Daily Devotions
Jeremiah
"She has been proud against the LORD"
Text: Jeremiah 50:29
RETRIBUTION FOR BABYLON
Empire builders are expectedly arrogant. They were often ruthless in their pursuit of their ambition to become a potentate. Most emperors believe that they are virtually invulnerable. They do not expect to be defeated by anyone.
“‘Call together the archers against Babylon.
All you who bend the bow, encamp against it all around;
Let none of them escape.
Repay her according to her work;
According to all she has done, do to her;
For she has been proud against the LORD,
Against the Holy One of Israel.
Therefore her young men shall fall in the streets,
And all her men of war shall be cut off in that day,’ says the LORD.”
Jeremiah 50:29-30
1. “Call together the archers against Babylon.
All you who bend the bow, encamp against it all around; let none of them escape.
Repay her according to her work; according to all she has done, do to her;
for she has been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel”
a) The archers came from the Medo-Persians.
b) They were famed for their prowess in archery.
c) They besieged Babylon, allowing no one to escape.
d) The Babylonians would receive their just recompense.
i) As they conquered others brutally.
ii) So must they expect no less.
e) One special reason was highlighted.
i) Babylon had been proud against the LORD.
ii) The city had been very arrogant in their attitude towards God.
iii) This was disclosed to Jeremiah the prophet.
2. “‘Therefore her young men shall fall in the streets,
and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day,’ says the LORD”
a) The pride of the Babylonians was their young men.
b) They exulted in the many mighty men of war that they had.
c) But what would they do if their men of war were killed (cut off)?
d) Babylon would become decimated and destroyed for its arrogance!