Wednesday March 15th 2017
key verse: 16
YOU STAY IN THE HOLE OF THE ROCKS
Jeremiah prophesies against the proud Ammon, Edom and the other countries.
1. Against Ammon (1-6)
Ammon is punished because of his territorial ambition, maybe after the fall of Israel. He has stolen some regions which belonged to God. He will be as a desolate hillock. He is pleased to say he is strong with his valleys, the Hebrew noun "valley" means "strong". Why does he boast ? He will decline. But, he will not be devoted to destruction because God will bring him back from captivity.
2. Against Edom (7-32)
Edom is proud because of his geopolitical situation, He thinks that he is protected as in the hole of the rocks. He is located in the top as the eagle (16). But he will be desolated and his neighbors will scoff at him. As Esau his ancestor, he is similar to a lion which runs in a field. But he suddently will fall. His courage will disappear as a woman in childbirth.
3. Against the rest (23-27)
Damascus, the former main country of Syria, is first taken by Assyria, then briefly invaded by Egypt and finally by Babylon. The country of joy and praise of God became an ignominy, very weakened, full of torments and anguish. Then Qedar is a nomad Arab people. He will be spreaded out deep-set in the desert. Finally, Elam, which is strong and valiant, will be devastated by Babylon in Mesopotamia. It's a warning against Zedekiah (27:3) making him understand that a revolt in the furthest boundary will be quickly squashed.
Prayer: Lord, you are sovereign, above all you punish the pride of mankind. Help me always to be humble below you.
Bottom line: Sovereign God
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