The Lord often told Jeremiah what to say about different nations of the world. He told Jeremiah his opinions about Egypt, the Philistines, the nation of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, the people of the desert and Nebuchadnezzar, Elam, and the future of Babylonia. Today's passage covers God's opinion of Egypt, the Philistines, and Moab.
The Lord spoke about the Egyptian army. He said to get ready for battle with weapons and armor. He knew they would be defeated and run away in terror, but they wouldn't escape. God described the Egyptians like the Nile, rising up and overflowing its banks. The Lord told Egypt to go for it, try to defeat the enemy. But it was they who would be defeated. Nothing would sooth them, not even the balm of Gilead (this balm was mentioned briefly in Genesis 37:25 when Joseph's brothers sold him to the merchant caravan going to Egypt.)
The Lord sent a warning to Egypt as Nebuchadnezzar was on his way to attack them. He told them to defend themselves. Their king is all talk and no action. God is the true king. He told the people to pack a bag to take with them, soon there would be nothing left. God told them he would punish the Egyptian gods and everyone who trusted Egyptian power. The Lord promised that someday there would be people living in Egypt again.
The Lord told the Israelites that though they were being punished, it would not always be the case. The Lord would protect them when it came time to destroy their captors. The Lord promised to bring them home so they could live in peace and safety with nothing to fear.
The Lord warned the Philistines that an army from the north would destroy their towns and people. The refugees from Crete would also be destroyed. The Anakim (the very large people) who survive in Gaza and Ashkelon would mourn for them.
The Lord had many comments about Moab. (Ruth was from Moab. She was king David's ancestor.) The Lord told them they were doomed, that they would be shattered and they should run for their lives! The Lord instructed their enemies to let nothing remain alive - even plants. They had been left undisturbed and got rich and fat. Their god Chemosh wouldn't save them. Neighboring countries would comment how sad it was to see their glory in ruins. They had claimed to be more powerful than God, and made fun of His people, now they would be sorry. God saw their pride and heard their boasting. God told them bragging will never save them. The Lord would weep for the destroyed towns. He would get rid of anyone who burned incense to other gods. Everyone would shave their heads, cut their beards, slash their hands and wear sackcloth in mourning. Even though other nations are horrified they will laugh. Moab is finished as a nation because they dared oppose the Lord. Yet he would restore their fortunes in days to come.
Tomorrow read Jeremiah 49-51:10
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