46-48

In Chapters 46-51, we have God’s oracles (messages) against the nations - An oracle which moves generally from the West () to the East ( and ). Scattered throughout these oracles are brief messages regarding the restoration of and . Much of the information in these oracles seems to have been given sometime before the fall of . (v.46:2) The first oracle is dated specifically to 605 B.C. The main message of these oracles is the sovereignty of God over all the nations on earth.

Egypt: (v.1-6) The background here is Nebuchadnezzar’s defeat of Necho at in 605 B.C. Egypt, with its mighty army, horsemen, helmets, polished spears, and armor will flee for their lives before the Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon. (v.7-10) The Ethiopians, Libyans and Lydians (v.9) were apparently mercenaries under Pharaoh Necho. God had prepared Egypt’s defeat as a “sacrifice,” (v.10b).

(v.11, 12) In vain Egypt will try to heal herself. As with the nations today, our medicines cannot heal us; only God can heal our wound. The tax revenue from our vices in the state of Colorado is not Colorado’s remedy. The Lord God reminds Israel in (v.30:12-14, 17) He is the only one able to “heal” their wounds. “By His stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5).

(v.13-17) We have a poetic description of Nebuchadnezzar’s attack on Egypt. History records after Egypt’s defeat at Carchemish, the Babylonians marched through Palestine in 604 B.C. (v.17b) - the “appointed time.” Pharaoh’s defeat was “appointed” by God! Those who reject Christ also have an “appointed time.” It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” Hebrews 9:27

(v.18, 19) Noph is Hebrew name for the ancient Egyptian city Memphis, located on the , south of modern-day Cairo. (Nelson Dictionary). “Lord of Hosts” – the term “host” can also be translated “armies.” God uses the armies not only of heaven but of earth to do his bidding; to judge other nations! God is “love,” but God is also “war!” The Lord is a man of war; The Lord is His name. (Exodus 15:3) We deceive ourselves when we portray God as love and forget He is also a God of judgment. The gospel cannot be “gospel” - good news - without pointing out the bad news, which is that we have sinned and there will be hell to pay, apart from repentance and faith in Christ! Recently, in the UK (Britain): A CHURCH was forced to take down a sign after police were called to investigate the poster that implied non-Christians would burn in hell. Surrounded by fiery flames, the message outside the Baptist church in Attleborough, Norfolk, read: "If you think there is no God, you'd better be right". The church's pastor John Rose agreed to remove the sign, after officers told him that it had caused offence - though only ONE complaint had been received.

Feelings of offense will not keep one out of hell. Better to be offended now, than to suffer the consequences of rejecting Christ later! For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:30-31) God is love, but you don’t want to play around with Him! (v.19) “O you daughter,” is a reference to the rebellious Israelites who went to Egypt for refuge, despite God’s warning not to (Chapter 43).

(v.20-24) The “fat bulls” - the well paid mercenaries of Egypt - will be no match for the Babylonians; like a “forest” they will be cut down! (v.25, 26) “Amon of No” – Amon: the sun god; No: the ancient city Thebes. The god’s and goddesses they worshipped will be destroyed with the defeat of Egypt. “In the days of old”: However, after the Babylonian invasion and exile, Egypt will be restored.

(v.27-28) Message to Israel: Of the remnant of Israelites who went to Egypt, a small remnant will survive the Babylonian invasion. In God’s discipline there is mercy, (v.28). You’re going to get a spanking, but you are still Mine! (v.28b). What great assurance for those who find themselves under God’s “discipline.” "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." (Hebrews 12:5-6)

CHAPTER 47

The prophecy here was given before Pharaoh’s aggressive land grab north. The metaphor for the “rising water” speaks of the Babylonians. CAPHTOR – is believed to be an island or area from which the Philistines originally came; it is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:23; Amos 9:7. Scholars are divided concerning the location of Caphtor. The most probable location is the island of CRETE; one of the larger Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea. (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary). Tyre and were the largest Phoenician ports on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon. Gaza and were ancient Philistine cities, located along the Mediterranean Sea coast, in the modern-day Gaza Strip in Israel; they were the last Philistine cities to fall to the Babylonians. (v.6, 7) A poetic appeal is made to the “sword of the Lord.” But judgment must fall because God has appointed it!

CHAPTER 48

(v.1-5) God’s divine judgment now comes against . Ancient Moab lay east of the Dead Sea in modern day Jordan. Nebo was an ancient Moabite city. Moabites – were descended from Moab, the son of Lot, Genesis 19:37, the nephew of ; thus they were related to the Israelites. However, it was the Moabite King Balak who sought to curse the Israelites as they journeyed to the promised land (Canaan); Numbers 22:2- 4. After the conquest of the land by the Israelites, the Moabites maintained hostile relations with the Israelites, and frequently harassed them in war. Judges 3:12-30; 1 14:1. (Easton's Bible Dictionary).

(v.6) The “juniper” is a plant which grew in the crevasses of rocks. Because they “trusted” in the “works” of their hands rather than the Lord, they will be taken! In the same manner, to trust in the works of our hands rather than the Lord cannot deliver us from God’s wrath against sin! Grace alone saves, not the works of men, nor can they deliver us from God’s wrath against sin! For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10) For the believer must remember, as well, it is His “workmanship” in us which matters the most, not our “works” for Him! (v.9, 10) Cursed is the one who pulls his punches. Let the full wrath of God’s judgment be felt; no quarter (mercy) is given to Moab for her sins. Moab had become full of themselves (v.11). The “dregs” have never been emptied. Here’s why we need to confess our sins daily, as Jesus taught us to pray: lest the “dregs” – the refuse of selfish living - build up, and we have a taste only for ourselves, and a nose only for our smell! In other words, it’s all about us. This was Moab’s sickness!

We see such an attitude from the boomer generation to today’s Millennials; we have become so full of ourselves, at ease with ourselves. Unlike the “greatest generation,” we have never been “emptied” - humbled - by the ravishes of war. Like the Moabites, we have become an entitlement nation, drunk on ourselves, with the “taste” of ourselves. But I believe a radical shaking is coming; which will hopefully turn our nation back to God! (v.12, 13) Bethel was the place Abraham built an altar to the Lord Genesis 12:8; 13:3; , Abraham’s grandson had a vision there of a ladder ascending into heaven Genesis 28:12. But now Bethel is being renounced here as a place known for idolatry. As with our lives, the place which was once dedicated to God, if we are not “watchful,” will become known for its idolatry.

(v.26, 27, 29) Here we see the main reason for Moab’s judgment, “pride” and prejudice. (v.30-33) The scene in Moab turns to intense mourning over the failure of the crops and vineyards. (v.34) All the region of Moab is affected; from the North to the South; Dead Sea to the desert. (v.35-39) Idolatry will cease; every form of mourning will be entered into for Moab (v.37). (V.40-44) The imagery here is that of the Babylonian army spreading over Moab like an eagle spreading its wings. (v.47) Yet, at the end, as with Egypt, God is merciful.

CONCLUSION: In the midst of all this judgment and destruction, we find God’s mercy. God judges in hope: in hope mankind will turn to Him, and repent of his destructive ways. O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2) God is love, a God of war, but also the God of all mercy! To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy. (Psalm 59:17)