Jeremiah 49

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jeremiah’s Prophecies against Other Foreign Nations

Where was the nation of Ammon located? What was the military action taken by the Ammonites in 734 BC for which God brought judgment against them?
Where was the nation of Edom located? From whom were the Edomites descended? What is the name of the ancient city that the Edomites relied upon for their military security (v 16)?
Damascus was and is the capitol of what nation? Have Jeremiah’s prophecies against Damascus been completely fulfilled? (See verse 26 and Isaiah 17:1.)
Who was the king God would use to bring His judgment against the Arab tribes of Kedar and Hazor? What had been the relationship between these Arab tribes and God’s people, Israel?
The ancient nation of Elam was located in what is now the country of Iran. Does Jeremiah mention a future restoration of Elam in this chapter?

Ammon was located north of Moab and east of the territories of Reuben and Gad on the east side of the Jordan River. The Ammonites had moved in and stolen the territory of Gad after the Assyrians had conquered the 2 1/2 tribes of Israel in 734 BC.
Edom was located southeast of the Dead Sea and south of Moab. The Edomites were descendants of Esau and had a long history of friction with Israel. The ancient city of Petra was their stronghold, and the later ruins of this city can still be visited today in the modern country of Jordan.
Damascus was and is the capitol of the nation of Syria. The phrase “in that day” (v 26) may be an indication that God’s pronouncement of judgment on Damascus is not yet fully complete. In Isaiah’s prophecy against Damascus (Isaiah 17:1), it is predicted that Damascus will be removed as a city – a prophecy that is yet to be completely fulfilled.
God used king Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians to bring His judgment against the Arab tribes of Kedar and Hazor. These tribes had not been peaceful with Israel. Thus they and their animals and treasures would be scattered and plundered. History proves the accuracy of this prophecy.
Since Elam was located in an area that is now part of Iran, it is important to note the words that God spoke to Jeremiah as recorded in verse 39: “But it shall come to pass in the latter days, I will bring back the captives of Elam.”

In book of Jeremiah we see that God sometimes, but not always, gives the specific reason for His judgment against a particular nation. However God holds all nations accountable for sins in the areas listed here. Discuss these areas of sin as they relate to the nations of our day: 1. Failure to recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over all the earth. 2. Pride and failure to show humility before the one true God. 3. Military aggression and international terrorism. 4. Failure to care for the poor and the needy. 5. Violations of treaties made before God. 6. Failure to recognize the sanctity of life as protected under the Noahic Covenant which was given to all mankind. 7. Making war against God’s people and thus coming under God’s curse. (See Genesis 12 and the Abrahamic Covenant.)

Has your life been completely turned over to “God’s way”? Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

“‘. . . O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill! Though you make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there’, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 49:16b