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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 51:32 The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/51-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/24_Jer_51_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 51:32 - Babylon's Punishment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified." /><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/51-32.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/51-32.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 32</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="/ad12.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/51-31.htm" title="Jeremiah 51:31">◄</a> Jeremiah 51:32 <a href="/jeremiah/51-33.htm" title="Jeremiah 51:33">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/51.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />the river crossings seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers terrified.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/51.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />All the escape routes are blocked. The marshes have been set aflame, and the army is in a panic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/51.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />the fords have been seized, the marshes are burned with fire, and the soldiers are in panic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/51.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/51.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The passages are blocked, The reeds they have burned with fire, And the men of war are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/51.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The river crossing places have been seized, And they have burned the marshes with fire, And the men of war are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/51.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The fords also have been seized, And they have burned the marshes with fire, And the men of war are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/51.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The fords also have been seized, And they have burned the marshes with fire, And the men of war are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The fords also have been seized, And they have burned the marshes with fire, And the men of war are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/51.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And that the fords [across the Euphrates] have been blocked <i>and</i> [the ferries] seized, And they have set the [great] marshes on fire, And the men of war are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/51.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the fighting men are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/51.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the passages are seized, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/51.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The enemy now controls the river crossings! The marshes are on fire! Your army has panicked!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/51.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the passages are surprised, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/51.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The river crossings have been taken. The enemy has burned its marshes, and its soldiers are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/51.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The enemy have captured the river crossing and have set the fortresses on fire. The Babylonian soldiers have panicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/51.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The fords have been captured, and the marshes burned with fire. The soldiers are terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/51.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/51.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They will report that the fords have been captured, the reed marshes have been burned, the soldiers are terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/51.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and the passages are seized, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are frightened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/51.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/51.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So the passages are seized. They have burned the reeds with fire. The men of war are frightened.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/51.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the passages have been captured, "" And they have burned the reeds with fire, "" And the men of war have been troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/51.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the passages have been captured, And the reeds they have burnt with fire, And the men of war have been troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/51.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the passages were taken, and they burnt the ropes in fire, and the men of war trembled.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/51.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And that the fords are taken, and the marshes are burnt with fire, and the men of war are affrighted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/51.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and that the fords were seized in advance, and that the marshes have been burned with fire, and that the men of war have been set in disarray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/51.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The fords have been seized, marshes set on fire, warriors panic. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/51.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />the fords have been seized, the marshes have been burned with fire, and the soldiers are in panic.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/51.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And that the crossings are seized and the bastions are burned with fire and all the men of war are in confusion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/51.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And its borders are seized and its fields burned in fire, and all her mighty warriors were alarmed<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/51.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the fords are seized, And the castles they have burned with fire, And the men of war are affrighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/51.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />At the end of his passages they were taken, and his cisterns they have burnt with fire, and his warriors are going forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=16186" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Babylon's Punishment</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">31</span>One courier races to meet another, and messenger follows messenger, to announce to the king of Babylon that his city has been captured from end to end. <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4569.htm" title="4569: wə·ham·ma‘·bā·rō·wṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-fp) -- Or feminine mapabarah; from abar; a crossing-place; abstractly, a transit, i.e. overwhelming.">The fords</a> <a href="/hebrew/8610.htm" title="8610: niṯ·pā·śū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to manipulate, i.e. Seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably.">have been seized,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/98.htm" title="98: hā·’ă·ḡam·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A marsh, muddy pool. From an unused root; a marsh; hence a rush; hence a stockade of reeds.">the marshes</a> <a href="/hebrew/8313.htm" title="8313: śā·rə·p̄ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To burn. A primitive root; to be on fire.">set on fire,</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ḇā·’êš (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire."></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wə·’an·šê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and the soldiers</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war."></a> <a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: niḇ·hā·lū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">are terrified.