Concerning Egpyt
Concerning the Philistines
Concerning Moab
Concerning the Ammonites
Concerning Edom
Concerning Damascus
Concerning Kedar
and the kingdoms of Hazor
Concerning Elam
Jeremiah 46-49
With the impending (and in some cases, current) occupation by Babylon, the fate of many nations in the Near East is in question. Just as God as told Israel their fate, so now He declares the fate of the ten nations that surround Israel. Listed here are the first nine, sorted nicely in west to east fashion. From a theological perspective, you do not want to move from west to east (for example, see Ezekiel 11:23) . Other gods like Chemosh (Moab) and Milcom (Ammon) cannot save from the imminent destruction. Trusting in a supposed powerhouse like Egypt does you no favors either.
In a world of upheaval, there is a temptation to turn to various answers - like moving, money, vocation, etc - hoping that these will deliver. We forget that the Lord is sovereign over all the nations; He speaks to all peoples. He is the impartial judge and simply experiencing short-term victories does not mean long-term favor.
By being immersed in chaos and certain destruction, these chapters emphasize the need for a True Savior - Jesus Christ. He is the only one that delivers from wickedness and a self-inflicted demise. Reading these chapters makes you want to cry, "If only you would have turned to the Lord!" May reading these chapters drive us to make the cry that these nations did not.
No comments:
Post a Comment