Jeremiah 49:1-39

Change is a consistent part of the history of the world.  However, there seem to be seasons of change in which there are multiple changes made simultaneously.  Jeremiah ministers of the eve of one of these seasons of change.  From Abraham to the time of Jeremiah Israel had grown into a powerful nation, entered and conquered the Promised Land, established a monarchy and then fallen into a roller coaster ride of idolatry and repentance.  Idolatry grew and repentance became more and more rare to the point that God decided to make a change.  God raised up Babylon to usher in this season of change in which not only Israel, but all of the surrounding nations were conquered and taken into captivity.  People often thing that things will always be the same, but this is a grave mistake.  God has and will continue to judge this world.  These smaller judgments are subtle reminders of God’s future, full and final judgment of the world.

THE JUDGMENT OF AMON: Ammon had taken possession of the portion of land allotted to the tribes of Ruben and Gad.  Jeremiah foretells of the day when the Ammonites will fall in battle and their dwellings will be burned.  God calls them to cry and lament over the plight He has promised for them.  Instead, they became proud and placed their confidence in the surrounding valleys as a geographical protection and in their many riches.  As is usually the case, pride comes before a fall and Ammon was about to fall hard.  They would be driven out of their land with only a few fugitives surviving to be spread throughout the nations.  However, God does promise to restore them at some point in the future.  There is hope for even the greatest of sinners.

THE JUDGMENT OF EDOM: These are the direct descendants of Esau.  Their cities were fortified in the mountains so they were easy to defend from would be attackers.  The nation boasted of its wisdom and trusted in its geographical advantages but it was about to be made barren and look foolish.  Women and children will be left widows and orphans.  If God was willing to judge Israel for her sin, than He certainly would be willing to judge Edom.  God is calling the nations to unite in order to bring death and destruction to Edom.  Her strength will fail as she will become small in the face of the multitudes that rise up against her.  The city built on the highest mountain top will be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah.  God has determined to judge and nobody can stand in His ways.  The fall of Edom will strike fear into the nations as this powerful army cries out like a woman in labor.  No matter how safe or smart we think we are; God is always over us and can bring us to judgment in a moment’s notice.

THE JUDGMENT OF DAMASCUS: The Syrians had been a mighty power that once struck fear into the surrounding nations.  Now it is their turn to fear in the face of the bad news of the war that is headed in their direction.  Damascus will be overcome by panic and man will run away deserting the nation in an attempt of self-preservation.  Those who stay will be slaughtered in the streets.  The city will be burned and it leaders will be exposed.  No matter how strong or powerful we thing we might be; God is always stronger.  Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom.  Pride is the path to destruction.

THE JUDGMENT OF KEDAR AND HAZOR: These are the nomadic tribes of the Arabians.  God called Nebuchadnezzar and the nation of Babylon to come out against them.  Their tents, livestock and all of their possessions would be taken away.  Their only hope of survival was to flee and leave all they had behind.  These nomads had great wealth and lived a rather care-free life with no cities to defend as they moved from place to place to pasture their herds.  This life of peace and prosperity was about to come to an end as they would be plundered and their land would become the home of wild dogs.  No amount of prosperity or peace will ever relive men from God’s judgment.  All we have comes from Him and it is His prerogative to do with it as He pleases.

THE JUDGMENT OF ELAM: The Persians would become a great and mighty nation that was used to judge the nation of Babylon in the future, but she too would end up falling under judgment.  The instruments of judgment will eventually become the object of judgment.  God’s anger will burn hot for Elam and He will consume them and remove their king from authority.  However, God does promise to restore them in the latter days.  God’s message of judgment is tempered by His grace and His promise to restore sinful men to Himself through the work of Jesus.