Tuesday, March 14th 2017
HE MAGNIFIED HIMSELF AGAINST THE LORD
Key verse: 48: ?
Jeremiah prophesizes against Moab. It had formed an alliance with Ammon, Edom and Judah against Babylon. But it has now fallen to the house of Nebuchadnezzar.
1. Moab in distress (1-25)
Moab's arrogance was based on its divinity and natural resources. This is why its cities and god will be destroyed and its priests will be exiled (7). God's work is done with slackness (10). In vain, Israel had confidence in Bethel, where the Lord was presented a golden calf. Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, a totally useless god in the face of the power of the Lord God, the living One (13).
2. Moab's complaint and His compassion (26-47)
Moab magnified itself against the Lord (26, 42). It was very proud and arrogant. So, it will be drunk with fear of its adversary, the Lord. Those who despised Israel will in turn be despised (28-34). Joy will disappear from the land. Besides the prophet, the one who laments the most is God. He will end pagan worship and break the country like one breaks a useless pot (38). He will make Moab the scorn of its neighbors (39). They will no longer be a people, because they have rebelled against God (42). In the last part of verse 47, Jeremiah shares the pity, without any resentment, over the misfortune of Moab. Anger is always the "strange work" of the Lord, but compassion is the natural attitude of his heart. Moab will undergo harsh discipline, though will not be devoted to destruction.
Prayer: Lord, bless me and help me to always be humble and not be like the proud Moabites.
Bottom line: God curses the proud
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