In Today's Scripture Reading:
Judgments against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, and Babylon foretold; redemption of Israel promised
Jeremiah prophesied that the Ammonites, descendants of Lot who were historically hostile to the Israelites, would be destroyed (Jeremiah 27:3-6; also II Chronicles 20:1-3; II Kings 24:1-2). Rabbah of the Ammonites (now known as Amman, Jordan) . . . shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters (villages) shall be burned with fire (Jeremiah 49:2). The Lord then turned to Moab, saying: Behold, I will bring a fear (terror) upon thee, saith the Lord God of hosts . . . and ye shall be driven out (49:5).
Our attention is turned to Edom, a nation that descended from Jacob's twin brother Esau. Edom had always been a jealous enemy of Jacob's descendants and had joined Nebuchadnezzar in plundering Jerusalem. They even expanded their territory into southern Judah, inhabiting an area later called Idumea, the birthplace of Herod, the king. Because of their actions toward Israel, Edom's fate was foretold by the prophet: I have made Esau bare . . . and he is not (49:10-12).
Judgment was then pronounced against Babylon . . . the land of the Chaldeans. . . . there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate (50:1-3).
Not only the release of Israel from captivity is foretold but the Israelites will eventually repent and accept their Messiah Jesus in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten (50:4-5).
We can expect the forces of evil to discourage us in an effort to destroy our faith in God. However, God is not glorified by our fears, doubts, or frustrations. We must keep our eyes on the promises of God that have never failed. Consequently, there is never a valid reason to allow the pressures and problems of life to depress or frustrate us. In fact, despondency is a sin. Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. . . . Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him (James 1:2-4,12).
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer who pleads our cause (Jeremiah 50:34). Blessed (Praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people (Luke 1:68). It is Christ . . . who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
Word Studies:
49:1 their king =b> Ammonite god known as Malcham/Malcam, Molech or Moloch, to whom children were sacrificed through fire; 50:5 thitherward =b> toward it; 50:31 visit =b> punish; 50:36 shall dote =b> will become fools.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Peggy Via Bible Pathway Accountant: Joe Sarsfield Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe Major language: French Religious freedom 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Numbers 21:7).
Optional Reading: Revelation 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 4:19