Read Jeremiah 46:1-28
At the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C., Babylon and Egypt, the two major world powers after Assyria’s fall, clashed. The Babylonians entered Carchemish by surprise and defeated Egypt. This battle, which passed world leadership to Babylon, was Nebuchadnezzar’s first victory, establishing him in his new position as king of the Babylonian Empire. With Egypt’s power declining, it was both poor strategy and disobedience to God for Judah to form an alliance with Egypt.
In 589 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, Pharaoh Hophra marched against him at Zedekiah’s invitation. But when the Babylonians stood up to the Egyptians, Pharaoh Hophra and his troops retreated. Jeremiah had prophesied that Pharaoh Hophra would be killed by his enemies. This was fulfilled nearly 20 years later when his co-regent Ahmose led a revolt.
In this chapter, we gain several thoughts about God and His plan for this world. 1) Although God chose Israel for a special purpose, He loves all people and wants all to come to Him. 2) God is holy and will not tolerate sin. 3) God’s judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge but on fairness and justice. 4) God does not delight in judgment but in salvation. 5) God is impartial: He judges everyone by the same standard.
God punished His people in order to bring them back to Himself, and He punishes us to correct and purify us. No one welcomes punishment, but we should all welcome its results: correction and purity.