Chronological Bible Study – Aug 23
What I Noticed Today (Jeremiah 49-50)
Jeremiah 49
Jeremiah 49 contains Jeremiah’s prophecies against several nations surrounding Israel & Judah: Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar & Hazor, and Elam.
In verses 1-3, Jeremiah asks parallel questions: Has Israel no sons? Has he no heirs? Ammon thought Israel had no sons or heirs, so they took the land for themselves.
Note: Milcom is the god of the Ammonites. Milcom was known to the Jews as Molech. Jews substituted an “o” and “e” in Milcom pronouncing it as Molech. Milcom means “king, ” but Molech means “shame.”
The Lord pronounces judgment on Rabbah, which was the capital of Amon. The people will be in mourning and their god; Milcom will go into exile with their priests and officials.
In verses 4-6, their issue was pride. They boasted of their treasures. The Lord will drive them out leaving no leaders to gather them back together, but in time, He will restore the Ammonites.
In verses 7-22, Jeremiah proclaims the judgment of the Lord against Edom. Edom is descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob.
In verses 7-13, the people of Esau are known for their wisdom. Teman is the grandson of Esau. The city of Teman is later known as Petra. God asks if their wisdom has vanished. The Dedanites, known for their trading, will turn and flee the destruction. Unlike grape harvesters and thieves who leave some things behind, the Lord would strip Esau bare sparing only children and widows. God said Edom deserved to be punished because of their sin against a brother nation (Jacob/Israel).
In verses 14-18, Jeremiah describes sending an envoy to nations near Edom, telling them to be ready to attack Edom. Edom would be destroyed like Sodom, and Gomorrah with no man left living there or even visiting.
In verses 19-22, Jeremiah describes God as a lion who would chase Edom from their land. No shepherd would be able to protect them. God was also described as an eagle who would spread his wings against Bozrah (a city in northern Edom). The soldier’s hearts would like a woman’s giving birth (fearful).
Note: Unlike several other nations, Edom was not given a promise of restoration in the future.
In verses 23-27, Jeremiah proclaims the Lord’s judgment against Damascus, the capital of Syria (also known as Aram). Hamath and Arpad are other cities in Syria. They have heard the news of the Babylonian’s advance. They are afraid and panicking. The city will be taken, and the soldiers will fall. The stronghold of Ben-hadad will be destroyed. Ben-hadad means “son of the god Hadad.”
In verses 28-33, Jeremiah proclaims the Lord’s judgment against Kedar and Hazor. The Lord brought Nebuchadnezzar to attack and destroy their tents and animals, along with all their possessions. Everything will be laid waste, and the people scattered.
Note: Kedar was a nomadic tribe of Ishmaelites known for sheepherding, trading with Tyre, and archery. The reference to Hazor is not to the city of Hazor in Israel (Joshua 11:1-13). This Hazor is an unknown place in Arabia.
In verses 34-39, Jeremiah proclaims the Lord’s prophecy against Elam (east of Babylon in modern-day Iran). The prophecy came early in the reign of King Zedekiah (around 597 B.C.). The Lord said He would break the bow of Elam, which is significant because they were known for their archery skills. Their attackers would come in all four directions, and no nation would come to rescue Elam. But the Lord promised in the days to come to restore Elam’s fortunes.
Note: Elam was Shem’s first son (Genesis 10:22).
Jeremiah 50-51
These two chapters contain the prophecy against Babylon and are as long as the prophecies against all the other nations combined.
Jeremiah 50
In verses 1-5, Jeremiah proclaims the Lord’s prophecy against Babylon. Babylon would be captured and their god, Bel (also known as Marduk or Merodach), would be put to shame. The nation that attacks Babylon will come from the north (presumably Persia). The people of Israel and Judah will unite, return to their land, and establish an everlasting covenant with God.
In verses 6-10, The people of Israel and Judah are described as having been lost sheep wandering in the hills because they sinned against God. They are to flee Babylon because the Lord is bringing a country from the north who will destroy her.
In verses 11-13, the Babylonians are being judged by God because they were proud of the conquest of Judah. The Lord promised to make Babylon an uninhabited, desolate city.
In verses 14-16, Babylon’s enemies will take up positions surrounding the city. When they surrender, the city walls will be torn down, and the sword of God will come down on all who remain.
In verses 17-20, Israel (referring to both Israel and Judah) were like scattered sheep.
Note: The northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C., and the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C.
The Lord promised to punish both Assyria and Babylon and restore His people to their land. In those days, there will be no guilt in Israel because God will forgive the remnant that lives there.
In verses 21-28, Merathaim and Pekod (cities in Babylon) are devoted to destruction. God had set the trap, and now Babylon was caught. Babylon’s enemies will come from far away in every direction and bring total destruction as vengeance for the Babylonians destroying the temple of God.
In verses 29-32, archers will surround the city to keep anyone from escaping. Babylon’s pride will bring about their destruction.
In verses 33-34, the people of Israel and Judah who had been taken captive would be redeemed by God and given rest in their land, while He brought unrest to Babylon (judgment).
In verses 35-38, the unrest God brings will be the sword of judgment (sword used five times), which will be followed by drought.
In verses 39-40, Babylon will be taken over by animals and will not have people inhabiting the city ever again. The destruction will be like that of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Note: This prophecy against Babylon will be fulfilled in the Tribulation period.
In verses 41-46, the army that conquers Babylon will come from the north, from many nations, well equipped with bows and spears. They will be cruel without mercy. The king of Babylon will be helpless and in anguish.
Jeremiah concludes (similar to the judgment on Edom) saying the Lord will come like a lion who will attack quickly and no shepherd will be able to protect the flock. The earth will tremble at the cry of Babylon in the midst of the Lord’s judgment.
Tomorrow: Jeremiah 51-52
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.