Jeremiah 50:1-20
Q.1. What would happen to the land of the Chaldeans? Why would God punish Babylon as He did the Assyrians? – (Jer.50:1-3, 6-18)
God told Jeremiah that He would punish Babylon in the land of the Chaldeans – Declare it among the nations. Proclaim it and lift up a standard. Do not conceal it … (Jer.50:2 c.f. Jer.50:1-3). Judah had not yet been destroyed by Babylon, yet God graphically foretold that Babylon’s end would come soon. Jeremiah prophesied against Babylon and its gods. A nation would capture and destroy this great nation and its empire – 10 “Chaldea will become plunder; all who plunder her will have enough,” declares the Lord (Jer.50:10). The reason for her demise was that Babylon – has sinned against the Lord (Jer.50:14). Babylon had been chosen to execute God’s judgment on His people. However, she had become filled with pride and jubilation over her power to destroy. She then claimed that she was not guilty for her lack of mercy – For this is the vengeance of the Lord: Take vengeance on her; as she has done to others, so do to her (Jer.50:15). The God of Israel declared – Behold, I am going to punish the king of Babylon and his land, just as I punished the king of Assyria (Jer.50:18).
Q.2. What will happen to a remnant of Israel and Judah at a later time? What does this turn of events reveal about God? – (Jer.50:4-5, 19-20)
An amazing transformation is to take place – In those days and at that time … (Jer.50:4). God foretold – … the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the Lord their God they will seek. 5 They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten (Jer.50:4-5). The chastening of the Lord will have a cleansing effect – 20 In those days and at that time,’ declares the Lord, ‘search will be made for the iniquity of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant.’ (Jer.50:20). Even before Jesus came, it was seen here that God is a God of grace and compassion … that He is sovereign in power to accomplish His long-promised plans for His people, Israel.