Jeremiah 51:32

51:32 They will report that the fords have been captured,

the reed marshes have been burned,

the soldiers are terrified. ¹ 

Jeremiah 51:57

51:57 “I will make her officials and wise men drunk,

along with her governors, leaders, ²  and warriors.

They will fall asleep forever and never wake up,” ³ 

says the King whose name is the Lord who rules over all. ⁴ 

[51:32]  ¹ tn The words “They will report that” have been supplied in the translation to show the linkage between this verse and the previous one. This is still a part of the report of the messengers. The meaning of the word translated “reed marshes” has seemed inappropriate to some commentators because it elsewhere refers to “pools.” However, all the commentaries consulted agree that the word here refers to the reedy marshes that surrounded Babylon. (For a fuller discussion regarding the meaning of this word and attempts to connect it with a word meaning “fortress” see W. L. Holladay, Jeremiah [Hermeneia], 2:427.)

[51:57]  ² sn For discussion of the terms “governors” and “leaders” see the note at Jer 51:23.

[51:57]  ³ sn See the note at Jer 51:39.

[51:57]  ⁴ tn For the title “Yahweh of armies” see the study note on Jer 2:19.