Sermon notes
This chapter falls into three simple divisions. Two parts are directly addressed to Egypt while the third section is a message directed to Israel on the basis of what the Lord has said to Egypt. There is always something to learn from what God says to others! The very structure of the chapter emphasizes this.
Jeremiah was of course in Egypt at this point in the narrative. It is appropriate that there is this reference now to the purpose of God for that land/nation.
I A LESSON FROM EGYPT’S HISTORY.
Cp v1-12.
These verses contain a message that was evidently preached in advance of the defeat suffered by the hands of the Babylonians 20 years before. The date in v2 gives the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy and not when it was preached. It was however preached in advance of the defeat as can be seen by examining the words carefully. Cp e.g. v3.
- Summoned by God to judgement, v9-10. The rising of Egypt (v7-8) to launch a military assault on Babylon was by the command of God. Cp v3-4, 9. This uprising was to the end that the nation would be judged.
- A day of defeat and collapse, v5-6, 11-12. The nation was destined to be ruined despite its power and military might. There would be no escape but a proverbial defeat would occur. No medicine could cure.
- Foreshadowing. This experience of defeat is described , v10, as the day of the Lord of hosts. The Lord was going to destroy Egypt and that ruin would foreshow the day of wrath. God is spoken of as being satisfied by the destruction of His enemies. The language of the sacrifice is terrible indeed. Ordinarily the sacrifice spoke of redemption and salvation—but only when involving a substitute. Here are men gathered to make atonement for their own sin by being consumed on the altar of Divine wrath. The day of the Lord is a day of fire. Cp 2Thess 1:8.
These events had already taken place and it could easily be seen that what God had said came to pass. The veracity of what is to follow is proved from history.
II A VIEW OF EGYPT’S FUTURE.
Cp v13-26.
The prophets speaks now of things that are yet in the future from his own standpoint—though in the past from ours.
- The sovereign prerogatives of God. Cp v15, 18, 23, 25-26. The rise and fall of nations rests in God’s control. It is specially His prerogative to judge and punish the wickedness of men.
- It was God’s purpose that Babylon again ruin Egypt, v15ff. Defeat was decreed and was so certain that it is spoken of as already accomplished!
- Ruin not absolute, v26. Egypt still has a role to play in the purpose of God.
III A LESSON FOR ISRAEL.
- Israel’s future is not dependent on other nations. Over her history many times Israel had entrusted her safety to other nations—including Egypt. Yet here, despite the power of Babylon and the weakness of Egypt, Israel’s future as a nation is guaranteed.
- A promise of salvation. Note the terms of this Divine promise:
- It is made in the face of estrangement, v27. Israel is envisaged in the position of exile from her land and distance from God. This is her current state spiritually.
- A return to the land to enjoy complete rest, ease and security, v27. There has of course been a partial fulfillment of these words in more recent times, but their full meaning has yet to be realized. Cp 32:36-44, Ezek 36:21-38.
- The presence of God promised to a servant remnant, v28. There will be a remnant in Israel that will come to serve God and realize this promise.
- A guaranteed future, v28. God, who controls the destiny of all nations, gives the assurance that He will not make an end of Israel. Cp Matt 24:34.
- Punished and corrected, v28. God’s purpose is to correct Israel by dealing with her sin and so bring her back to a right relationship with Himself. Cp Dan 9:24.
- These great truths are the basis of true comfort, v27-28. Understanding the message of this promise removes fear and dismay. What a fearful thing it is to consider the future apart from the gracious promises of God!