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-2.htm">Revelation 18:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-19.htm">Isaiah 13:19-22</a></span><br />And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. / She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-12.htm">Revelation 16:12</a></span><br />And the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-1.htm">Isaiah 47:1-5</a></span><br />“Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate. / Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. / Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1-2</a></span><br />Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. / The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-22.htm">Isaiah 14:22-23</a></span><br />“I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD. / “I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-21.htm">Revelation 18:21</a></span><br />Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm">Isaiah 21:9</a></span><br />Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/14-8.htm">Revelation 14:8</a></span><br />Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-27.htm">Isaiah 44:27</a></span><br />who says to the depths of the sea, ‘Be dry, and I will dry up your currents,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-10.htm">Revelation 18:10</a></span><br />In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-19.htm">Revelation 18:19</a></span><br />Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-1.htm">Isaiah 46:1-2</a></span><br />Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. / The gods cower; they crouch together, unable to relieve the burden; but they themselves go into captivity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-23.htm">Revelation 18:23</a></span><br />The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.</p><p class="hdg">the passages</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-38.htm">Jeremiah 50:38</a></b></br> A drought <i>is</i> upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it <i>is</i> the land of graven images, and they are mad upon <i>their</i> idols.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-27.htm">Isaiah 44:27</a></b></br> That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:</p><p class="hdg">the near</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Jeremiah 51:30</a></b></br> The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in <i>their</i> holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-37.htm">Jeremiah 50:37</a></b></br> A sword <i>is</i> upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that <i>are</i> in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword <i>is</i> upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/17-18.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-15.htm">Bulwarks</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-31.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-22.htm">Castles</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-2.htm">Fords</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-33.htm">Grip</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-11.htm">Marshes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-24.htm">Panic</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-20.htm">Passages</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-7.htm">Reeds</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-10.htm">River</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-46.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-30.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-5.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-23.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">War</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-25.htm">Water-Holes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-3.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/3-9.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-20.htm">Bulwarks</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-58.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-41.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-7.htm">Castles</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-46.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-58.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/joshua/2-7.htm">Fords</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-7.htm">Grip</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-11.htm">Marshes</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-47.htm">Panic</a> <a href="/luke/24-27.htm">Passages</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-51.htm">Places</a> <a href="/ezekiel/42-16.htm">Reeds</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-18.htm">River</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-41.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-8.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-14.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-9.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-4.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-56.htm">War</a> <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Water-Holes</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-4.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 51</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-1.htm">The severe judgment of God against Babylon, in revenge of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">59. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-59.htm">Jeremiah delivers the book of this prophecy to Seraiah, to be cast into Euphrates, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">64. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-64.htm">in token of the perpetual sinking of Babylon</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/51.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/51.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The fords have been seized</b><br>This phrase refers to strategic locations where armies could cross rivers, particularly the Euphrates, which was crucial for Babylon's defense. In ancient warfare, controlling fords was essential for both defense and invasion. The seizing of these fords indicates a significant breach in Babylon's defenses, symbolizing the beginning of its downfall. Historically, the Medes and Persians diverted the Euphrates River to enter Babylon, fulfilling this prophecy. This event is a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to fulfill His word through historical events.<p><b>the marshes set on fire</b><br>The marshes around Babylon were part of its natural defenses, providing a barrier against invading forces. Setting them on fire would have been a tactic to clear the way for an attack, causing chaos and reducing the city's defensive capabilities. This imagery also symbolizes the complete destruction and purification by fire, a common biblical theme representing judgment. The burning of the marshes signifies the thoroughness of Babylon's impending judgment, as prophesied by Jeremiah and echoed in <a href="/revelation/18.htm">Revelation 18</a>, where Babylon's fall is depicted as sudden and complete.<p><b>and the soldiers are terrified.</b><br>The fear of the soldiers highlights the psychological impact of the invasion. Despite Babylon's reputation as an impregnable city, the sudden breach of its defenses leads to panic and demoralization among its troops. This fear fulfills the prophecy of Babylon's fall and serves as a testament to the power of God's judgment. The terror of the soldiers can be seen as a type of the fear that will grip the world at the return of Christ, as described in <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Revelation 6:15-17</a>, where people will seek to hide from the wrath of the Lamb. This phrase underscores the futility of relying on human strength and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and surrounding nations, including Babylon.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The powerful empire that is the subject of God's judgment in this chapter. It represents human pride and opposition to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fords.htm">The Fords</a></b><br>Strategic crossing points over rivers, crucial for military and trade purposes. Their capture signifies a significant military advantage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_marshes.htm">The Marshes</a></b><br>Wetlands that could serve as natural defenses. Setting them on fire indicates a comprehensive and destructive attack.