Jeremiah 50 -- God Sets His Sights On Babylon Next

Jeremiah announced the message that God declared war on Babylon, and his prophecy has both a near and a far fulfillment, according to my commentary.  God didn't just declare war on the country, but also on the gods of Babylon.  "The word translated images means dung pellets," my commentary said.  "The Lord didn't think much of their gods."

"Yes, Babylon was God's tool to chasten His sinful people, but the Babylonians went too far and enjoyed it too much ... Any nation that cursed the Jews will ultimately be cursed by God (Gen 12:1-3).  As they treated Judah, so God will treat them ... This was no ordinary war; this was the vengeance of the Lord."

Speaking about the Jews, God directed the prophet to look down to the latter days when God will wipe away Israel's sins and establish His new covenant with them.  We see the two horizons of prophecy again, according to my commentary.  The ultimate sin of the Babylonians was the burning of the temple, and for that sin the ultimate total destruction of their city was their punishment.  "Cyrus (and then Alexander) will attack Babylon, and nobody will be able to resist."

As I read this, I also thought of the Iraqi wars fought first in the 1990's and then again in the 2000's as I was traveling to find Josh.  The nation keeps rising in its sin and yet another final battle detailed in Revelation will be coming.

Father, I see Babylon here as a sign of sin and apostasy.  I pray for those I love who now struggle with sins and addictions that almost seems as besetting as those of Babylon.  Please break the cycle and lead them back to You.  Help me to not want to back to my old sins either.  Help me to continue to choose to trust You rather than trusting myself with my future.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford