Yeremia 51:52-53

51:52 Yes, but the time will certainly come,” ¹  says the Lord, ² 

“when I will punish her idols.

Throughout her land the mortally wounded will groan.

51:53 Even if Babylon climbs high into the sky ³ 

and fortifies her elevated stronghold, ⁴ 

I will send destroyers against her,” ⁵ 

says the Lord. ⁶ 

[51:52]  ¹ tn Heb “that being so, look, days are approaching.” Here לָכֵן (lakhen) introduces the Lord’s response to the people’s lament (v. 51). It has the force of “yes, but” or “that may be true.” See Judg 11:8 and BDB 486-87 s.v. כֵּן 3.d.

[51:52]  ² tn Heb “Oracle of the Lord.”

[51:53]  ³ tn Or “ascends [into] heaven.” Note the use of the phrase in Deut 30:12; 2 Kgs 2:11; and Amos 9:2.

[51:53]  ⁴ tn Heb “and even if she fortifies her strong elevated place.”

[51:53]  ⁵ tn Heb “from me destroyers will go against her.”

[51:53]  ⁶ tn Heb “Oracle of the Lord.”