Ezekiel 22

Ezekiel 22:1

Prophecy Concerning Kedar and Hazor

Next comes the word of the LORD concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor (Jeremiah 49:28). Kedar is a son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). His descendants live in the wilderness of Arabia, where they are trading (Ezekiel 27:21). The LORD commands Nebuchadnezzar to advance on Kedar and devastate it. Their tents, their merchandise (flocks), and their possessions are taken from them (Jeremiah 49:29). They will also take their camels. They will be surrounded by the war cries of their enemies so that terror will grip them.

The inhabitants of Hazor are urgently advised by the LORD to flee as quickly as possible and to hide as deeply as possible (Jeremiah 49:30). Here we see the grace of God, Who always gives a warning before His judgment comes. This is also true now. Judgment is coming, but He still gives man the opportunity to repent. Here He makes the plans of Nebuchadnezzar known to them, so that they are warned.

He knows those plans and makes use of them (Jeremiah 49:31). Nebuchadnezzar is an instrument in His hand. Here we see the convergence of man’s plans and God’s counsel. The nation on which His judgment comes is a nation which is at ease. They do not care about anyone and go their own way. They also do not care about God and rely on their own strength.

But their lives, which revolve only around themselves, will be turned upside down (Jeremiah 49:32). All their possessions will be taken from them, becoming booty for the enemy. They themselves will be scattered to all directions. Regardless of the safety of the group, they will perish there. The LORD declares so and so it happens.

The depopulated Hazor will be populated by jackals (Jeremiah 49:33). It will not be rebuilt to be a city with inhabitants again. It is emphatically said that no one will dwell there and no son of man will reside there, forever. That is the fate of what has been built up without God.

Ezekiel 22:2

Prophecy Concerning Kedar and Hazor

Next comes the word of the LORD concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor (Jeremiah 49:28). Kedar is a son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). His descendants live in the wilderness of Arabia, where they are trading (Ezekiel 27:21). The LORD commands Nebuchadnezzar to advance on Kedar and devastate it. Their tents, their merchandise (flocks), and their possessions are taken from them (Jeremiah 49:29). They will also take their camels. They will be surrounded by the war cries of their enemies so that terror will grip them.

The inhabitants of Hazor are urgently advised by the LORD to flee as quickly as possible and to hide as deeply as possible (Jeremiah 49:30). Here we see the grace of God, Who always gives a warning before His judgment comes. This is also true now. Judgment is coming, but He still gives man the opportunity to repent. Here He makes the plans of Nebuchadnezzar known to them, so that they are warned.

He knows those plans and makes use of them (Jeremiah 49:31). Nebuchadnezzar is an instrument in His hand. Here we see the convergence of man’s plans and God’s counsel. The nation on which His judgment comes is a nation which is at ease. They do not care about anyone and go their own way. They also do not care about God and rely on their own strength.

But their lives, which revolve only around themselves, will be turned upside down (Jeremiah 49:32). All their possessions will be taken from them, becoming booty for the enemy. They themselves will be scattered to all directions. Regardless of the safety of the group, they will perish there. The LORD declares so and so it happens.

The depopulated Hazor will be populated by jackals (Jeremiah 49:33). It will not be rebuilt to be a city with inhabitants again. It is emphatically said that no one will dwell there and no son of man will reside there, forever. That is the fate of what has been built up without God.

Ezekiel 22:3

Prophecy Concerning Kedar and Hazor

Next comes the word of the LORD concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor (Jeremiah 49:28). Kedar is a son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). His descendants live in the wilderness of Arabia, where they are trading (Ezekiel 27:21). The LORD commands Nebuchadnezzar to advance on Kedar and devastate it. Their tents, their merchandise (flocks), and their possessions are taken from them (Jeremiah 49:29). They will also take their camels. They will be surrounded by the war cries of their enemies so that terror will grip them.

The inhabitants of Hazor are urgently advised by the LORD to flee as quickly as possible and to hide as deeply as possible (Jeremiah 49:30). Here we see the grace of God, Who always gives a warning before His judgment comes. This is also true now. Judgment is coming, but He still gives man the opportunity to repent. Here He makes the plans of Nebuchadnezzar known to them, so that they are warned.

