What does it mean to taunt? I always thought it was like teasing. So, I looked it up and according to Dictionary.com, the noun taunt is “an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.” I’m not sure this helps or not, but we know from these words that God is going to win this challenge. There is no question, God is ruler of all, and no mighty king has a chance against the power of God.
Our text starts with another promise. “But the Lord will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob. He will choose Israel as his special people once again. He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land. And people from many different nations will come and join them there and unite with the people of Israel.” We’re seeing in this section a glimpse into what God will do against Israel’s surrounding nations. It is God’s overall intention to include people from many different nations as “his” people. The day is coming when “Israel will rule over its enemies.” But before that can happen, there will be hardships, discipline, growing pains.
At this point, fear of Babylon is not on the people’s radar at all. This is a message they will need to remember and dwell upon much later. It’s always good to be aware of our enemies, especially those lurking and unseen. We have been given a great tool in the Bible to be able to recognize those who are not on our team. Those who question and oppose God are enemies. They require special handling on our part.
The “taunts” we read here are meant to be said by the people. Consequently, the “taunt” has even more impact. The people will have clearly embraced the power of God and how it has saved them. They will see evil for evil and know that it has been eliminated by the hand of God. “In your face” Babylonians! Take that! Are we as direct and challenging to our foes?
It has been suggested by some scholars that perhaps there is a double reference here to both the Babylonian king and Satan. Especially starting with verse 9, “In the place of the dead there is excitement over your arrival.” Of course, the arrival of the fallen angel, Satan, now ruler of the “place of the dead” would cause a stir. It’s interesting to re-read that section with the possible double meaning in mind.
Within the taunt we see these words, “’I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’” It is common for powerful leaders to feel invincible and begin to believe they are like gods. Certainly, the king of Babylon was in this camp. When we start to rely on our own power and forget about God, problems will arise. When we are in positions of leadership, we can easily fall prey to these sorts of false beliefs. We do better to always rely on God’s power.
These “taunts” are really daunting. One might even start to feel sorry for this king. By the time these words are chanted it will be too late for him. There will be no turning back for this evil king. He won’t even know what hit him. The hey-day of his reign expired, and his world has come crashing down. His own people will also be destroyed, but the remnant of Israel will remain.
Verses 24-27 seem a little out of place as a flashback to Assyria. They were a neighboring nation, too. Their demise would happen first and be over and done before the Babylonian take-over ever began. God’s plans for Assyria and Babylon were similar. By positioning the reference to Assyria, the people would have a better picture of what was going to happen to Babylon. This promise would now make more sense.
God’s plans were inclusive. “I have a plan for the whole earth, a hand of judgment upon all the nations.” What does this plan include? Is it still unfolding today? Take some time to think through how God deals with those who oppress the ones he loves. Where do you see the oppression around you?
Let’s pray … Lord, there is so much unrest in our world today. I’m sure there have always been issues of inequality, hatred, abuse of power, and wayward spirits. Give me a heart for the oppressed and open my eyes to know where I can be of service on your behalf. May I never take you for granted or bask in my own power forgetting where it comes from. Thank you for how you empower me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
