Last chapter there was prophesy of destruction against Egypt, and now against Philistia, a long-term enemy of Judah/Israel.
“…the fathers look not back to their children, so feeble are their hands, because of the day that is coming to destroy all the Philistines… Ah, sword of the Lord! How long till you are quiet? Put yourself into your scabbard; rest and be still! How can it be quiet when the Lord has given it a charge? Against Ashkelon and against the seashore he has appointed it.” (v3-4, 6-7 abr)
The fascinating part of this passage – in addition to the Philistines panicking so greatly they abandon their beloved children – is the sword of the Lord. “The sword of the Lord” is not necessarily a physical sword, but the physical representation of the Lord’s judgement on sin. In this moment of history Babylon is God’s sword, wiping out pagan nations, (unknowingly) serving the Lord’s will.
The amusing part of this passage is Jeremiah talks to “sword of the Lord” – this “object” becomes both the recipient, and the subject of conversation and commands from Jeremiah. Have you ever asked a tool how long it will be working, or told it to put itself away? That’s what Jeremiah does here – it seems crazy, but he’s making a point that the Lord’s implementation of justice seems to be a living / breathing thing, and when following God’s will / commands, it cannot be deterred by mere mortals like us.
Father God, our Gracious and Merciful Lord, thank you for sparing your wrath whenever possible. We recognize You are a just and righteous God, and cannot allow sin to last for eternity. We acknowledge that we have sinned against You and Your people – please forgive us! As we accept the redemptive power and kingship of Jesus may we share this with others, so they too may be spared from the eternal consequences of sin. May Your sense of Justice be sated by the blood of Jesus for all who call upon Your name, so we may dwell in Your presence forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training