Judgments on the Nations (Egypt)

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 46:1-28

 

Jeremiah 46:27-28

“But fear not, O Jacob my servant,
    nor be dismayed, O Israel,
for behold, I will save you from far away,
    and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
    and none shall make him afraid.
28 Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
declares the Lord,
    for I am with you.
I will make a full end of all the nations
    to which I have driven you,
    but of you I will not make a full end.
I will discipline you in just measure,
    and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”

(ESV)

 

Believers in Christ should be familiar with feelings of exile as we are ambassadors in a foreign land (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Church is a steward of the Gospel with the mission of declaring the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). While the news of the Gospel is good news, it is not news all accept, resulting in the persecution of Christians creating a sense of exile. In Jeremiah 46:1-28, scripture provides a contrast between the judgment or wrath of God and His discipline of His children.  

 

Jeremiah 46 is the beginning of several words from the Lord regarding God’s judgment of the nations, beginning with Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1). This is why God warned the people of Israel remaining in the land not to go to Egypt but to stay in Israel & Judah (Jeremiah 42:10-16). This section of scripture is in three sections.

 

1)      A call to battle (Jeremiah 46:2-12) – Even though the defeat of Egypt is certain, God calls the army of Egypt to battle. While the resulting defeat is certain, God does not want Egypt to be able to say God did not give them a warning before calling them to battle. The army of Egypt prepares for battle as instructed but the result will be their imminent defeat.

2)      A warning about the coming invasion by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (Jeremiah 46:13-24) – The Lord continues with details about who will attack. The Lord warns Egypt of the immanent defeat of their army at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, resulting in Egypt going into exile to a people from the north.

3)      A promise to Israel (Jeremiah 46:25-28) – As God pours out his wrath and judgment on Egypt, the people in exile might of begun believing they would also suffer the same wrath and judgment. However, God ends this passage with a promise their exile is temporary with God not leaving them, and that they will return to their land.

 

This passage is the beginning of a declaration by God of wrath and judgment against the nations to which God has scatted His people, but also illustrates a difference between God’s wrath and His discipline. A disciple of Christ is one living a disciplined life for Christ. A disciplined life lived for Christ comes through tribulation God allows to come into one’s life (Romans 5:1-5) and obedience to the Word of God (Psalm 119:105; 1 Peter 1:22; Romans 12:2). However, God’s discipline on His children does not mean they have lost their salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16), but that God loves us as His children and is interested in our welfare (Jeremiah 29:11). We must interpret Jeremiah 29:11 in context, a passage written to Israel while living in exile, under discipline for their disobedience of God. God’s discipline is not something to fear but instead a demonstration of God’s love for His children, helping them grow spiritually. A Child of God should not fear the discipline of God but values it as coming from a God who loves them.

 

The Gospel is all-inclusive, with every person given a choice to either accept the gift of salvation from Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9) or to incur condemnation by the rejection of this gift (John 3:16-18). Those choosing to reject Christ, suffer eternal condemnation and separation from God while those choosing to accept Christ have eternal life. The default position for not making a decision is rejection so one must actively decide to accept Jesus as his or her savior by making a public profession of faith in Jesus as Savior (Romans 10:9-10). I invite those who have never made this decision to do so by praying with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I pray God will challenge and bless everyone reading this post.