Jeremiah 51:12

10 “The LORD has brought forth our vindication; come, let us tell in Zion what the LORD our God has accomplished.”

11 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.

Raise 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.

13 You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.

14 The LORD of Hosts has sworn by Himself: “Surely I will fill you up with men as with locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.”

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Raise 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.
KJV
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.
WEB
Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon! Make the watch strong! Set the watchmen, and prepare the ambushes; for the LORD has both purposed and done that which he spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.
ASV
Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes; for Jehovah hath both purposed and done that which he spake concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.
DARBY
Lift up a banner towards the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes; for Jehovah hath both devised and done that which he spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon.
BLB
Set up the standard against the walls of Babylon! Make strong the guard, make stand the watchmen, prepare those laying ambush! For YHWH has both planned and done that which He spoke against those dwelling in Babylon.
ÅB
Løft banner mot Babels murer, hold sterk vakt, sett ut vaktposter, legg bakhold! For Herren har både tenkt ut og setter i verk det som han har talt imot Babels innbyggere.
OTB
Dere vil spise, bli tilfredsstilt, og prise Herren deres Gud, Fordi han har gitt dere deres hjertes ønske.» Han utvider deres domene, Og gir dere frihet til ære for deres navn.
B1930
Løft banner mot Babels murer, hold sterk vakt, sett ut vaktposter, legg bakhold! For Herren har både tenkt ut og setter i verk det som han har talt imot Babels innbyggere.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Jeremiah 51:11

    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.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 13:2

    Raise a banner on a barren hilltop; call aloud to them. Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.

    Read in context
  • Nahum 2:1

    One who scatters advances against you, O Nineveh. Guard the fortress! Watch the road! Brace yourselves! Summon all your strength!

    Read in context
  • Jeremiah 51:29

    The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 21:30

    There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Joel 3:9–14

    Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack!

    Read in context
  • Jeremiah 51:27

    “Raise a banner in the land! Blow the ram’s horn among the nations! Prepare the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms against her— Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 8:9–10

    Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!

    Read in context