In all the judgments against the enemies of Judah we have this verse.

Jer 48:10
"A curse on him who is lax in doing the LORD's work! A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed!

A curse, you say? Oops. Makes us want to not be lax in doing the Lord’s work, whatever that may be. How are we lax in doing the Lord's work?  Does it have anything to do with not recognizing and using our spiritual gifts?  Or being obedient to God's call - whatever that may be?

However, since this verse in in reference to the judgments against the enemies of Judah, it could mean that God is pronouncing a curse on any Babylonian who does not execute God's wrath against Judah. 
 

Many times in Scripture, the sword is used figuratively for the Word of God. When we use the sword (the Word of God) properly, sins are amputated (ouch), often causing trauma, which can only be relieved by submitting to...the Word of God and His authority.

Heb 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.


In chapter 8, Jeremiah relates that the people of Moab have shaved their heads, cut off beards, covered with sackcloth...all the customary signs of repentance. But were they truly repentant or were they just in mourning and depressed about their situation?  Can we make connections to us as believers in Jesus today?  God will not hear us, forgive us, and restore us unless we are humble in our prayers to Him and repentant of our sins.  We must seek His presence with us...then and only then will He heal our land.  With our repentance comes our restoration.

 As God pronounces judgment on Moab and Ammon, He ends with saying He will restore their fortunes. What's this about? Didn't they deserve all the judgments? Uh, oh...I sound a bit like Jonah. However, on Edom, He didn't say He would restore their fortunes. Bozrah is mentioned. It was the capital of Edom, homeland of Jacob's twin brother Esau.

Interestingly, Moab, Edom, and Ammon will be places of safety during the wrath of God in the last days.

In the reading today, Jeremiah relates that God weeps over a pagan nation.  If God will weep over a pagan nation, does He not weep also for a Christian nation that doesn't repent?