Jeremiah 49
-The Word of the LORD on the
coming judgments of His wrath continue with Ammon, Edom, Damascus (Aram),
Kedar, Hazor, and Elam in this chapter. Ammon was the son of Lot by the
incestuous relationship with his youngest daughter, just like the Moabites with
his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:30-38). God was angry for their taking
possession of some of the land of Gad against His will and now was coming the
time of their destruction. A desolate heap along with the burning of her towns is
predicted and a taking into exile. God accuses them of boastful activities in
their valleys, backsliding against His will and destiny, and trusting in their
own treasures rather than the security of the Almighty. Therefore, He will
bring terror upon them from every direction, but afterward the LORD promises to
restore the fortunes of the sons of Ammon (Jeremiah 49:1-6).
-Concerning Edom, who were the
descendants of Esau who lost the birthright, blessing, and promise to Jacob in
the patriarchal period (Genesis 25:19-28:9), God declares that there is no
longer wisdom in Teman (a town in the northern part of Edom known for its
wisdom and hometown of Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, Job 2:11). The LORD tells
them that their good counsel and prudence has been lost and their wisdom
decayed. Disaster is coming upon them in punishment and they have nowhere to
hide. God tells them to “leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive; and
let your widows trust in Me (Jeremiah 49:11).” The rest of the nation will
drink the cup of His wrath without acquittal, and Bozrah (a town in northern
Edom) will become an object of horror, a reproach, a ruin, and a curse with all
the cities laying in perpetual ruins as a promise by God. The reason as to why
their ruin has come is given in verse sixteen by the LORD, “As for the terror
of you, the arrogance of your heart has deceived you, O you who live in the
clefts of the rock (false hope), who occupy the height of the hill. Though you
make your nest as high as an eagle’s, I will bring you down from there.” God
goes on to tell them that all who will pass by in the future will be horrified
at their disaster and hiss at all its wounds like the overthrow of Sodom and
Gomorrah. No one will live there. “The earth quaked at the noise of their
downfall. There is an outcry! The noise of it has been heard at the Red Sea
(far to the south, Jeremiah 49:7-22).”
-Damascus, which is the capital
city of Aram, north of Israel is next to be discussed. They were defeated by
both the Assyrians and the Babylonians historically speaking. Nebuchadnezzar
attacked and defeated them in 605 B.C. (Amos 1:4-5), which is the reason for
the references to their cities being put to shame with bad news and much
anxiety and disheartenment. Panic has gripped this people with distress and
pangs taking hold. Her joy is gone and deserted as the young men fall in the
streets silencing the men of war in that day by the word of the LORD. Damascus
wall will be set on fire and the fortified towers of Ben-hadad will be devoured
(Jeremiah 49:23-27).
-Kedar and Hazor were nomadic
tribes east of Israel and to the south of Aram. They were desert peoples who
were also destroyed by the attacks of Nebuchadnezzar around 600 B.C.. The
prophecy says that they will be plundered as booty with their livestock, which
was their sustenance, and that they would be scattered to the four winds
leaving the land a haunt of jackals and a desolation forever with no one living
there (Jeremiah 49:28-33).
-Finally, Elam, which lay east of
even Babylon later becoming the center of the Persian empire in what today is
Iran, is going to have its bow (resistance) and might broke by the LORD. They also
will be scattered to the four winds with calamity in His fierce anger. He will
send the sword after them until they are consumed. Then, when its kings and
princes have been destroyed, the prophecy states God will set His throne in
Elam, and it will come about in the last days that He will restore the fortunes
of Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39). *Application* All of these events describe in
detail for us the representation of God’s judgment and sovereignty. It is He
who presides over all the kingdoms of this earth in might and power
establishing and cutting down whom He wills. Again we should see that pride is
the big issue with God. Submit to His authority and you have an opportunity for
success and blessing. Resist Him, and He will eventually cut you down to size
and shame you. Count on it. He desires mercy and will give it, but only when we
come to Him on His terms.
Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 49:16
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