Study 32 From the Book of Jeremiah is: Jeremiah 49: 1- 33
This chapter contains prophecies on four neighbouring nations,
namely Ammon (verses 1-6), Edom (verses 7:22), Damascus (verse 23-27, and Kedar
and the kingdoms of Hazor (verses 28-33). Ammon was concerned along with Moab
in the two incidents mentioned in the introduction to chapter along with Moab
in the two incidents mentioned in the introduction to chapter 48. Antagonism
between Israel and Edom was long standing, and Edom had recently taken
advantage of the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC to occupy cities in southern Judah
(Ob. 10-14). Edom had also considered revolt against Babylon (27:3). Kedar was
a nomadic Arabian tribe, and Hazor is probably used collectively of the region
occupied by semi-nomadic Arabs (cf. 25:23, 24).
1.
What was Ammon’s sin against Israel? Cf. Am. 1:13; Ex. 20:17;
Lk. 12:15. In what was her trust placed? Cf. 48:7; Pr. 10:28; Mk. 10:23, 24.
What was to be her punishment?
2.
Notice the vivid metaphors describing the severity of Edom’s
fate, as e.g., in verses 9, 10, 19, 20. Note, too, its comprehensiveness, from
Teman and Bozrah in the north, to Dedan, south of Edom in Arabia. Why is the
judgment against Edom (Essau’s descendants) so severe? Cf. verse 16; Mal 1:2-4;
Heb. 12:16, 17.
3.
The sins that brought judgment upon Damascus and Kedar are not
specified. Read again 25:15-38, and note the reasons given there for judgment
upon nations mentioned in this chapter.
Notes
1.
Verses 1, 3. ‘Milcom’ was the national deity of the
Ammonites. The Ammonites took advantage
of the deportation of the Gadites by the Assyrians in 733 Bc (2 Ki. 15:29).
2.
Verse 3. The word
‘daughters’ here refers to towns and villages which looked to Rabbah as their
head. In verse 4 ‘daughter’ refers the whole people.
3.
Verse 8. ‘Dwell in the depths’: i.e., hidden away from
observation. Cf. verse 30.
4.
Verse 17. ‘Hiss’ i.e., draw in the breath with astonishment,
gasp.
5.
Verse 19, 20. The picture
of a lion coming up out of the jungle on the fringe of Jordan and doing what
pleases with the flock, no shepherd being able to challenge him.
