It is said that no form of power is eternal. One empire after another has held sway over half the world. Yet in the end, their power and might crumbled. Ultimately, we are taught that no form of power in this world is eternal. Only the power of God is eternally manifested and upheld throughout the ages. 

This passage continues to recount the prophecy concerning the Babylonian Empire, which was foretold to fall as well. Previously, the people of Judah felt that Babylon, which had defeated them, was invincible. Amidst those cries of despair, the word of the Lord in Jeremiah 50:34 resounds powerfully: “But their Redeemer is mighty; the Lord of hosts is his name; he will plead their cause with strength…”

When the world and its systems are controlled by power, wealth, or riches, as in the case of Babylon, the Lord reveals Himself as the Redeemer (Go’el). In the Israelite tradition, a Redeemer is the closest family member who steps forward to redeem a relative from slavery or a debt they cannot possibly repay themselves. God declares that He is not merely a distant Ruler in heaven, but the “Closest Relative” who is willing to intervene and take up our cause. He is the Defender who will not stand idly by whilst His people are trampled underfoot. It is through His work that Babylon, which seems invincible, will meet its end. God is able to bring down the powers that consider themselves invincible and seem to surpass God. 

Do we not often become like ‘Babylon’, feeling invincible and as though we own the world? We build our certainty in life upon what we hold and achieve, yet we forget that all of it belongs to God. Yet it is Allah alone who determines the course of all life. Let us rely on Allah’s help and strength with all our hearts.