August 23, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Jeremiah 49 - Several nations are included in this chapter that would face invasion from the Babylonians.  First is Ammon, the nation east of the land of Israel.  They would face captivity even though they had boasted of their riches and their power.  Next, in verses 7-22 the land of Edom would be judged though they thought they would miss that, verse 12.  Then in verses 23-27 Damascus (Syria) was to face judgment.  Verses 28-33 the land of Kedar and Hazor would be judged.  These were nomadic Arabians who inhabited the deserts east of Israel.  Verses 34-39 the land of Elam would be judged.  This country was actually east of Babylon and was located in what is now Iran!  They were noted archers, and God spoke of their bows, verse 35, would be broken.  Again, God predicted a future return of their captives to their land.

Jeremiah 50 - Both this chapter and the next speak of God's judgment against Babylon.  Though God used the Babylonians to bring punishment against Judah and the surrounding nations, the people of Babylon deserved judgment themselves.  Jeremiah was to declare to the nations that God would bring Babylon down, and their god, Bel, would be shamed.  The enemies of Babylon would be very effective in their attack using bows and arrows for "none shall return in vain," verse 9.  During this time God would forgive Israel and Judah, verse 20.  God would show Himself as the Redeemer who is strong, verse 34.  God would bring His people back while Babylon was being destroyed.