He knows those plans and makes use of them (Jeremiah 49:31). Nebuchadnezzar is an instrument in His hand. Here we see the convergence of man’s plans and God’s counsel. The nation on which His judgment comes is a nation which is at ease. They do not care about anyone and go their own way. They also do not care about God and rely on their own strength.

But their lives, which revolve only around themselves, will be turned upside down (Jeremiah 49:32). All their possessions will be taken from them, becoming booty for the enemy. They themselves will be scattered to all directions. Regardless of the safety of the group, they will perish there. The LORD declares so and so it happens.

The depopulated Hazor will be populated by jackals (Jeremiah 49:33). It will not be rebuilt to be a city with inhabitants again. It is emphatically said that no one will dwell there and no son of man will reside there, forever. That is the fate of what has been built up without God.

Ezekiel 22:4

Prophecy Concerning Kedar and Hazor

Next comes the word of the LORD concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor (Jeremiah 49:28). Kedar is a son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). His descendants live in the wilderness of Arabia, where they are trading (Ezekiel 27:21). The LORD commands Nebuchadnezzar to advance on Kedar and devastate it. Their tents, their merchandise (flocks), and their possessions are taken from them (Jeremiah 49:29). They will also take their camels. They will be surrounded by the war cries of their enemies so that terror will grip them.

The inhabitants of Hazor are urgently advised by the LORD to flee as quickly as possible and to hide as deeply as possible (Jeremiah 49:30). Here we see the grace of God, Who always gives a warning before His judgment comes. This is also true now. Judgment is coming, but He still gives man the opportunity to repent. Here He makes the plans of Nebuchadnezzar known to them, so that they are warned.

He knows those plans and makes use of them (Jeremiah 49:31). Nebuchadnezzar is an instrument in His hand. Here we see the convergence of man’s plans and God’s counsel. The nation on which His judgment comes is a nation which is at ease. They do not care about anyone and go their own way. They also do not care about God and rely on their own strength.

But their lives, which revolve only around themselves, will be turned upside down (Jeremiah 49:32). All their possessions will be taken from them, becoming booty for the enemy. They themselves will be scattered to all directions. Regardless of the safety of the group, they will perish there. The LORD declares so and so it happens.

The depopulated Hazor will be populated by jackals (Jeremiah 49:33). It will not be rebuilt to be a city with inhabitants again. It is emphatically said that no one will dwell there and no son of man will reside there, forever. That is the fate of what has been built up without God.

Ezekiel 22:5

Prophecy Concerning Elam

The chapter concludes with a word of prophecy from the LORD concerning Elam, which is Persia, today’s Iran (Jeremiah 49:34). It comes to Jeremiah when Zedekiah is just becoming king of Judah. It is the time when Babylon is in the process of developing into a world power. Elam is one of the lands he will conquer.

The soldiers of Elam are skilled archers (Isaiah 22:6), but the LORD will break their bow and with it their fighting power (Jeremiah 49:35). Judgment will come on Elam from all sides so that they will be scattered to all sides, so that they will be found among all nations (Jeremiah 49:36). They will become powerless, for the calamity that befalls them comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 49:37). The LORD will deal with them. He will show that He rules by setting up His throne in Elam and judging them (Jeremiah 49:38).

Then comes the reversal (Jeremiah 49:39). Elam will be brought back to its land. Possibly this is as a reward for defeating Babylon and allowing God’s people to return to their land.

Ezekiel 22:6

Prophecy Concerning Elam

The chapter concludes with a word of prophecy from the LORD concerning Elam, which is Persia, today’s Iran (Jeremiah 49:34). It comes to Jeremiah when Zedekiah is just becoming king of Judah. It is the time when Babylon is in the process of developing into a world power. Elam is one of the lands he will conquer.

The soldiers of Elam are skilled archers (Isaiah 22:6), but the LORD will break their bow and with it their fighting power (Jeremiah 49:35). Judgment will come on Elam from all sides so that they will be scattered to all sides, so that they will be found among all nations (Jeremiah 49:36). They will become powerless, for the calamity that befalls them comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 49:37). The LORD will deal with them. He will show that He rules by setting up His throne in Elam and judging them (Jeremiah 49:38).

