v1-4: See 50.39-40, a thorough judgment, the military defeat inflicted on Babylon would be devastating.

v5: Israel and Judah remained God’s people; even though their land was “full of guilt,” they would not be utterly forsaken.

v6: See 50.8; Rev 18.4; the call for God’s people to flee from Babylon, to avoid the coming judgment. There was also the opportunity to return home.

v7: Another reference to the Lord God using Babylon as His instrument of judgment; the gold cup in the Lord’s hand.

v8-9: There were some who thought that Babylon could be “healed.” Perhaps those living there thought that their presence would mean that judgment would not fall.

But that could not be done, and the command was to flee.

v10: The testimony of God’s people, as they return to Jerusalem.

v11-12: The kings of the Medes led the attack upon Babylon, see Dan 5.28,30. The Medes’ acts was the vengeance of God upon Babylon. This judgment was inevitable, for it was the Lord’s purpose.

v13: Babylon had grown rich, but that could not prevent the coming defeat.

v14: The victorious army, filling the city.

v15-19: The mighty power of God contrasted with idols. God made the earth, He ordains weather and climate; idols are useless and worthless, and those who worship them are senseless and ashamed. The “Portion of Jacob” is not like those made by man’s hands.

v20-23: Referring to Babylon, the weapon in God’s hand.

v24: Although Babylon had been God’s instrument of judgment, she had done much wrong in Zion, and thus would be punished for it.

v25-26: Babylon had destroyed “the whole earth.” But she was guilty before God, and would suffer the consequences; she would be brought low, becoming desolate. The image is of a mountain pushed off a cliff, and then burned up, leaving not even one stone sufficient for a foundation.

v27-29: The nations gathered against Babylon. This theme is repeated; Babylon’s defeat would be inevitable and dramatic.

v30-33: Details of Babylon’s defeat, as their army is defeated. The king, away from the front line, hears a constant stream of bad news as the invaders break through.

v34-35: Jerusalem’s desire for justice, Lam 1.22. God will plead the cause of His own people, for vengeance belongs to the Lord.

v36-40: God’s promises to His people, who had cried out to Him. The city of Babylon, and its people, all destroyed.

v41-44: Babylon had been feared and spoken of throughout the whole earth; she had enjoyed a world-wide influence; see Rev 18.3,11,17-19,23. Many nations, including Judah, had been swallowed up, but these nations would be spewed out, and their people allowed to return home.

v45-48: The Lord commanded His people to come out of Babylon, see Rev 18.4. Doubtless many Jews, realising the truth of these words, did leave when they could. But it seems many more failed to do so.

They would also have to be patient; when Jeremiah gave these words, the defeat of Babylon was still some years away.

v49-51: Although Babylon would fall, that of itself would not guarantee Israel’s restoration. Each of God’s people had a responsibility to “remember the Lord” wherever He had sent them.

v52-53: The destruction of Babylon could not be avoided; God’s plan would be fulfilled whatever the efforts of the defenders.

v54-57: The Lord had stated that He would destroy Babylon. He would use “waves of enemies” to bring her down. Her own army, previously victorious, would be defeated.

v58: The defenders built thick walls and high gates, but they were to prove no defence against the Lord.

v59-64: Jeremiah’s words were actually declared in Babylon. At this time, the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, Judah had not yet been defeated, although many Jews had been taken to Babylon.