Bible Pathways - Aug. 28, 2009
Read Jeremiah 49
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jeremiah delivers a prophecy concerning Ammon (49:1-6); Edom (49:7-22); Damascus (49:23-27); Kedar, Hazor (49:28-33); and Elam (49:34-39). Next a prophecy of judgment on Babylon and hope for Israel, Judah, and the remnant (chap. 50). The Good Shepherd speaks of His sheep and the wayward shepherds (50:6).
The first message in our reading today concerns the Ammonites, descendants of Lot, who historically were hostile to the people of God (II Chr. 20:1-3; II Kin. 24:1-2; Jer. 27:3). Because of their wickedness, the Lord foretold that they would become a desolate heap (49:2).
The Lord then turned south of Ammon to Moab, saying: Ye shall be driven out (49:3-5). Next came Edom, a nation descended from Jacob's twin brother Esau. It had always been a bitter enemy of Jacob and Israel. The Edomite's fate was accurately foretold by the prophet: I have made Esau bare. . . . and he is not (49:10).
Judgment then turned to Damascus (49:23-27), the capital city of Syria, along with Hamath and Arpad, which were smaller kingdoms controlled by Damascus — all were enemies of Judah. God said: I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad (title of several kings of Syria) (49:27). Then judgment was pronounced upon Kedar, Hazor, and Elam (49:28-39).
Finally, judgment was foretold upon what appeared to be invincible Babylon. The walls that surrounded it were 80 feet wide and 300 feet high. In spite of its magnificent splendor the bold prophet Jeremiah said: Declare ye among the nations . . . out of the north there cometh up a nation (Media) against her, which shall make her land desolate (50:2-3).
Following the prophecy of the destruction of Babylon and Israel's restoration, the Israelites' change of heart toward God is foretold. In those days . . . saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. . . . saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant (50:4-5). Note that they demonstrated genuine repentance — going and weeping . . . and seek the Lord their God. It was to Zion that they were seeking — the House of the Lord. As we read the Scriptures, we see that God, the Creator of the universe, controls the nations of the earth, as well as each individual.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (Ps. 34:18).
Thought for Today:
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endureth for ever (Ps. 136:2).
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer who pleads our cause (Jer. 50:34). Blessed (Praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people (Luke 1:68). It is Christ . . . who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34).
Word Studies:
49:1 their king = Ammonite god known as Malcham/Malcam, Milcom, Molech or Moloch, to whom children were sacrificed through fire; 50:5 thitherward = toward it; 50:31 visit = punish.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God in humility (Ps. 9:12).
Optional Reading: Revelation 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 10:33
