Jeremiah 50:21-46 – Day of Reckoning for Babylon

Read Jeremiah 50:21-46

The LORD says, “For Babylon’s day of reckoning has come.” What does that even mean? According to a definition by Merriam Webster, it’s “a time when the consequences of a course of mistakes or misdeeds are felt.” Babylon had done so much harm to God’s people, it was now time to experience the consequences. They would soon see that you don’t mess around with God’s people.

The news in Jerusalem from those who have escaped is that “the LORD our God has taken vengeance against those who destroyed his Temple.” Do you think the people of Babylon realized they had been used as a “puppet” by God to bring about the destruction they did? They certainly didn’t realize that those actions would lead to their own demise, did they?

Continue reading “Jeremiah 50:21-46 – Day of Reckoning for Babylon”

Jeremiah 50:1-20 – Watch Out Babylon!

Read Jeremiah 50:1-20

Were you surprised to see God’s fury unleash on Babylon? Both Chapter 50 and 51 will focus on God’s plans for Babylon. Interesting that the very world power God used to wreak havoc on his people and the surrounding nations will also fall.

For the simplicity of the message, “Babylon will fall,” there is a lot of complexity to this extended prophecy. One scholar identifies thirteen prophetic units. We’ll take it in a few chunks (not 13)! We’ll notice the vivid poetic imagery used and the promises for God’s people. We aren’t told when Jeremiah wrote these words, but it is clearly written about “future” events.

Continue reading “Jeremiah 50:1-20 – Watch Out Babylon!”

Jeremiah 49:1-39 – God’s Fury

Read Jeremiah 49:1-39

angel of death

We see five individual prophecies of doom in today’s reading. Each recipient of God’s wrath has a little different story, but what they share in common is proximity to Israel and Judah. Why do you think we need to see how God is going to deal with other nations?

It’s helpful to know God is fighting for those he loves. Sometimes it means he has to take control of those around us who are causing us harm or poised to do so. We don’t have to seek revenge. God does the heavy lifting for us. Here’s a little of what I took note of in my reflection of the text and research of who these nations were.

Continue reading “Jeremiah 49:1-39 – God’s Fury”

Jeremiah 48:1-47 – Why Does God Care About Moab?

Read Jeremiah 48:1-47

I hope you didn’t scroll right past the last verse. Almost like an afterthought, the author closes this prophecy with a trickle of hope. Because that was such a long and emotionally draining reading, I’d like to keep the focus on hope. There are plenty of very devastating things promised for the Moabites.

Clearly God was angered by the people of Moab. They ridiculed God’s precious Israelites, they were full of pride and arrogance, they offered sacrifices and burnt incense to other gods, and they boasted against the Lord. How can God forgive those acts of disrespect?

Continue reading “Jeremiah 48:1-47 – Why Does God Care About Moab?”

Jeremiah 47:1-7 – What is God’s Purpose?

Read Jeremiah 47:1-7

man in overalls with his back facing us and the word WHY? written in a thought bubble above his head, blue sky in the background

The Philistines had always been a rival to the Israelites. Now, they, too, were caught in between the powers of Babylon and Egypt. The exact date of Egypt’s attack spoken of here is not known, but it’s clear God was going to destroy the Philistines, too. I was curious to note that the prophecy’s destruction seemed to be from the north whereas Egypt is on the southern border of the region.

Scholars have looked at how God’s prophecies speak of a major transformation in world power. We can’t help but ask what was God’s purpose in all of this? Wasn’t he simply angry at his own people for falling away and refusing to listen to him? No reason was given as to why the Philistines would suffer in this manner.

Continue reading “Jeremiah 47:1-7 – What is God’s Purpose?”
error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)