Jeremiah 50 Devotional

A Redeemer Who Pleads

“Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.”Jeremiah 50:34 (BSB)

This long oracle is aimed at Babylon, the empire God had used to judge his people. Now its idols will be shattered (50:2). Those who devoured Israel excused themselves by saying Israel had sinned against the LORD (50:7), and Babylon rejoiced as it plundered God's inheritance (50:11). Being God's instrument did not excuse its pride. It will be repaid for what it has done (50:29).

Woven through the judgment is a homecoming. Israel and Judah will come weeping to seek the LORD and bind themselves to him in a covenant that will never be forgotten (50:4-5). When a search is made for their guilt, none will be found, because God will forgive the remnant he spares (50:20). Their captors hold them tight, but their Redeemer is strong and will take up their case (50:33-34). John writes that when believers sin, Jesus the righteous one speaks in their defense before the Father (1 John 2:1). You do not have to argue your own case before God. Your Redeemer argues it for you.

To think about: Where are you still trying to argue your own case before God, instead of resting in the Redeemer who pleads for you?