Then comes the reversal (Jeremiah 49:39). Elam will be brought back to its land. Possibly this is as a reward for defeating Babylon and allowing God’s people to return to their land.

Ezekiel 22:7

Prophecy Concerning Elam

The chapter concludes with a word of prophecy from the LORD concerning Elam, which is Persia, today’s Iran (Jeremiah 49:34). It comes to Jeremiah when Zedekiah is just becoming king of Judah. It is the time when Babylon is in the process of developing into a world power. Elam is one of the lands he will conquer.

The soldiers of Elam are skilled archers (Isaiah 22:6), but the LORD will break their bow and with it their fighting power (Jeremiah 49:35). Judgment will come on Elam from all sides so that they will be scattered to all sides, so that they will be found among all nations (Jeremiah 49:36). They will become powerless, for the calamity that befalls them comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 49:37). The LORD will deal with them. He will show that He rules by setting up His throne in Elam and judging them (Jeremiah 49:38).

Then comes the reversal (Jeremiah 49:39). Elam will be brought back to its land. Possibly this is as a reward for defeating Babylon and allowing God’s people to return to their land.

Ezekiel 22:8

Prophecy Concerning Elam

The chapter concludes with a word of prophecy from the LORD concerning Elam, which is Persia, today’s Iran (Jeremiah 49:34). It comes to Jeremiah when Zedekiah is just becoming king of Judah. It is the time when Babylon is in the process of developing into a world power. Elam is one of the lands he will conquer.

The soldiers of Elam are skilled archers (Isaiah 22:6), but the LORD will break their bow and with it their fighting power (Jeremiah 49:35). Judgment will come on Elam from all sides so that they will be scattered to all sides, so that they will be found among all nations (Jeremiah 49:36). They will become powerless, for the calamity that befalls them comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 49:37). The LORD will deal with them. He will show that He rules by setting up His throne in Elam and judging them (Jeremiah 49:38).

Then comes the reversal (Jeremiah 49:39). Elam will be brought back to its land. Possibly this is as a reward for defeating Babylon and allowing God’s people to return to their land.

Ezekiel 22:9

Prophecy Concerning Elam

The chapter concludes with a word of prophecy from the LORD concerning Elam, which is Persia, today’s Iran (Jeremiah 49:34). It comes to Jeremiah when Zedekiah is just becoming king of Judah. It is the time when Babylon is in the process of developing into a world power. Elam is one of the lands he will conquer.

The soldiers of Elam are skilled archers (Isaiah 22:6), but the LORD will break their bow and with it their fighting power (Jeremiah 49:35). Judgment will come on Elam from all sides so that they will be scattered to all sides, so that they will be found among all nations (Jeremiah 49:36). They will become powerless, for the calamity that befalls them comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 49:37). The LORD will deal with them. He will show that He rules by setting up His throne in Elam and judging them (Jeremiah 49:38).

Then comes the reversal (Jeremiah 49:39). Elam will be brought back to its land. Possibly this is as a reward for defeating Babylon and allowing God’s people to return to their land.

Ezekiel 22:10

Prophecy Concerning Elam

The chapter concludes with a word of prophecy from the LORD concerning Elam, which is Persia, today’s Iran (Jeremiah 49:34). It comes to Jeremiah when Zedekiah is just becoming king of Judah. It is the time when Babylon is in the process of developing into a world power. Elam is one of the lands he will conquer.

The soldiers of Elam are skilled archers (Isaiah 22:6), but the LORD will break their bow and with it their fighting power (Jeremiah 49:35). Judgment will come on Elam from all sides so that they will be scattered to all sides, so that they will be found among all nations (Jeremiah 49:36). They will become powerless, for the calamity that befalls them comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 49:37). The LORD will deal with them. He will show that He rules by setting up His throne in Elam and judging them (Jeremiah 49:38).

Then comes the reversal (Jeremiah 49:39). Elam will be brought back to its land. Possibly this is as a reward for defeating Babylon and allowing God’s people to return to their land.

