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Jeremiah 51:12

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 51:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Jeremiah 51:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 51

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country; for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
10Jehovah hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of Jehovah our God.
11Make 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.
12Set 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.
13O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, the measure of thy covetousness.
14Jehovah of hosts hath sworn by himself, [saying], Surely I will fill thee with men, as with the canker-worm; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.
15He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding hath he stretched out the heavens:
← Jeremiah 51:11Jeremiah 51:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, etc.] This is not said to the Medes and Persians, to put up a flag on the walls of Babylon, as a sign of victory, as Kimchi, Abarbinel, and others think; for as yet the city is not supposed to be taken by what follows; but rather to the Babylonians, to set up an ensign on their walls, to gather the inhabitants together, to defend their city, and the bulwarks of it; which, with what follows, is ironically spoken: make the watch strong; to guard the city; observe the motions of the enemy, and give proper and timely notice; increase and double it: set up watchmen; meaning the keepers of the walls; place them upon them, to keep a good look out, that…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“With all your efforts, your city shall be taken. standard--to summon the defenders together to any point threatened by the besiegers.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Upon the walls of Babylon - Or, “against the walls.” The King James Version takes the word ironically, as a summons to Babylon to prepare for her defense; others take it as a summons to the army to make the attack. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Set up - These seem to be the prophet's words to the Babylonians, rousing them out of their security. Historians tell us that the city was fortified by walls of fifty cubits high, and two hundred cubits broad, and by a very deep and large ditch. Jeremiah 51:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the standard: Jer 46:3-5; Pro 21:30; Isa 8:9, Isa 8:10, Isa 13:2; Joe 3:2, Joe 3:9-14; Nah 2:1, Nah 3:14, Nah 3:15 ambushes: Heb. liers in wait, Jos 8:14 the Lord hath both: Jer 51:11, Jer 51:29; Lam 2:17 Jeremiah 51:13”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification