the Persian king. It is noticeable that the ruler of Babylon, after its capture by Cyrus, in <a href="/daniel/5-31.htm" title="And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about three score and two years old.">Daniel 5:31</a>, is "Darius the Median," and that he is called a "king." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/51.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - Make bright; rather, polish, so that the arrows may penetrate easily (comp. <a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a>, "a polished shaft"). Gather the shields; rather, fill the shields (viz. with your arms); i.e. take hold of them. Comp. the phrase, "to fill the hand with the bow" (<a href="/2_kings/9-24.htm">2 Kings 9:24</a>). The rendering" quivers" is wanting in philological authority, and seems to have been inferred from this passage, where, however, it is unnecessary. The kings of the Medes. The prophet speaks of the Medes and not the Persians (comp. <a href="/isaiah/13-17.htm">Isaiah 13:17</a>). "The reason, probably, is twofold: (1) that the name Madai became known to the Jews at an earlier period than Paras, 'Persia;' and (2) that the generals of Cyrus were apparently Medes (e.g. Mazares and Harpagus, Herod., 1:157, 162)" (Cheyne's 'Prophecies of Isaiah,' 2:275, 276). The new Cyrus inscription throws light on the latter circumstance. <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Sharpen הָבֵ֣רוּ (hā·ḇê·rū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1305.htm">Strong's 1305: </a> To clarify, examine, select the arrows! הַחִצִּים֮ (ha·ḥiṣ·ṣîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2671.htm">Strong's 2671: </a> A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear Take up מִלְא֣וּ (mil·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> To fill, be full of the shields! הַשְּׁלָטִים֒ (haš·šə·lā·ṭîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7982.htm">Strong's 7982: </a> Perhaps shield The LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has aroused הֵעִ֣יר (hê·‘îr) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5782.htm">Strong's 5782: </a> To rouse oneself, awake the spirit ר֙וּחַ֙ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit of the kings מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of the Medes, מָדַ֔י (mā·ḏay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> Media -- a son of Japheth, also his descendants and their land because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction His plan מְזִמָּת֖וֹ (mə·zim·mā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4209.htm">Strong's 4209: </a> A plan, evil, sometimes good is aimed at עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Babylon בָּבֶ֥ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city to destroy her, לְהַשְׁחִיתָ֑הּ (lə·haš·ḥî·ṯāh) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> Perhaps to go to ruin for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction it הִ֔יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are [is] the vengeance נִקְמַ֤ת (niq·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5360.htm">Strong's 5360: </a> Avengement of the LORD— יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel vengeance נִקְמַ֖ת (niq·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5360.htm">Strong's 5360: </a> Avengement for His temple. הֵיכָלֽוֹ׃ (hê·ḵā·lōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1964.htm">Strong's 1964: </a> A large public building, palace, temple <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-11.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 51:11 Make sharp the arrows (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/51-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 51:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 51:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 51:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 51:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>