Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry began in 627 BC and ended around 582 BC. He spent most of his time in Jerusalem. God had prophesied he was bringing judgment upon the southern kingdom of Judah—a judgment the people had already seen come to pass for the northern kingdom. But the people refused to repent and turn back to honoring the commands of God.
Biblical history teaches us, in 732-722 BC, God used Assyria as an agent to punish the northern kingdom of Israel for apostasy. Likewise, in 605-586 BC, God used Babylon as an agent to punish the southern kingdom of Judah. This was all an outworking of God’s judgment. The people were scattered like sheep. However, God faithfully promised to one day redeem and restore Israel despite all the suffering. Jeremiah provides us with the clearest glimpse of the new covenant God intended to make with his people.
God Word teaches, as human beings, we will reap what we sow; it is a principle. It is true for believers and it is true for unbelievers. If we sow righteous deeds we will reap abundant righteousness. If we sow unrighteousness, we will reap destruction. In our text, we see this principle come to fruition, because in 612 BC Assyria fell and in 539 BC Babylon fell.
God has always been willing to forgive when people repent. Therefore, a repentant remnant was preserved, would return to Jerusalem, and would be used in a new beginning with God. Hope would once again rise to the surface for God’s people when he promised to send the Messiah from the line of David to rule his people. Forgiveness was made available and living in Christ’s righteousness was given as a future promise.
Jeremiah 50:17-20 NLT Hope for God’s People
17
“The Israelites are like sheep
that have been scattered by lions.
First the king of Assyria ate them up.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon cracked their bones.”
18
Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
the God of Israel, says:
“Now I will punish the king of Babylon and his land,
just as I punished the king of Assyria.
19
And I will bring Israel home again to its own land,
to feed in the fields of Carmel and Bashan,
and to be satisfied once more
in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead.
20
In those days,” says the Lord,
“no sin will be found in Israel or in Judah,
for I will forgive the remnant I preserve.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder today about the principle of sowing and repeating. You are not mocked; your Word will come to fruition and accomplish everything it was sent to do. We pray for our lives to produce and harvest good things. We know we cannot sow disobedience and expect to reap a blessing. Holy Spirit, please guide us toward righteousness and producing the fruit of Christ’s character. In Jesus’ name. Amen.