ירמיהו, פרק נ״א, פסוק כ״ה

God issues a direct declaration of war against the Babylonian empire, sentencing it to absolute ruin. The dominant global power that once brought destruction upon the entire world is destined to be stripped of its immense strength, cast down from its towering heights, and reduced to scorched rubble.

Babylon is characterized as a destructive mountain. Since the physical city of Babylon was situated in a flat valley rather than a mountainous region, the commentators explain this imagery conceptually. The primary approach among commentators is that the mountain serves as a metaphor for Babylon's unmatched power and its status as a heavily fortified stronghold [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective divides this imagery between the spiritual and physical realms. In this view, the mountain refers to the supreme spiritual force representing Babylon in heaven, while the destruction it caused across the earth refers to the physical actions of the empire below [חומת אנך].

God signals His readiness to strike and actively fight against the empire by stretching out His hand [מצודת דוד]. He promises to roll Babylon down from the rocks, an image of a violent fall from a place of supreme elevation to the lowest depths [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. Just like the mountain, these rocks do not represent the natural geography of Babylon. Instead, they symbolize the city's tall towers, powerful strongholds, and massive fortifications [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. God will cast the empire down from the heights of its own defenses, ensuring it can never return to its former position [מלבי״ם].

Ultimately, the mighty city will meet its end as a burnt mountain. It will be completely consumed by fire and transformed into a desolate wasteland, echoing the absolute devastation of Sodom when it was destroyed by fire and brimstone [מצודת דוד].