Jeremiah 51:57
And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.
JEREMIAH 51:57
The verse promises that God will make Babylon’s princes, wise men, captains, rulers, and mighty men sleep a perpetual sleep. This is a poetic way of saying they will die or lose their power permanently. It signals the totality of the collapse of Babylon’s leadership and thus the empire’s downfall.
The theme centers on divine sovereignty over human leadership and the ultimate fragility of human authority when misused. It is a reminder that God can and does remove leaders who resist His justice, establishing that true power rests in obedience to Him.
- When leaders fail or abuse power, respond with accountability and constructive change.
- Seek leadership that serves the common good, models integrity, and prioritizes the vulnerable.
- Practice political engagement that aims for justice rather than personal power.
Cross-References: Isaiah 40:23; Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1-4