Scripture Reading : Jeremiah 49
Theme : Judgement on Other Nations
Judgement on Ammon (49:1-6).
The Ammonites were descended from Ben-Ammi, son of Lot (Gen 19:38). They conspired against Israel and trusted in their own strength and wealth, therefore God will judge her. However, God will also graciously restore them in the Messianic times just like Moab (v. 6).
Judgement on Edom (49:7-22).
The Edomites were descended from Esau, Jacob’s older brother. Edom’s sin was its pride manifested in its unrelenting and violent hatred of Israel and its rejoicing in her misfortunes (Obad 3, 10–14). There is no prophecy of future restoration for Edom.
Judgement on Damascus (49:23-27).
This is the kingdom of Syria. God also promises to destroy it through the Babylonians.
Judgement on Kedar and Hazor (49:28-33).
These cities were on the Arabian Desert. Even the desert will not provide safety for them from the coming Babylonian invasion. Kedar (v.28) was an Ishmaelite desert tribe (cf. Gen 25:13; Isa 21:13, 16; Ezek 27:21). These nomads, who were rich in livestock (vv.29, 32) and were good at archery (Isa 21:16–17).
Judgement on Elam (49:34-39). Elam was also not spared by the Babylonians. This kingdom is in modern day Iran. They were famous for their archery (Is 22:6). God promises restoration of Elam in the Messianic times.
Praying the Scripture
When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God’s judgement is never a revengeful judgement, it is always a justifying judgement based on righteousness. God is not a cosmic bully, but a cosmic righteous judge. His judgement is based on His glorious, righteous character (Ex. 34:6-7), it is never out of a natural disposition of hatred or revenge. Pray that when you execute justice it is never out of joy or revenge, but out of a sense of justice, also with a sense of pity. This may sound to be a strange combination of feelings, but if you have ever disciplined your children correctly, this is not strange at all.
经文：耶利米书49
主题：论列国的审判
论亚扪的审判（49:1-6）。
亚扪人为便亚米，罗得之子的后裔（创19:38）。他们密谋对抗以色列，并倚靠自己的力量与财富，因此招致神的审判。然而，如摩押一样，满有恩典的神将在弥赛亚国度使他们复兴（6节）。
论以东的审判（49:7-22）。
以东人为以扫，雅各之兄的后裔。以东之罪在于骄傲，即对以色列的无情与强烈憎恨，并庆幸以色列受患难得以显出（俄3节，10-14节）。至于以东，神并没有予以任何有关未来复兴的预言。
论大马色的审判（48:23-27）。
这是叙利亚的王国。神也应许通过巴比伦人将其毁灭。
论基达与夏锁的审判（49:28-33）。
这些城市位于阿拉伯沙漠。然而，即使是沙漠也无法在巴比伦入侵时将他们保全。基达（28节）是以实玛利的一个沙漠民族（参照创25:13；赛21:13, 16；结27:21）。这些游牧民族拥有很多的牲畜（29节，32节），也善于射箭（赛21:16-17）。
论以拦的审判（49:34-39）。以拦也不能幸免巴比伦人的侵略。这王国是现今的伊朗，闻名的技术是射箭（赛22:6）。神应许在弥赛亚国度复兴以拦。
用经文祷告
当读到神诸多的审判时，切记神的审判绝不是基于报复，而是基于公义的审判。神不是一位巨大的土霸，却是一位广大无边的公义裁判。神的审判是按祂荣耀的、公义的品性而定（出34:6-7），绝不基于憎恨或报复。祷告当你施行公平时，绝不出于喜乐或报复之心，而是出于正义和怜悯。这或许听起来是一个奇怪的情感组合，但你若曾经以正确的方式管教你的孩子，这是不足为奇的。
