Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 51 - Verse 2
Meaning
The verse "And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about." can be found in the book of Jeremiah. In this verse, God is proclaiming judgment against the city of Babylon. The act of sending fanners to Babylon is symbolic of God using foreign nations to bring destruction upon the city. The fanners are representative of these foreign armies who will "fan" the flames of destruction and ultimately "empty her land" of its inhabitants. This verse serves as a warning to Babylon that in the day of trouble, these foreign nations will surround and attack her from all sides.
Through this verse, God is making it clear that Babylon will face the consequences of its sins and face judgment for its wickedness. The imagery of the fanners serves as a visual representation of God's chosen method of punishing Babylon through the use of outside forces. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and serves as a warning to all who choose to walk in wickedness. It also demonstrates God's sovereignty and his ability to bring judgment upon the nations according to his will.
Theological Overview
The book of Jeremiah, from which this verse is taken, is filled with prophecies of judgment against the nations, including Babylon. In this particular verse, the image of 'fanners' is used to describe how God will bring destruction upon Babylon. Fanners were agricultural tools used to separate chaff from grain; in this context, they symbolize the actions God will take to purify the land of Babylon. The word 'fanners' can also symbolize God's judgment and purification of His people, separating the righteous from the wicked. The phrase 'in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about' suggests that Babylon will face opposition from all sides when God's judgment comes upon her. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, showing that no nation is beyond His judgment.