Jeremiah 49:14-22. Today’s reading continues the message to Edom (read yesterday’s post). Yesterday we saw that Edom was going to be punished by God for their attitudes and actions. We were not specifically told what they had done but it was probably related to trusting in their own wisdom about life. We also saw that God’s rules apply to everyone, not just the Israelites or those who think God has given them enough information. In reality we all have enough information to turn toward God and God is loving and faithful and will respond to that and help us return to him in the proper way.

In today’s reading Jeremiah passes on a message directly to the people of Edom. In verse 14 we see that the message is from the LORD (notice the all capitals, at least in most English translations). Some translations might have Jehovah or Yahweh in place of LORD that is because that is what is written there in the Hebrew (the original language that most of the Old Testament was written in) version of the verse. Hebrew documents of that day were written in columns side by side on scrolls (usually animal skins). To save space no spaces were put between words and no vowels were put in either. The four Hebrew letters that are translated LORD or Jehovah or Yahweh are approximately the same as the English letters Y-H-W-H. Those four letters together make up the personal name that God gave to Moses when Moses asked for a name to tell the Israelite people (Exodus 3:1-14 where the letters are translated “I AM”, Hebrew experts say that the word is a form of the verb “to be”).   The Jewish people were very serious about not saying this name out loud and when reading a verse with the name in it would substitute the Hebrew word “adoni” which translates into English as “master” or “lord”. Since the Jewish people would not say the name, and without vowels, it is difficult for modern translators to know how pronounce and translate the name. Jehovah and Yahweh are two of their guesses. Some English translations choose to follow the example of the Jewish people and use the word “lord” instead (or occasionally god aslo in all capitals). To show English readers that it is a substitution for YHWH they use all capitals (they also did this using the actual English verb “I AM” in many English translation of Exodus 3). In today’s reading it is important to notice that Jeremiah’s message is from Yahweh or Jehovah or however you want to pronounce it and not from some other god. There needs to be no confusion about what “god” this message is from.

I often wonder about using the word “Allah” as a substitution for “God” in Arabic. Now I know that the Hebrew word that we translate “god” or “God” is “elohim” and that in English that “god” can mean different things to different people, I am told that that is the way it is with “allah” in Arabic. I wonder though if the word has become so connected with Islamic ideas or teachings that we need to be more clear when we talk to someone who is a Muslim. You might notice that sometimes in these posts that I add a note explaining that “God” or “Yahweh” is the “one true God” and when I am talking about a so called “god” that I will often explain that it is a false “god”. I also use quotes and small “g” to help explain what I mean. It is important to remember that there is only one real God, the one who created the universe, his name is Yahweh (or Jehovah) and he is most fully and accurately described in the Bible. All of creation is his “kingdom” and we are all subject to his rules. The Eodomite and the rest of us need to understand that.

In verse 14 we see that Yahweh sent a representative to several nations, calling them to attack Edom. The word used for the messenger is an interesting Hebrew word that has the idea of tying up something. It is also used for a hinge, like on a door. Hinges keep a door in place (even when it is moving) and control how it moves. These messengers, and their message, were completely under God’s control. The nations that the messages went to probably didn’t have much choice about attacking Edom although we know from our reading in Isaiah, and even here in Jeremiah, that these nations had at least some choice in how they acted and would be accountable for how they acted when they responded to God’s orders (In Isaiah the Assyrian army would be punished for going too far during their invasions (Isaiah 10:5,12) and earlier in Jeremiah we saw that Babylon was being used by God to punish the people of Judah but would eventually be punished for their own disrespect for God too (Jeremiah 25:12)).

