Journal Through the Bible: Week 76 Saturday

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Jeremiah chapter 49

Like the chapter before, God made a pronouncement against the descendants of Lot but this time it concerned the Ammonites. He also gave prophecies against Edom, the descendants of Esau, and several other people groups. War is the theme of this chapter!

Does God issue any commands?

• God commanded the people of Heshbon and Rabbah to cry and mourn for the destruction of the Ammonites.
• God told the inhabitants of Dedan to flee.
• God would lead Nebuchadnezzar to war against Hazor. God warned the residents of Hazor to flee.
• God gave commands to Jeremiah concerning Elam during the reign of Zedekiah.

Does God make any promises?

• War was coming to the Ammonites and they would be ruined. The Children of Israel would one day inherit their land.
• God promised to bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon.
• Complete calamity was coming to the people of Esau although God would care for the widows and orphans.
• The warriors of Damascus would retreat in battle but would be killed in the streets. The palaces of Benhadad would be burnt.
• Nebuchadnezzar would strike against Hazor and Kedar. No one would live in Hazor. It would be deserted.
• Elam would be struck by the heavens' four winds. The inhabitants of Elam would disperse to all other nations.
• God would set His throne in Elam.
• God will bring again the captivity of Elam in the latter days.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The LORD that comes against Edom is described as an eagle with its wings outstretched over Bozrah. Since this is God being described, it is a type of Christ.
• The throne of God would be set in Elam. Since Jesus is the Sovereign Ruler His kingdom has some connection to the territory that once belonged to Elam.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Reference is made to the throne of God being in the territory of Elam. Is this a literal event? If so, is it future? I believe it must be!
• Reference is made to two groups of people whose captivity would be turned, Ammon and Elam. Elam's return is said to take place in the latter days. Perhaps this will happen when God sets His throne there and uses it as His base to destroy the king and the princes. (See verse 38.)