"The LORD has rejected your trusted allies"
Text: Jeremiah 2:37
THE THREAT OF A BABYLONIAN INVASION
The waging of war has been a problem with mankind for the longest time. Many held the ambition of establishing a global kingdom.
There were local wars (neighbouring countries) that were fought frequently between Israel and the Philistines, the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the Syrians etc.
There were regional wars, where powerful countries invade with huge armies. Smaller countries always feared that they would be soundly defeated. Israel sought the help of allies instead of turning to the LORD their God for help!
“Why do you gad about so much to change your way?
Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria.
Indeed you will go forth from him
With your hands on your head;
For the LORD has rejected your trusted allies,
And you will not prosper by them.”
Jeremiah 2:36-37
1. “Why do you gad about so much to change your way?”
a) Israel sought help from every country they could persuade to stand with them.
b) They were thus “gadding about”.
c) They did not have a single policy to guide them.
d) They were willing to make any changes, just as long as they can secure the help of allies.
2. “Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria”
a) When Egypt was a threat, Israel turned to Assyria.
b) But Assyria turned around and conquered Israel instead.
c) Judah was now turning to Egypt for help as they faced the Babylonians who had defeated the Assyrians.
d) Israel would be disappointed and be ashamed of having sought Egypt’s help.
e) Egypt would not be able to offer help; for it was also facing the threat of the Babylonians.
3. “Indeed you will go forth from him with your hands on your head”
a) This is a graphic description of what would happen.
b) Judah would be defeated severely. “Hands on the head” is a description of how Judah would end up as prisoners.
4. “For the LORD has rejected your trusted allies, and you will not prosper by them”
a) Israel trusted Egypt as a strong ally.
b) But the LORD had rejected the many allies that Israel picked up to defend their nation.
c) Judah would not prosper in their plans and hopes, no matter how well planned.
d) Without the LORD of hosts backing the nation, Judah would be conquered by the Babylonians.