I will punish Bel in Babylon. I will make him spew out what he swallowed. The nations will no longer stream to him; even the wall of Babylon will fall.
God again declares that he would take vengeance on the idols of Babylon; not that God is properly incensed against idols, for they are nothing but things made by men; but that he might show how much he detests all superstitious and idolatrous worship.
Babylon was once a golden cup in the Lord's hand, filled with His favor, but also His battle-axe to break nations. Those that carry all before them a great while will yet meet their match; even Babylon's day will come, and it too shall fall.
AI summary
Commenting on Jeremiah 51:1-58
And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land,.... The rumour of war in the land of Chaldea; the report of the Medes and Persians preparing to invade it, and besiege Babylon, in the peace of which city the Jews had peace; and therefore might fear they should suffer in the calamities of it; but, lest...