Jeremiah 47

WEEK   10                                        Jeremiah 47

SATURDAY  Reflections

The Philistines had been the bane of Israel's existence from the very beginning. Only under David and Solomon were they held in check. When other nations weren't an issue, the Philistines were still there tempting and fighting. Now, as judgment is going to fall on Judah, it will also fall on the nations of the Philistines. They had watched God bless Israel when Israel obeyed and saw disaster come when they refused. For a time, they even held the ark of God in their midst, but they never fully accepted God. They continued to work against God and His people. Finally, God's judgment was falling, and as bad as it was for Judah, it would mean the complete destruction of the Philistine nations.

 

This reminds me of St. Peter's words, "For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17). I don’t point this out with joy, but actually with sadness. It is a reminder that there are people outside of our sphere of influence who desperately need God.

Jer 47:1-7
(1)  The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.
(2)  Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.
(3)  At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;
(4)  Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.
(5)  Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?
(6)  O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.
(7)  How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.