Jeremiah 51:23

23 to slaughter shepherds and their flocks, to slaughter farmers and their plow horses, to crush rulers and high officials."

Jeremiah 51:23 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 51:23

And I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his
flock
Or, have broken; which Abarbinel thinks respects the Arabians particularly, who were shepherds, and dwelt in tents; but it rather signifies shepherds and their flocks in general; who were killed or scattered wherever his armies came, which spared none, even the most innocent and useful, and though unarmed: and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of
oxen;
with which he ploughed his ground: signifying by this, as well as the former, that those were not spared, by which kingdoms were supported and maintained, as shepherds and husbandmen: and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers;
by whom kingdoms and states are governed and protected.

Jeremiah 51:23 In-Context

21 to shatter horses and riders, to shatter chariots and their drivers,

22 to kill men and women, to slay old and young, to kill boys and girls,

23 to slaughter shepherds and their flocks, to slaughter farmers and their plow horses, to crush rulers and high officials."

24 The Lord says, "You will see me repay Babylonia and its people for all the evil they did to Jerusalem.

25 Babylonia, you are like a mountain that destroys the whole world, but I, the Lord, am your enemy. I will take hold of you, level you to the ground, and leave you in ashes.