Ezekiel 22:12

Introduction

Two long chapters are devoted to “the word … concerning Babylon” (Jeremiah 50:1). In Jeremiah 46-49 we see that Babylon is the disciplinary rod in the hand of God to discipline other nations. Now comes God’s judgment on this rod (cf. Isaiah 10:5-19). This judgment comes on it because the disciplinary rod is even worse than Israel itself. God disciplines His children because He loves them. When the rod goes beyond God’s purpose, God must judge the rod. God blames Babylon for executing judgment on Jerusalem in a way that He did not ordain (cf. Habakkuk 1:13).

Again we have the double layer. Babylon is judged by the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:28-30). The Medes and Persians are the rod of God for Babylon. Babylon is also the great God-hating power in the end time, represented there in the restored Roman Empire. We know this because judgment on Babylon is connected to the restoration of Israel in the end time, when the two and ten tribes are back in the land.

The Word Concerning Babylon

Jeremiah now, commissioned by the LORD, fearlessly speaks the word against mighty Babylon (Jeremiah 50:1; Jeremiah 25:26; Jeremiah 27:7). This word spans two long chapters. Jeremiah makes the announcement of judgment on Babylon heard among the nations who have also suffered under the yoke of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:2). Deliverance from that yoke comes, they may lift up a standard and say that Babylon has been captured. With that, his chief god Bel and other idols have also lost their power, they have been shattered.

The enemy who will defeat Babylon comes from the north, just as Babylon itself is an enemy for Israel who comes from the north (Jeremiah 50:3). The enemy for Babylon are the Medes and Persians. They defeat Babylon and turn the land into an object of horror, from which all life flees. The final fulfillment of this lies in the future.

Ezekiel 22:13

Introduction

Two long chapters are devoted to “the word … concerning Babylon” (Jeremiah 50:1). In Jeremiah 46-49 we see that Babylon is the disciplinary rod in the hand of God to discipline other nations. Now comes God’s judgment on this rod (cf. Isaiah 10:5-19). This judgment comes on it because the disciplinary rod is even worse than Israel itself. God disciplines His children because He loves them. When the rod goes beyond God’s purpose, God must judge the rod. God blames Babylon for executing judgment on Jerusalem in a way that He did not ordain (cf. Habakkuk 1:13).

Again we have the double layer. Babylon is judged by the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:28-30). The Medes and Persians are the rod of God for Babylon. Babylon is also the great God-hating power in the end time, represented there in the restored Roman Empire. We know this because judgment on Babylon is connected to the restoration of Israel in the end time, when the two and ten tribes are back in the land.

The Word Concerning Babylon

Jeremiah now, commissioned by the LORD, fearlessly speaks the word against mighty Babylon (Jeremiah 50:1; Jeremiah 25:26; Jeremiah 27:7). This word spans two long chapters. Jeremiah makes the announcement of judgment on Babylon heard among the nations who have also suffered under the yoke of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:2). Deliverance from that yoke comes, they may lift up a standard and say that Babylon has been captured. With that, his chief god Bel and other idols have also lost their power, they have been shattered.

The enemy who will defeat Babylon comes from the north, just as Babylon itself is an enemy for Israel who comes from the north (Jeremiah 50:3). The enemy for Babylon are the Medes and Persians. They defeat Babylon and turn the land into an object of horror, from which all life flees. The final fulfillment of this lies in the future.

Ezekiel 22:14

Introduction

Two long chapters are devoted to “the word … concerning Babylon” (Jeremiah 50:1). In Jeremiah 46-49 we see that Babylon is the disciplinary rod in the hand of God to discipline other nations. Now comes God’s judgment on this rod (cf. Isaiah 10:5-19). This judgment comes on it because the disciplinary rod is even worse than Israel itself. God disciplines His children because He loves them. When the rod goes beyond God’s purpose, God must judge the rod. God blames Babylon for executing judgment on Jerusalem in a way that He did not ordain (cf. Habakkuk 1:13).

Again we have the double layer. Babylon is judged by the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:28-30). The Medes and Persians are the rod of God for Babylon. Babylon is also the great God-hating power in the end time, represented there in the restored Roman Empire. We know this because judgment on Babylon is connected to the restoration of Israel in the end time, when the two and ten tribes are back in the land.

