Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Jer 50:2 mentions the names Bel and Marduk.  These were Babylonian deities, false gods.  Nebuchadnezzar appears to be especially drawn to Marduk because he named his son Evil-Marduk.  

Jer 50:5
They will come and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.
This verse made us think how we as Believers have the Holy Spirit to bind us to the Lord in a salvation covenant that is eternal and never-ending.

Jeremiah warns of "an alliance of great nations from the land of the north".  This is a confederation of Medes and Persians who did indeed come against the Babylonians, just as Jeremiah had said.  Babylon is now a large tell.  Gates were found during an excavation that were four stories high and more than 20 feet thick.  They are now in a British museum.  Excavations are no longer allowed.

When Jeremiah tells the future of the captives in Babylon, he mentions that a "search will be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none."    Isn't that consistent with God's character?  He is so willing to forgive!  Good news for us as Believers in Jesus.  When we stand before the throne on Judgment Day, we have the assurance that all our sins have been atoned for by Jesus.

Jer 50:24
I set a trap for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it; you were found and captured because you opposed the LORD.
Daniel (in Daniel 5) deciphered the mysterious handwriting on the wall that was foretold by this passage in Jeremiah. King Belshazzar was killed while he and his nobles were having a drunken banquet. They were caught before they knew it, just as Jeremiah had prophesied.

Jeremiah also tells Judah and Israel that the Redeemer will defend their cause.
Jer 50:34
Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest (salvation) to their land, but unrest (damnation) to those who live in Babylon.

Indeed, Jesus is strong.  He does vigorously defend our cause.  He most assuredly brings salvation to those of us who believe.   Ponder this today. 

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