The Judgment of Israel Must Come First Before A Blessing Can Come (Jeremiah 30:12–24)
Dr Paul MacDonald RN MA Dipl
Israel’s condition was critical (vv. 12-15). Her wound appeared incurable, and no one was available to provide a remedy for her sore (v. 12).
The allies in whom the nation had placed such great hope had forgotten her (vv. 13-14). Even God had struck her as an enemy and punished her because of her guilt (v. 15). Israel’s condition appeared hopeless, but God promised to reverse her misfortunes (vv. 16-17).
Jerusalem Will Become a Burdensome Stone
Those who were devouring the nation would themselves be devoured by God. He would send her enemies into exile and plunder those who sought to make spoil of her.
The Future Restoration
God’s restoration will involve a physical rebuilding (vv. 18-22). The city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt on her ruins, including the king’s palace (v. 18). This prophesy that Jerusalem would be rebuilt was not completely fulfilled by the work of Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubbabel. The festive sound of rejoicing that had been silenced by Babylon will once again be heard in the city v. 19), and God will increase Judah numerically (Deuteronomy 30:5). The nation will be secured and established before God, and He will punish anyone who tries to oppress her (vv. 20-22)
Punishment First
Before God’s blessing can be experienced, He must judge sin (vv. 23-24). His wrath will burst out against the wicked (v. 23). Though these words were applied to false prophets (Jeremiah 23:19-20), Jeremiah may have been using them here to refer to God’s judgment on the wicked nations who opposed Israel (vv. 16-20). God’s fierce anger that had been poured out on Judah would not turn back till it also extended to the other nations of the earth (v. 24).
Application
History repeating itself again. the same old adage. Israel is again seeking help of the Nations, of the USA to make peace with its neighbors, instead of going to their God.
But, the USA, and indeed all the West will forget Israel. And Israel will be at the mercy of its neighbors, especially Assyria (see Lamentations 5:5-22).
God will withdraw support, and Satan will have his way. Israel will learn the hard way, and this time it’s going to be very hard, and no one will come to their rescue. Its judgment is coming, and it will be a hard one.
Israel Chooses Power of Men Above the Power of God
The judgment starts now, seeing as Israel favors help from the Nations outside of God.
This is the turning point for Israel and all the Nations, especially those surrounding Israel is coming very soon. This will all begin with the Daniel 8 War that is between the West and Iran.
This unholy pact with Israel's Middle Eastern neighborhood is about engineering that war to come. Its not about peace. Just wait, watch and see the drama unfolding.
Dr Paul MacDonald RN MA Dipl ©
Israel Institute of Biblical Studies
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