The Word Concerning Babylon

Jeremiah now, commissioned by the LORD, fearlessly speaks the word against mighty Babylon (Jeremiah 50:1; Jeremiah 25:26; Jeremiah 27:7). This word spans two long chapters. Jeremiah makes the announcement of judgment on Babylon heard among the nations who have also suffered under the yoke of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:2). Deliverance from that yoke comes, they may lift up a standard and say that Babylon has been captured. With that, his chief god Bel and other idols have also lost their power, they have been shattered.

The enemy who will defeat Babylon comes from the north, just as Babylon itself is an enemy for Israel who comes from the north (Jeremiah 50:3). The enemy for Babylon are the Medes and Persians. They defeat Babylon and turn the land into an object of horror, from which all life flees. The final fulfillment of this lies in the future.

Ezekiel 22:15

Return of Israel

After the conquest “in those days and at that time”, Israelites from the twelve tribes, “the sons of Israel … they and the sons of Judah as well”, will set out to seek the LORD their God (Jeremiah 50:4). This happens as soon as the Medes and Persians are in power. Then in the first year of his reign, Cyrus gives the command that anyone who wants to go back to Jerusalem may go (Ezra 1:2-3).

All who take advantage of that opportunity will go to Zion (Jeremiah 50:5). That is where their heart is, that is their destination, that is where they set their faces, for there is the temple. They will come there and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be broken again or forgotten. There will be no new covenant breaking because this covenant depends only on the faithfulness of the LORD. And He is the everlasting faithful One.

The LORD sees His people as “lost sheep” (cf. Matthew 9:36) who have fallen victim to false shepherds (Jeremiah 50:6). These shepherds have fed themselves and left the sheep to their fate. They have not given them a place to rest, but have hounded them to keep their self-made commandments. These erring sheep have become easy prey for their adversaries (Jeremiah 50:7).

Added to that, those opponents also boast that they are innocent of this exploitation because God’s people have sinned and they are executing God’s judgment. They even manage to use beautiful and telling names for the LORD. He is “the habitation of righteousness”. Because the Israelites have sinned against it, they devour them. He is also “the hope of their fathers”. In that hope they did not follow their fathers, but sinned.

That devouring by adversaries has come to an end. God’s people are now called to flee from Babylon, back to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the LORD (Jeremiah 50:8). Those who go are a first ‘batch’; the rest of “the flock” will follow at another time.

Ezekiel 22:16

Return of Israel

After the conquest “in those days and at that time”, Israelites from the twelve tribes, “the sons of Israel … they and the sons of Judah as well”, will set out to seek the LORD their God (Jeremiah 50:4). This happens as soon as the Medes and Persians are in power. Then in the first year of his reign, Cyrus gives the command that anyone who wants to go back to Jerusalem may go (Ezra 1:2-3).

All who take advantage of that opportunity will go to Zion (Jeremiah 50:5). That is where their heart is, that is their destination, that is where they set their faces, for there is the temple. They will come there and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be broken again or forgotten. There will be no new covenant breaking because this covenant depends only on the faithfulness of the LORD. And He is the everlasting faithful One.

The LORD sees His people as “lost sheep” (cf. Matthew 9:36) who have fallen victim to false shepherds (Jeremiah 50:6). These shepherds have fed themselves and left the sheep to their fate. They have not given them a place to rest, but have hounded them to keep their self-made commandments. These erring sheep have become easy prey for their adversaries (Jeremiah 50:7).

Added to that, those opponents also boast that they are innocent of this exploitation because God’s people have sinned and they are executing God’s judgment. They even manage to use beautiful and telling names for the LORD. He is “the habitation of righteousness”. Because the Israelites have sinned against it, they devour them. He is also “the hope of their fathers”. In that hope they did not follow their fathers, but sinned.

That devouring by adversaries has come to an end. God’s people are now called to flee from Babylon, back to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the LORD (Jeremiah 50:8). Those who go are a first ‘batch’; the rest of “the flock” will follow at another time.

