This chapter foretells the destruction of Babylon and its empire (Chaldea).
” ‘Behold, like a lion coming up from the thicket of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly make them run away from her, and I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me? Therefore hear the plan that the Lord has made against Babylon, and the purposes that he has formed against the land of the Chaldeans… At the sound of the capture of Babylon the earth shall tremble, and her cry shall be heard among the nations.’ ” (v44-46 abr)
God reminds everyone that He is sovereign and all-powerful, and the mightiest nation on earth cannot withstand Him. The Chaldean empire, the greatest superpower of its time, will not survive God’s judgement on their great sin. The entire world will be shocked at their demise, for only God could overthrow them.
This prophesy is both past and future. Though the physical Babylon is gone, the spiritual descendants of Babylon still stand. The spiritual legacy of Babylon is likened to that of Sodom and Gomorrah – a deep-rooted, unrepentant sinfulness. This legacy will one day be completely and permanently destroyed when Jesus returns.
Those of us who have repented of our sin and declare Jesus as King are the spiritual descendants of Abraham, one who was promised descendants as numerous as the stars. Let’s embrace this heritage, and reach out to those who have not yet joined us in it, praying for their salvation.
Father God, our Sovereign and Unstoppable Lord, Your power and might are far beyond our wildest imaginations. No nation is above You, no person can summon You, none are like You. Thank you for encouraging us to repent of our sin, and join the spiritual heritage of Abraham and Israel. Thank you for working in and through us to reach others for Jesus kingdom as well. May we honor, glorify and obey You with our words and actions, each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training