Jeremiah 46-49

The closing chapters of Jeremiah’s prophecy contain a record of God’s word to the surrounding nations (Ch. 46-48) as well as to Babylon (Ch. 49-50) before the review of the fall of Jerusalem in Ch. 52.  Let us note some particulars in the promise of judgment on Israel’s neighbors.

·        The nations mentioned are: Egypt (Ch. 46, on whom Israel had trusted at times); Philistia (Ch. 47, in and north of the strip of land known today as Gaza); Moab (Ch. 48); Ammon, Edom (descendents of Esau), Syria/Damascus, Kedar/Hazor (cities in the modern Saudi Arabian peninsula, descendents of Ishmael) and Elam (a nation NW of Babylon).  Moab and Ammon descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Gen. 19:30-38).  Moab, Ammon and Edom make up what today is Jordan, on the east side of the Jordan River.  Philistia comprises the Palestinian land of Gaza. God’s tool of judgment was Babylon, except in the case of Philistia where Egypt carried out God’s vengeance (47:1).  In some cases complete fulfillment occurred with the help of the Mede-Persian armies, the Greeks and the Romans.

·         Egypt (46:26), Moab (48:47), Ammon (49:6) and Elam (49:39) are said to have a future.  Edom is not (49:10) and in fact was no more by the time of the Romans.  In fact, Edom is singled out by several prophets (Obadiah, Ezekiel).

·        God’s message to these nations often refers to the significant cities (e.g. 46:14; 49:7,13).  There are also references to the gods of these nations: Amon of Egypt (46:25); Chemosh of Moab (48:7,13); Milcom of Ammon (49:3) and Hadad of Syria (49:27).  Judgment is a means in which the God of Israel is seen as God Most High.  He shares His glory with no one!

·        The historical references are accurate, as is true of Scripture.  For example, Egypt was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates (46:2-12); but then Nebuchadnezzar came as far as the Nile to completely weaken Egypt (46:13).  Moab is told to leave the cities and “dwell in the rock” (48:28), perhaps a reference to Petra.  The accuracy of past fulfillment of prophecy is one of the greatest assurances of fulfillment of prophecies yet future.

·        These judgments are the “day of the Lord” (46:10).  This term, referred to often by the prophets, is used of past events as well as future.  That “day” is the time when God sets things straight:   a) the cleansing of His own people, generally accomplished through Israel’s enemies; b) the judgment of Israel’s enemies; and c) the restoration of Israel to the land and promised blessings.

·        The reason for judgment was pride against God (e.g. 48:26).  That pride was exhibited in idolatry and in hatred and oppression of God’s people (48:27).

These prophecies should make it clear to the nations today that, while God chose one nation as His prized possession, all the nations are accountable to the Creator.  God will not share His glory.  That is a truth for all people in all times.  Every knee will bow to His exalted King, the Messiah (Psalm 2).