July 22, 2026 - Jeremiah 46-52

As did Isaiah, Jeremiah spoke not only to the people of Jerusalem but to other nations, also.  After all, the God of the prophets is Lord over all, not merely Israel, even though there is that special covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.  Of Egypt, she “shall be put to shame” (46:24).  Concerning the Philistines, “the LORD is destroying the Philistines” (47:4).  “Moab is destroyed” (48:4).  Ammon “shall become a desolate mound, and its villages shall be burned with fire” (49:2).  Edom . . . Syria/Damascus . . . Kedar . . . Hazor . . . Elam and Babylon . . . the prophet announced God’s judgment against Israel’s enemies and the enemies of her God.  Chapter 52 recounts the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, and the people taken into exile in Babylon.  Over and over again, the prophets had spoken to Israel and to the nations.  Time and time again, the nations refused to turn from their ways and to God.  If only they had heeded God’s warnings and rested in his promises!  We must be sure to do so.

In ages past the mighty Lord

by prophets spoke the Word,

and from their lips God’s great design

throughout the earth was heard.

In revelation, parable, bold fantasy, and dream,

they echoed God’s eternal vow

to ransom and redeem.   –Michael Morgan (1990)