key verse: 16
BABYLON'S FALL ANNOUNCED (part 1)
Jeremiah prophesizes against proud Babylon.
1. Israel's sin will be no more (1-20)
In the fourth year of Zedekiah, when he visits Babylon, Jeremiah speaks of Babylon's judgement according to his prophetic gift. God says to proclaim the fall of Babylon, as this will be a great lesson for the nations. Israel will endure misfortune because of bad shepherds (6), and will fall victim to the surrounding countries who justify themselves in light of Israel's sin. Yet, the Chaldeans will be pillaged by a country from the north. The Chaldeans rejoice but the indignation of the Lord will make them into a desolation and an object of scorn for all countries. All nations raise a cry and the walls fall. Israel is like a lost sheep before Assyria, then Babylon, but the oracle of the Lord says he will bring back Israel and Judah (4,19). Then, their sins will be expiated.
2. Babylon the presumptuous (21-46)
The ruin of Babylon, hammer of the earth, is a subject of horror. The Lord fights against them with his whole arsenal (25). The Lord acts against Babylon in the same way it has acted (29). Our just God leaves none unpunished. Babylon is so presumptuous (31,32) that it believes itself to be invincible and retains the captives, though the Lord is more powerful (34). The sword is sent against the Chaldeans and their horses; like drought against water, the hand of the Lord is without pity. The ferocious and presumptuous lion will become like a little one of the flock (44,45).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for redeeming me from the slavery of sin through the blood of Jesus. Help me not to be presumptuous but to always live in fear and trembling before you.
Bottom line: your sins are no more
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