Jeremiah 51:16
When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.
Jeremiah 51:16 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Jeremiah depicts the power and majesty of God as the creator and sustainer of the natural world. When God speaks, it is as if the entire heavens react with a multitude of waters, symbolizing the vastness and abundance of his voice. The imagery of vapors ascending from the ends of the earth highlights God's control over the water cycle, bringing rain to the land. The creation of lightnings with rain showcases the might and authority of God over the elements, demonstrating his ability to bring both life-giving rain and destructive storms. Finally, the verse speaks of God bringing forth the wind from his treasures, emphasizing his sovereignty over the forces of nature. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power over all creation, from the heavens to the earth.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the power and sovereignty of God over the forces of nature. The imagery of God speaking and causing a multitude of waters in the heavens signifies His control over the rain and storms. The mention of vapors ascending from the ends of the earth emphasizes His role in the water cycle and ensuring that the earth is nourished and sustained. The lightning, rain, and wind mentioned in the verse demonstrate God's ability to bring about both blessings and judgments through these natural phenomena. The word study of "treasures" in this context could refer to God's storehouses of power and might, from which He brings forth the wind and displays His majestic authority over creation. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's greatness and providence in orchestrating the elements of the natural world for His divine purposes.
Jeremiah 51:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
when he uttereth his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries.
World English Bible
when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightning for the rain, and brings the wind out of his treasuries.
Douay-Rheims
When he uttereth his voice the waters are multiplied in heaven: he lifteth up the clouds from the ends of the earth, he hath turned lightning into rain: and hath brought forth the wind out of his treasures.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Hee giueth by his voyce the multitude of waters in the heauen, and he causeth the cloudes to ascend from the endes of the earth: he turneth lightnings to raine, and bringeth forth the winde out of his treasures.