In verses 15-16 we see a little bit more of what the Edomites had done wrong. In verse 15 we are told that they had “terrorized” people, this probably related to making a living by raiding caravans. We also see that they were “arrogant” that word means that they thought that they were strong and powerful and in control; we might say “prideful” or “puffed up”. That is probably why verse 15 tells us that part of their punishment would be to make them “small among the nations”, that is probably referring to their power and influence rather than their physical size. As I mentioned yesterday the Edomites mostly submitted to the Assyrian and Babylonian rule in the area. During the long period of time during which the Israelites and Edomites both lived in the area (1400-400+ BC) occasionally Israel ruled over the Edomites but for the most part they were independent of Israelite control, and usually hostile. Because they assisted Nebucahdnezzar in the siege of Jerusalem they were given land south of Jerusalem between their traditional territory and the Mediterranean Sea. Shortly after that time a group of Arabs known as Nabatheans pushed north from the Arabian Peninsula (south-east of Israel and Edom) and conquered much of the land east of the Jordan River belonging to Moab and Edom. Edom was thus pushed out of their traditional land. The Jewish people eventually returned from exile in Babylon and reestablished their culture in and around Jerusalem but were under foreign control, first by the Persians, then by the Greeks and eventually by the Romans. During this time the Edomites were forced to live by Jewish standards and eventually were absorbed into the society. By the time of Jesus they no longer existed as a distinct nation, Edom was no more.

In verse 16 we see part of the reason for their pride or arrogance. As I said yesterday Edom lived along the major caravan route from Egypt to the north. In their area it passed through a long valley between two parallel mountain ranges. On the east was a rather high range that formed a plateau on top (sort of like table). The eastern side sloped down to the high desert of the Arabian Peninsula but the western side of this range formed a sharp cliff with the valley, this cliff was cut by deep canyons back into the range. In one of these canyons was the capital of Edom, Sela or Petra. The town was carved out of solid rock like a cave or like the cliff dwellings of the pueblo Indians in the Southwestern United States. The city of Petra appears in the Indiana Jones movie “The Last Crusade”. Their hidden dwellings gave the Edomites a false sense of protection or security. Although the invasion by the Nabatheans pushed them out of the hills into the open country south of Jerusalem it would take a couple of hundred years and the influence of many nations for the Edomites to completely disappear. Ultimately it was Yahweh who was behind it all as we see in verse 16.

According to verses 17-18 the ruins of the Edomite civilization would create fear in all who passed by. Many would wonder what possibly could have destroyed such a secure society. Verse 18 hints at the answer. Sodom and Gomorrah were two cities in the Dead Sea valley near the southern end of the Dead Sea, not too far north of the territory of the Edomites. In Genesis 19 we learn that the once fertile area was destroyed, completely burned up, because the inhabitants of those cities and their neighbors had completely abandon God, showing disrespect for his laws. Edom too was disrespectful to God feeling that they were all they needed to live and have a good secure life. Today Edom’s territory is basically uninhabited just like the burned out territory near where Sodam and Gomorrah had existed (the site of those cities is now under water at the south end of the Dead Sea but the ruins were still above water in Jeremiah’s day).

In verse 19 God declares that it was ultimately he who overthrew Edom, “like a lion pouncing from the bushes”. The “who is chosen” refers to the actual nation (or nations) or person that overthrew the Edomites. In verse 22 the conqueror is compared to an eagle swooping down on it’s prey from high in the sky. Because of this comparison many think it was Babylon who is symbolized as an eagle. But verse 14 seems to indict that more than one nation was used in the conquest. As we have seen the downfall of Edom was spread over several centuries and involved more than one nation. In verse 19 God asks, “Who is the shepherd who can defend against me (the lion)?” In addition to his power God also reminds them of his absolute right or control. No one can bring God into court and win, the laws are his and he never breaks them.

In verse 20 God then confirms that Edom will be destroyed and removed from their land. In verse 21 we see that this puffed up self assured nations would have a worldwide influence, it would not be for their honor though, but for Gods. I think in light of verses 19-21 that the eagle in verse 22 is probably God not Babylon. The destruction of Edom was a centuries long campaign by God against human pride. God used many nations to accomplish his goal and God alone should get the credit.

Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed in one morning. Some believe that the “fire and brimstone” was a massive explosion of tar and oil that was on/under the ground in the area. Even if it was a “natural” explosion God controlled the timing of the event, and Lot’s wife being transformed into a statue of salt definitely was a non-natural event. When God uses nature to accomplish his purposes it is still amazing and more than just a coincidence. When God used many nations over a few centuries to deal with Edom it is equally amazing. Whether over night or over centuries God is in control. What is even more amazing is his patience. He clearly has the knowledge, power, reason, and right to destroy every human being in an instance (except for the fact that Jesus was punished for our misdeeds (Isaiah 53:5) so in a sense we have been destroyed already (see also Galatians 2:20)) but he doesn’t. According to one of Jesus’ closest followers, Peter, God isn’t slow about his promises to deal with evil in the world he is patient toward us and is waiting for people to return to him (2 Peter 3:9-10).

