Jeremiah 46 Devotional

The Power Judah Leaned On

“And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.””Jeremiah 46:28 (BSB)

The oracles against the nations begin with Egypt. Its army arms for battle, then breaks in terror and flees (46:3-5). Egypt rose like the Nile in flood, boasting that it would cover the earth (46:7-8), but the day of battle belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts (46:10). Pharaoh proves to be empty bluster (46:17). God will punish Egypt's gods, its kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh (46:25).

That last phrase matters. Judah had looked to Pharaoh's army for rescue during the siege (37:5-7), and the survivors had just fled to Egypt for safety (43:7). Isaiah had warned against going down to Egypt for help while not looking to the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 31:1). Yet even here God says Egypt will one day be inhabited again (46:26). Jacob need not fear. God will discipline him justly but will not make a complete end of him, because he is with him (46:27-28). Every power leaned on in place of God will fail. His presence with his people does not.

To think about: What power or resource are you leaning on for security, and what would it look like to trust God's presence instead?