Jeremiah 51:1,2 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Behold, I will raise up against Babylon Darius and Cyrus, who came against Babylon, came by a divine instinct. God excited their spirits to accomplish his purpose against that idolatrous city, and the oppressive government which had its seat there. Against them that dwell in the midst Hebrew, in the heart; of them that rise up against me That is, in the centre of the country of mine adversaries, which by a circumlocution means the same as Babylon itself. A destroying wind See note on Jeremiah 4:11, where the prophet describes the Chaldean army coming up for the destruction of Judea under the same metaphor. The Chaldeans had been like a destroying, blasting wind to the Jews, and now the Medes and Persians are to be like one to them. And will send unto Babylon fanners Enemies who shall drive them away as chaff is driven away by the fan; or those who shall disperse her forces, and empty or spoil her land of all its riches, &c. This image is frequently made use of by the Hebrew prophets, to represent the ease with which the Almighty disperses and destroys his enemies: see notes on Jeremiah 15:7; Isaiah 21:10; Isaiah 41:16. For in the day of trouble they shall be against her, &c. Or, as the words may be rendered, When they shall come round her on every side in the evil (or adverse) day.