Studies in Jeremiah, Video preaching

A word from God to Babylon, Pt1

Sermon notes

There is a prolonged message here from God to the Babylon. Babylon is seen here as a city, an empire and an idolatrous system at the heart of global rebellion against God, v2, 38, 46, 51:1, 7, 41, Rev 17. It is important to see the literal nature of the reference to Babylon. This is one of the key significances of the fact that the prophecy also relates to the historical empire founded by Nebuchadnezzar. The future rise of Babylon that is necessary to her final destruction will be just what it was under that empire’s first king.

The future of Babylon is inextricably linked to that of Israel. Cp v4, 18-20, 34. The fall of Babylon will be simultaneous with the rise and restoration of Israel. As we pursue this aspect of this prophecy in following studies, it will become clear that as no such restoration has yet taken place, neither then has the fall of Babylon occurred as predicted here.

I  COMPLETE RUIN LIES AHEAD FOR BABYLON.

Future. As Jeremiah speaks this message, its fulfillment lies in the future. Cp date 51:59 c. 60 years until the return of the exiles. There are both short-term and long-term applications of this message. Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom is certainly in view, v17. At the end of 70 years from its commencement that empire would fall to the Medes. There are certainly applications of Jeremiah’s words to that very event. Yet, there are compelling reasons to recognize that that is not all—nor even the primary event—that he is speaking of.

Complete ruin forecasted that has never yet been fully implemented. Cp v3, 13, 23, 26, 39-40 (Is 13:19-20), 51:13, 26, 29, 39, 57, 62. That there is a future ruin for Babylon is seen in the bare fact that John details events relevant to Babylon as a both a commercial and religious centre in Revelation 17-18. This will be a day of threshing and sifting, 51:1-2, 33. The nature of her ruin is illustrated, v63-64, Rev 18:21.

The King of Babylon. Cp v43, 31-32 (n.b. him), Dan 11:44. Here the final actions of Antichrist are predicted. Hearing of the fall of Babylon he stirs himself to assault Jerusalem in fury. Other descriptions of Babylon as a seat of government are seen, 50:23, 51:25. At the time of this ruin it is the seat of one described as the great voice, v55. Cp Dan 7:8, Rev 13:5-6.

How that ruin will be accomplished.

The work of God, v15, 25, 31-32, 40, 45, 51:1-2, 6, 12, 14, 24, 29, 52-53, 55.

The enemies of Babylon, v9, 14-16, 21, 24-25, 29, 41, 51:3, 11,27-28. Babylon will be pillaged, ruined and destroyed. Her position as a cosmopolitan centre is broken up, v35-37, 51:9.

The Redeemer, v34, 44.

Natural forces in the hand of the Creator. Cp v38-39, 51:15, 19, 36-37, 42

Sudden and surprising. Cp 50:24, 51:41. The enemies of God become so secure in their rebellion that they do not see the ruin that lies ahead. Cp 2Thess 3:1.

A book written, proclaimed and prayed over, v59-64. The message was committed to writing. It was declared in Babylon by Seraiah. Specially, this word was to be referred to when he would see life in Babylon for himself, v61. The impression would no doubt be very powerful (Rev 18:6) but the word of God was to overrule any such impression. He was further instructed to pray as indicated v62.

The occasion of great joy. Cp 51:48, Rev 19:1-3.+

 

 

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