Definition: Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:11. It's a pretty powerful and dramatic passage about God’s plan to punish Babylon. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is deliberately setting events in motion to defeat Babylon. He’s saying that he’s taking action to destroy it, not just as a punishment for them, but as a way of protecting His people and fulfilling his purpose. Let's unpack the parts: “Make bright the arrows; gather the shields” : This is a metaphor. Jeremiah is comparing the situation to an army preparing for battle. He’s telling us that God is actively preparing for war against Babylon. He’s using powerful imagery – "brighten the arrows" and "gather the shields" - to suggest that he's setting things in motion with great urgency and readiness. “The LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes” : This is the key . God is choosing the Medes (a powerful Persian kingdom) to be his agents in this war. The "spirit of the kings" means he’s empowering them with strength, leadership, and a specific strategy. He's deliberately placing these Medes in a position to fight against Babylon. “for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it” : This is a crucial part. God has a plan – a “device” – that’s specifically designed to defeat Babylon. It’s not just random violence; it’s strategically aimed at their downfall. “because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple” : This is where the gravity and purpose of the action are emphasized. The "vengeance of the LORD" means God is exacting punishment for Babylon's actions, which He sees as a violation of his will. The “vengeance of his temple” refers to the holy place in Jerusalem – the location of the Temple – which God considers sacred and vulnerable. It’s a symbolic act of retribution. In simpler terms: God is actively working against Babylon by choosing the Medes to fight against them, with a very specific goal: to destroy Babylon. It’s a deliberate and powerful show of power from God. Overall Meaning: The verse speaks to a significant shift in God's plan – a calculated strategy to punish Babylon and protect his people. It highlights God’s sovereignty and his willingness to use force to uphold His justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used?