Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 51:44
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And I will punish Bel in Babylon, etc.] The idol of the Babylonians, who had a temple in Babylon, where he was worshipped: the same is called Belus by Aelianusf1064, Curtiusf1065, and Pausaniasf1066; perhaps the same Herodianf1067 calls Belis, and says some take him to be Apollo; for more of him, (see Gill on “<234601>Isaiah 46:1”); and (see Gill on “<245002>Jeremiah 50:2”); who was punished when his temple was demolished, and plundered of its wealth; this golden image of Belus was broke to pieces, and the gold of it carried away. The Targum is, “I will visit or punish them that worship Bel in Babylon:” and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up; the rich offerings made to him when victories were obtained; all success being ascribed to him; and the spoils of conquered enemies, which were brought and laid up in his temple, particularly the vessels of the sanctuary at Jerusalem, which were deposited there; (see <143607>2 Chronicles 36:7,18 <270102> Daniel 1:2); and which were restored by Cyrus, (<150107>Ezra 1:7,8); which restoration of them greatly fulfilled this prophecy; and was a refunding of what was lodged with him, or a vomiting what he had swallowed up; compare with this the story of “Bel and the dragon”: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him; either to worship him, or bring their presents to him, to ingratiate themselves with the king of Babylon: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall; which Bel was not able to defend; and therefore should be deserted by his worshippers. The Targum renders it in the plural, the walls of Babylon; of which, (see Gill on “<245158>Jeremiah 51:58”). Some think that not the wall of the city is here meant: but the temple of Bel, which was as a wall or fortress to the city; but now should fall, and be so no more; since it is not easy to give a reason why mention here should be made of the fall of the walls of the city; and seeing express mention is made of this afterwards.
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.