Ezekiel 22:17

Return of Israel

After the conquest “in those days and at that time”, Israelites from the twelve tribes, “the sons of Israel … they and the sons of Judah as well”, will set out to seek the LORD their God (Jeremiah 50:4). This happens as soon as the Medes and Persians are in power. Then in the first year of his reign, Cyrus gives the command that anyone who wants to go back to Jerusalem may go (Ezra 1:2-3).

All who take advantage of that opportunity will go to Zion (Jeremiah 50:5). That is where their heart is, that is their destination, that is where they set their faces, for there is the temple. They will come there and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be broken again or forgotten. There will be no new covenant breaking because this covenant depends only on the faithfulness of the LORD. And He is the everlasting faithful One.

The LORD sees His people as “lost sheep” (cf. Matthew 9:36) who have fallen victim to false shepherds (Jeremiah 50:6). These shepherds have fed themselves and left the sheep to their fate. They have not given them a place to rest, but have hounded them to keep their self-made commandments. These erring sheep have become easy prey for their adversaries (Jeremiah 50:7).

Added to that, those opponents also boast that they are innocent of this exploitation because God’s people have sinned and they are executing God’s judgment. They even manage to use beautiful and telling names for the LORD. He is “the habitation of righteousness”. Because the Israelites have sinned against it, they devour them. He is also “the hope of their fathers”. In that hope they did not follow their fathers, but sinned.

That devouring by adversaries has come to an end. God’s people are now called to flee from Babylon, back to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the LORD (Jeremiah 50:8). Those who go are a first ‘batch’; the rest of “the flock” will follow at another time.

Ezekiel 22:18

Return of Israel

After the conquest “in those days and at that time”, Israelites from the twelve tribes, “the sons of Israel … they and the sons of Judah as well”, will set out to seek the LORD their God (Jeremiah 50:4). This happens as soon as the Medes and Persians are in power. Then in the first year of his reign, Cyrus gives the command that anyone who wants to go back to Jerusalem may go (Ezra 1:2-3).

All who take advantage of that opportunity will go to Zion (Jeremiah 50:5). That is where their heart is, that is their destination, that is where they set their faces, for there is the temple. They will come there and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be broken again or forgotten. There will be no new covenant breaking because this covenant depends only on the faithfulness of the LORD. And He is the everlasting faithful One.

The LORD sees His people as “lost sheep” (cf. Matthew 9:36) who have fallen victim to false shepherds (Jeremiah 50:6). These shepherds have fed themselves and left the sheep to their fate. They have not given them a place to rest, but have hounded them to keep their self-made commandments. These erring sheep have become easy prey for their adversaries (Jeremiah 50:7).

Added to that, those opponents also boast that they are innocent of this exploitation because God’s people have sinned and they are executing God’s judgment. They even manage to use beautiful and telling names for the LORD. He is “the habitation of righteousness”. Because the Israelites have sinned against it, they devour them. He is also “the hope of their fathers”. In that hope they did not follow their fathers, but sinned.

That devouring by adversaries has come to an end. God’s people are now called to flee from Babylon, back to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the LORD (Jeremiah 50:8). Those who go are a first ‘batch’; the rest of “the flock” will follow at another time.

Ezekiel 22:19

Return of Israel

After the conquest “in those days and at that time”, Israelites from the twelve tribes, “the sons of Israel … they and the sons of Judah as well”, will set out to seek the LORD their God (Jeremiah 50:4). This happens as soon as the Medes and Persians are in power. Then in the first year of his reign, Cyrus gives the command that anyone who wants to go back to Jerusalem may go (Ezra 1:2-3).

All who take advantage of that opportunity will go to Zion (Jeremiah 50:5). That is where their heart is, that is their destination, that is where they set their faces, for there is the temple. They will come there and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be broken again or forgotten. There will be no new covenant breaking because this covenant depends only on the faithfulness of the LORD. And He is the everlasting faithful One.

The LORD sees His people as “lost sheep” (cf. Matthew 9:36) who have fallen victim to false shepherds (Jeremiah 50:6). These shepherds have fed themselves and left the sheep to their fate. They have not given them a place to rest, but have hounded them to keep their self-made commandments. These erring sheep have become easy prey for their adversaries (Jeremiah 50:7).

