Jeremiah 51:8-9

[8] Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. [9] We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

What is the context of Jeremiah 51:8-9?

Judgment against Babylon (Jeremiah 51:1-14 true)
The Lord’s Judgment on Babylon (Jeremiah 51:1-14 true)
A Message Concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:1-58 true)
Babylon Judged for Sins against Israel (Jeremiah 51:1-64 true)
A Message About Babylon .( A .) (Jeremiah 51:1-64 true)
God’s Judgment on Babylon (Jeremiah 51:1-64 true)
The Utter Destruction of Babylon (Jeremiah 51:1-64 true)

What does Jeremiah 51:8-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The fall of Babylon would be sudden and final. The cup that was Babylon would break and be irreparable. People will lament over her demise, and will wish they could revive her, but will not be able to do so (cf. Revelation 18:11-19). Therefore, they would abandon her to her monumental judgment (cf. Numbers 13:28; Deuteronomy 1:28).

"What is special to this passage is the note of sadness over her incurable condition ( Jeremiah 51:8-9 a)-a note which chimes in with this book"s description of sin as desperate sickness ^[1], and also with the many glimpses of God"s reluctant resort to judgment when all else has failed." ^[2]