Do you know what image comes to my mind as I read today’s selection? Two lions fighting over a dead antelope.
There are two “super powers” in the world at this time, Babylon and Egypt. And of the two, Babylon is more powerful. Egypt went out against them in the epic battle at Carchemish and was defeated, but they retained enough power to keep Babylon out of their homeland. When we get to Jeremiah 46 we will hear of that battle. In case I forget to say something later, it was fought in the vicinity of Turkey and Syria, which means the Egyptian army had to march past Israel to get there.
Anyway, Babylon and Egypt control the known world, and it’s simply a tug of war for who will control Judah and Jerusalem. Since God has withdrawn his hand of protection, any nation that comes against them will be successful. In fact, the only reason the Babylonians are as successful as they are is because God has “hired” them as a force to punish his people, as well as the idol worshipping nations around Israel.
There are a few details given here that we didn’t know until now. I found out today that one of the Army commanders killed Gedaliah. It was probably because he told them not to fight against the Babylonians, or perhaps because they thought they would be appointed governor in his place. Who knows. Either way, Gedaliah had told them to do what God had told them. Since they weren’t listening to God it isn’t a surprise that they wouldn’t listen to him either. And, I didn’t realize how young these kings of Judah were. The one is only 18! Didn’t we read somewhere back in Isaiah a prophecy that said “one day there were would be so few people to lead that a man with be elected to the office simply because he had a coat?” (Isaiah 3) It certainly seems like that prophecy is being fulfilled here, doesn’t it? I am reminded that what Isaiah said was at least 100 years before it happened…maybe more. God’s Word and His promises don’t have an expiration date….they remain until they are fulfilled. I don’t remember what people said 100 years ago unless it was something really famous…like the Gettysburg Address. If Isaiah’s words were elevated to that level of fame, then perhaps the people would still recall them.
I doubt that they did, simply because none of them repent. It seems almost grotesque that Zedekiah can be an evil king, when every single historical document would show that doesn’t work. Every single word of the prophets has come true, and every word of the false prophets is now revealed as a lie…and yet still Zedekiah refuses to worship God. I have wondered sometimes how anyone could be so blind as to not see how their actions are leading them even further into trouble…surely they would have to “wake up” or “come to their senses” eventually. But, I guess there are some who never do. Apparently their hearts are hardened beyond ever realizing their fallen condition.
This whole passage is a picture of what we look like, and behave like when God withdraws.
Jesus told us in the New Testament that He (as the Holy Spirit) would never leave us or forsake us. That promise is what keeps us from becoming like these folks were. If God weren’t forgiving and merciful and filled with grace and compassion, then we would be right back in the same state they were…because we aren’t any better at remaining obedient then they. Hard to imagine isn’t it? But, thankfully God has sent the Holy Spirit in our time to nurture, guide and direct us. Because of Him, we are able to remain faithful. That’s something you could (and should) thank God for every day!
You and I are probably surrounded by people who are in some stage of “hardness of heart” brought on by a famine of the knowledge of God. I envision those people to be like the high desert around the southwest, which is dry and barren and without much grass or vegetation. It is a harsh and unforgiving place. But every once in a while there is a period of rainfall in the desert, and what do you know…
The desert begins to bloom! Grass grows, flowers spring up, and the bushes are filled with blossoms. The right soil is there, it simply needs to be watered!
You and I are God’s plan to water the earth with the knowledge of Him. He will bring the blossoms if we will generously share the Gospel.
Faithfully,
PR