Added to that, those opponents also boast that they are innocent of this exploitation because God’s people have sinned and they are executing God’s judgment. They even manage to use beautiful and telling names for the LORD. He is “the habitation of righteousness”. Because the Israelites have sinned against it, they devour them. He is also “the hope of their fathers”. In that hope they did not follow their fathers, but sinned.

That devouring by adversaries has come to an end. God’s people are now called to flee from Babylon, back to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the LORD (Jeremiah 50:8). Those who go are a first ‘batch’; the rest of “the flock” will follow at another time.

Ezekiel 22:20

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:21

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:22

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:23

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:24

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:25

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:26

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:27

Sin of and Judgment on Babylon

For the execution of judgment on Babylon, the LORD raises up a horde of great nations (Jeremiah 50:9). These are the nations of the Medes and Persians. They come from the north to Babylon and take it captive. They do so with ruthless precision. The use of their weapons is not a battle in the air. Chaldea becomes their booty and it is not inconsiderable (Jeremiah 50:10).

Judgment comes upon Babylon because the Babylonians have plundered the sanctuary of the LORD with great joy and without restraint (Jeremiah 50:11). They have acted in God’s land like an elated calf in freshly mown grass and have raged against God’s people like stallions. Therefore, there is now shame for Babylon toward her mother (Jeremiah 50:12). A mother usually likes to see her child’s success. That is not the case here. On the contrary. Babylon has gone from being the foremost of all nations to being the least. Of all its former glory, nothing remains. It is “a wilderness, a parched land and a desert”.

The indignation of the LORD is so great that she will not be inhabited again (Jeremiah 50:13). Instead of admiration, it will provoke consternation in everyone who passes by Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 19:8). This will be fully fulfilled in the end time (Revelation 18:1-19).

The LORD calls His instruments to make themselves ready to fight against Babylon (Jeremiah 50:14). They need not hold back when it comes to using their arrows. The supply will not run out. The LORD will give enough to execute His judgment on Babylon, for she has sinned against Him. What they have done against His people has been done against Him. Whoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye.

The LORD also foretells victory here already (Jeremiah 50:15). Babylon will surrender and the Medes and Persians can rejoice. All her defenses have fallen and been broken down. The people the LORD uses are carrying out His vengeance. He is doing it. They may avenge themselves and treat Babylon as she has acted herself. Babylon reaps what she has sown (Galatians 6:7b). There will be no more literal harvest for Babylon (Jeremiah 50:16). The sowers will be exterminated, and for what still grows, there will be no reapers, for they too will be exterminated. All who have been conquered by Babylon will flee, each to his land of origin.

Ezekiel 22:28

Comfort for Israel

After describing the judgment on Babylon comes another word about Israel (Jeremiah 50:17). God’s people are compared to a cornered sheep that has been chased by two lions. One lion is the king of Assyria, the other the king of Babylon. They have left nothing of Israel. Therefore, the LORD will punish both nations (Jeremiah 50:18). Assyria has already been punished, having been given up to the power of Nebuchadnezzar. The king of Babylon will suffer the same fate as Assyria and in turn will be judged by the next world empire that God is raising up for it, namely the Medes and Persians.

As God punishes nations for their heartless behavior toward His people, so He will have mercy on His people (Jeremiah 50:19). He will bring His people back to their dwelling place and let them live there in peace and quiet: that is Carmel in the northwest, Bashan in the northeast, Ephraim, the ten tribes realm in the land and Gilead in the region at the other side of the Jordan. This will happen “in those days and in that time”, which are the days and the time of the future realm of peace (Jeremiah 50:20).

Then all the people, Israel and Judah, will be restored in the land because they will be free from their iniquity and their sins. This is because the LORD has pardoned the remnant which is “all Israel” (Romans 11:26). Therefore, any search for iniquity or sin is futile. This is how God does when He pardons sins: He erases them and they are gone, also gone out of His mind. This is possible because Christ has borne the sins of those to whom they are pardoned, and they are pardoned to anyone who repents of his sins and believes in the Lord Jesus.

