Daily Devotions
Jeremiah
"The measure of your covetousness"
Text: Jeremiah 51:13
THE BABYLONIANS
The Babylonians had become wealthy and powerful. Each time they conquered a new country, they add to their wealth and power.
“O you who dwell by many waters,
Abundant in treasures,
Your end has come,
The measure of your covetousness.
The LORD of hosts has sworn by Himself:
“Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts,
And they shall lift up a shout against you.”
Jeremiah 51:13-14
1. “O you who dwell by many waters, abundant in treasures, your end has come,
the measure of your covetousness”
a) Water was significant in many ways.
i) It sustained life.
ii) The rivers provided a special means of travel.
iii) The rivers could help them expand the power of their navy.
b) Abundant in treasures.
i) Great was their booty.
ii) The Babylonian empire was well-known for its vast treasure.
c) But their end had come.
i) Their covetous ways would come to an end when they are defeated.
ii) All their treasures would belong to the conquerors.
iii) All the years put in to gather wealth would come to nothing.
2. “The LORD of hosts has sworn by Himself:
‘Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts, and they shall lift up a shout against you'”
a) The LORD made an oath to Himself.
b) The content of this oath:
i) God will bring a great army against them.
ii) The number of people would be like a swarm of locusts.
iii) The noise they make would be like a shout against the Babylonians.