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_soldiers.htm">The Soldiers</a></b><br>Babylonian troops who are described as terrified, indicating the effectiveness of the attack and the fulfillment of God's judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>This passage reminds us that no nation, regardless of its power, is beyond God's control. He can bring down empires in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_inevitability_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Inevitability of God's Judgment</a></b><br>Just as Babylon faced judgment, so will all who oppose God. This should encourage us to live righteously and align ourselves with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_pride.htm">The Futility of Human Pride</a></b><br>Babylon's fall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. We should seek humility and dependence on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Jeremiah's prophecies were fulfilled, demonstrating the reliability and authority of God's Word. We should trust and obey Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/finding_security_in_god.htm">Finding Security in God</a></b><br>While the soldiers were terrified, those who trust in God can find peace and security, even in times of turmoil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_51.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 51</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_israel's_promise_and_hardships.htm">Jeremiah 32:37-44: How do we reconcile the promise of restoration with the prolonged hardships and dispersions Israel experienced throughout history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_claim_ignorance_in_jer_32_35.htm">Jeremiah 32:35: Why would God claim ignorance of child sacrifices if other passages suggest He is omniscient and aware of every human action?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_baruch's_memory_credible_evidence.htm">How credible is Baruch's ability to reproduce an entire scroll from memory without error, and where is the evidence that any original text survived? (Jeremiah 36:32)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jeremiah's_land_purchase_verified.htm">Jeremiah 32:9-15: How can the account of Jeremiah purchasing land during a siege be historically or archaeologically verified if the city was on the brink of destruction?</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>(32) <span class= "bld">That the passages are stopped.</span>--These were probably the ferries across the Euphrates, by which one part of the city was in communication with the other. These were at the ends of the streets that ran at right angles to the river, and gates--left open in the panic of surprise--led down to them. Besides these there was one bridge over the Euphrates in the middle and a tunnel under it (Herod. i. 186). The word is elsewhere used for fords, as in <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm" title="And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.">Genesis 32:22</a>; <a href="/judges/3-28.htm" title="And he said to them, Follow after me: for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.">Judges 3:28</a>, but cannot have that meaning here, as the Euphrates was not fordable at Babylon.<p><span class= "bld">The reeds they have burned with fire.</span>--The word for "reeds" is elsewhere (<a href="/isaiah/14-23.htm" title="I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, said the LORD of hosts.">Isaiah 14:23</a>; <a href="/isaiah/41-18.htm" title="I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the middle of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.">Isaiah 41:18</a>; <a href="/exodus/7-19.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, Say to Aaron, Take your rod, and stretch out your hand on the waters of Egypt, on their streams, on their rivers, and on their ponds, and on all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.">Exodus 7:19</a>; <a href="/exodus/8-5.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, Say to Aaron, Stretch forth your hand with your rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.">Exodus 8:5</a>) translated "pool." Here it probably refers to the great pool constructed by Nitocris as a reservoir or dock. This was probably left dry by the diversion of the river into another channel, and the reeds which grew in it, perhaps also the flood-gates of the canals, and the ships that were in dock, were burnt by the Persians. The very pools were the scene of a conflagration. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/51.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 32.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And that the passages are stopped;</span> rather, <span class="accented">are seized</span> (<span class="accented">as</span> <a href="/jeremiah/48-41.htm">Jeremiah 48:41</a>). Babylon, it should be remembered, was divided nearly in half by the Euphrates. It was guarded, says Professor Rawlinson, "by two walls of brick, which skirted them along their whole length. In each of these walls were twenty-five gates, corresponding to the number of the streets which gave upon the river; and outside each gate was a sloped landing place, by which you could descend to the water's edge, if you had occasion to cross the river. Boats were kept ready at these landing places to convey passengers from side to side; while for those who disliked this method of conveyance, a bridge was provided of a somewhat peculiar construction" ('Ancient Monarchies,' 2:514). <span class="cmt_word">The reeds they have burned with fire.</span> This rendering is no doubt tenable, though it gives an unusual meaning to the first noun. The "reeds" would be those of the marshes in the neighbourhood of Babylon; and Kimchi suggests that these would be cut down to facilitate the entrance of the army into the city, Surely a very forced explanation. The natural meaning of the first noun is "pools" or "lakes," and, considering that Herodotus (1:185) speaks of a lake in connection with the defences of Babylon, it has been thought (<span class="accented">e.g.</span> by Vitringa) that the prophet may refer to something which was to happen to this and similar lakes; "burned with fire" is then regarded as a hyperbolical expression equivalent to "dried up" (comp. ver. 36). This, however, is hardly less forced than the first interpretation; and we seem almost compelled to assume s corruption of the text, and to read (for '<span class="accented">agammin</span>) '<span class="accented">armonim</span>, palaces. If "palaces" (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> lofty houses, for such is the etymological meaning) were not uncommon at Jerusalem (<a href="/isaiah/32-14.htm">Isaiah 32:14</a>), much more frequent must they have been at Babylon, Or perhaps the prophet refers to the two magnificent royal palaces, which, together with the temple of Bel, constituted the wonders of Babylon. They were on opposite sides of the river, and were guarded with triple enclosures, the circumference in the one case amounting to sixty stadia (nearly seven miles), and in the other to thirty (Rawlinson, 'Ancient Monarchies,' 2:514, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The fords</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַמַּעְבָּר֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ham·ma‘·bā·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4569.htm">Strong's 4569: </a> </span><span class="str2">A crossing-place, a transit, overwhelming</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have been seized,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִתְפָּ֔שׂוּ</span> <span class="translit">(niṯ·pā·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8610.htm">Strong's 8610: </a> </span><span class="str2">To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the marshes</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֲגַמִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ă·ḡam·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_98.htm">Strong's 98: </a> </span><span class="str2">A marsh, a rush, a stockade of reeds</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set on fire,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרְפ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rə·p̄ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8313.htm">Strong's 8313: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, on fire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the soldiers</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַנְשֵׁ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are terrified.”</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְהָֽלוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·hā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/51-32.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 51:32 And the passages are seized and (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/51-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 51:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 51:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/51-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 51:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 51:33" /></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>