Ezekiel 22:29

Comfort for Israel

After describing the judgment on Babylon comes another word about Israel (Jeremiah 50:17). God’s people are compared to a cornered sheep that has been chased by two lions. One lion is the king of Assyria, the other the king of Babylon. They have left nothing of Israel. Therefore, the LORD will punish both nations (Jeremiah 50:18). Assyria has already been punished, having been given up to the power of Nebuchadnezzar. The king of Babylon will suffer the same fate as Assyria and in turn will be judged by the next world empire that God is raising up for it, namely the Medes and Persians.

As God punishes nations for their heartless behavior toward His people, so He will have mercy on His people (Jeremiah 50:19). He will bring His people back to their dwelling place and let them live there in peace and quiet: that is Carmel in the northwest, Bashan in the northeast, Ephraim, the ten tribes realm in the land and Gilead in the region at the other side of the Jordan. This will happen “in those days and in that time”, which are the days and the time of the future realm of peace (Jeremiah 50:20).

Then all the people, Israel and Judah, will be restored in the land because they will be free from their iniquity and their sins. This is because the LORD has pardoned the remnant which is “all Israel” (Romans 11:26). Therefore, any search for iniquity or sin is futile. This is how God does when He pardons sins: He erases them and they are gone, also gone out of His mind. This is possible because Christ has borne the sins of those to whom they are pardoned, and they are pardoned to anyone who repents of his sins and believes in the Lord Jesus.

Ezekiel 22:30

Comfort for Israel

After describing the judgment on Babylon comes another word about Israel (Jeremiah 50:17). God’s people are compared to a cornered sheep that has been chased by two lions. One lion is the king of Assyria, the other the king of Babylon. They have left nothing of Israel. Therefore, the LORD will punish both nations (Jeremiah 50:18). Assyria has already been punished, having been given up to the power of Nebuchadnezzar. The king of Babylon will suffer the same fate as Assyria and in turn will be judged by the next world empire that God is raising up for it, namely the Medes and Persians.

As God punishes nations for their heartless behavior toward His people, so He will have mercy on His people (Jeremiah 50:19). He will bring His people back to their dwelling place and let them live there in peace and quiet: that is Carmel in the northwest, Bashan in the northeast, Ephraim, the ten tribes realm in the land and Gilead in the region at the other side of the Jordan. This will happen “in those days and in that time”, which are the days and the time of the future realm of peace (Jeremiah 50:20).

Then all the people, Israel and Judah, will be restored in the land because they will be free from their iniquity and their sins. This is because the LORD has pardoned the remnant which is “all Israel” (Romans 11:26). Therefore, any search for iniquity or sin is futile. This is how God does when He pardons sins: He erases them and they are gone, also gone out of His mind. This is possible because Christ has borne the sins of those to whom they are pardoned, and they are pardoned to anyone who repents of his sins and believes in the Lord Jesus.

Ezekiel 22:31

Comfort for Israel

After describing the judgment on Babylon comes another word about Israel (Jeremiah 50:17). God’s people are compared to a cornered sheep that has been chased by two lions. One lion is the king of Assyria, the other the king of Babylon. They have left nothing of Israel. Therefore, the LORD will punish both nations (Jeremiah 50:18). Assyria has already been punished, having been given up to the power of Nebuchadnezzar. The king of Babylon will suffer the same fate as Assyria and in turn will be judged by the next world empire that God is raising up for it, namely the Medes and Persians.

As God punishes nations for their heartless behavior toward His people, so He will have mercy on His people (Jeremiah 50:19). He will bring His people back to their dwelling place and let them live there in peace and quiet: that is Carmel in the northwest, Bashan in the northeast, Ephraim, the ten tribes realm in the land and Gilead in the region at the other side of the Jordan. This will happen “in those days and in that time”, which are the days and the time of the future realm of peace (Jeremiah 50:20).

Then all the people, Israel and Judah, will be restored in the land because they will be free from their iniquity and their sins. This is because the LORD has pardoned the remnant which is “all Israel” (Romans 11:26). Therefore, any search for iniquity or sin is futile. This is how God does when He pardons sins: He erases them and they are gone, also gone out of His mind. This is possible because Christ has borne the sins of those to whom they are pardoned, and they are pardoned to anyone who repents of his sins and believes in the Lord Jesus.