JEREMIAH’S PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE NATIONS (46:1-51:64)
This section seems to be an independent section before being combined with other prophecies of Jeremiah. It contains a collection of his prophecies against eight Gentile nations and two tribes.
1. Egypt
2. Philistia
3. Moab
4. Ammon
5. Edom
6. Damascus
7. Tribe of Kedar
8. Tribe of Hazor
9. Elam
10. Babylon
Chapter 46
With regard to content, the entire section is concerned mainly with God’s judgment on pagan nations, a judgment portrayed primarily in terms of war. Emphasis is consistently upon the activity of God. It is his sword that rages among the nations. Interwoven with extended pictures of judgment are announcements of restoration for Israel (46:27; 50:4, 19, 34) and for the nations (46:26b).
Why Egypt was mentioned first
Egypt is the first nation mentioned in this section. This was prompted not alone by memories of the patriarchs, Israel’s oppression there, and the Exodus event, but also by the personal experience of the prophet. At the hands of his own countrymen, Jeremiah had suffered persecution, ridicule, beating, and imprisonment for his determined opposition to Judah’s policy of seeking alliances with the idolatrous Egyptians.
Why Babylon was mentioned last
Babylon is the last and longest of Jeremiah’s prophecies concerning the nations. It is most fitting that the prophet’s last prophecy against foreign nations should end with an oracle against Babylon.
First, it was necessary for Israel to learn that their God was not limited to a people or a place, but rather was the sovereign Lord of the universe. This was especially needful on the part of those in exile. If their God were also the God of the Babylonians, then he was also in Babylon and they could worship and call upon him there.
In the second place, these prophecies emphasized the righteousness and holiness of God. Israel’s God was a moral God who demanded obedience to his moral laws wherever men were found.
Finally, these prophecies would call Israel to greater accountability to God because of her greater privilege of knowing him and of having his law. If God judges those who know neither him nor his law, how much more severe will be his judgment upon those who are his people and possess his law.
Chapter 47
The Philistines will be crushed by the Babylonians from the north and struck by the sword of the Lord.
Chapter 48
Moab will also be invaded by Babylon. Cities will be destroyed as Babylon swoops down and completely destroy the land. The people are captured, but they will be restored in the latter days.
Chapter 49
The Ammonites took possession of the territory of Reuben and Gad after their tribes went into captivity. They will be punished for their pride and self-sufficiency, but the nation will not be exterminated.
Edom prided itself on its wisdom, but God decreed that it will be without inhabitants with no promised of restoration.
Damascus is slated for destruction and the city will be burned. The "city of joy" will be abandoned and forsaken. All the warriors will be killed.
The two tribes of Kadar and Hazor are warned to flee.
The Elamites will be scattered throughout the earth, but God will bring them back in the latter days.
Chapters 50-51
The Book of Jeremiah comes to an end with the judgment of God against Babylon. (Read above why this nation is last). Babylon is mentioned 164 times in the Book of Jeremiah. That is more than in the entire Bible. Jeremiah mentions the judgment on Babylon six times, but he predicts blessings for Israel and Judah (50:4-7).
The scattered people of Israel will be forgiven and restored to a fertile land. According to Chapters 50 and 51, the following things will happen to Babylon.
Babylon's walls will be leveled.
The city's gates will be burned.
The city's will be sacked.
Wise men will be fools.
Young men and warriors will be killed.
Groans will be heard in the land.
Idols will be destroyed.
Horses will be slaughtered.
Chariots will be smashed.
The homeland will become a deserted wasteland.
All who pass by will be horrified.
The city will be inhabited by wild animals.
Never again will people live there.
The city will be desolate forever.
Babylon will be destroyed like Sodom, Gomorrah and neighboring towns.
No one will ever live in Babylon again.
Babylon's debris will never again be used for building.
The nation will be completely wiped out.
Her cities will be filled with enemies.
Enemies will shout about their triumph over the Babylonians.
The prophecies of Jeremiah conclude with the concise statement, "Thus far are the words of Jeremiah (51:64b).
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