We need to be careful about getting thinking tat we are all there is. We need to be careful about thinking we can make it in life and after on our own. We especially need to see the value that God puts on human lives and show care and respect for others. The Edomites though only about themselves and thought it was OK to make a living by stealing from others. One of the main rules God gave to the Israelites when they left Egypt and headed for the land promised to their ancestor Abraham was “do not steal”. They were also told not to “covet” (want something that belonged to some one else). The supposedly stole because they needed to live but there was agriculture in their hills and other people living in similar areas found ways to survive without raiding passing caravans. Living for God can be difficult and involve suffering but God shows in the Bible that he is concerned with our needs. He will not abandon us if we put our lives in his hands. It is clear from the story of the Edomites and from history that trusting in our own power and wisdom will eventually lead to destruction. We need to trust God and do it his way.

God thank you for showing us the truth about life. Thank you for making life work, it’s not random. Thank you for promising to be with us (Psalm 23), care for us and guide us. Thank you for being patient and for paying the price for my disobedient and rebellious actions. Help me trust in you and not my own wisdom. Guide me today along a path that will speak to the nations about your love.

Jeremiah 49:7-13. We are nearing the end of the book of Jeremiah. Most of Jeremiah was a collection of messages he delivered from God to the people of Judah. Judah was the southern part of the once great nation of Israel. That nation was divided after the reign of King Solomon. The northern part or kingdom is usually called Israel in the Bible, even though it was only a part of the original nation. Here at the end of the book there are a collection of messages to different kingdoms, nations, or people groups in that part of the world. So far we have looked at messages to Egypt, a people group known as the Philistines, Moab or the Moabite people and the Ammonites. Although Jeremiah was a Jewish or Israelite prophet he was chosen by God to be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:2). Although the Jewish or Israelite people were chosen by God to be a special example to the world and were given special promises just for them we need to remember that God is the God of all people and loves and is interested in all of us (For more see “The Old Testament Connection”). By the way we need to remember that the whole book of Jeremiah was collected together and that the messages were not written at the same time. A big part of the book was probably put together about 605 BC (the fourth year of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:1-2), remember the scroll that Jehoiakim cut up and burned?). If that scroll was used as part of the book of Jeremiah that is included in our Bibles it is obvious that more was added to it since some of the messages involve stuff that happened after 605 BC. If you haven’t already done so remember to read the “Intro to Jeremiah” for more about the book. It’s important to remember that the book isn’t a chronological history of Jeremiah or his messages (It’s not a time line). The messages to the nations here at the end were probably originally delivered at different times throughout Jeremiah’s life. I think that this is important because the world isn’t something that God stuck on at the end, God cares about all of us all along.

Today’s reading is a message to Edom or the Edomite people. The people we call Jews are descendants of a guy named Jacob. Later God changed his name to Israel and the more correct name for this people group or family is Israelites (the word Jew is from the name of the southern kingdom Judah, Judahites was shortened to Jews and is now used for descendants of all twelve of the tribes of Israel not just the two tribes that made up Judah). Jacob was a twin (fraternal not identical if you care about those sorts of things). His twin was named Esau. Esau was actually born first and, according to the custom of the day, should have taken over the family when their father Isaac died. Because of some bad decisions and deceptive actions Esau gave up this “birthright” and Jacob tricked their father into confirming him as the leader just before his death. In those days “blessings” (good or hopeful words, sort of wishes that God would often honor) were given to children by parents (mostly fathers). The effects of some blessings (and curses too) continued for several generations. Usually the “blessings” would pass from oldest to oldest. God uses blessings and curses too, his are more serious because they are always real and have his power behind them. In the case of Isaac and Jacob the “blessing” or promise that God made to Abraham (about land and many descendants and most importantly about one of his descendants being a “blessing” to the nations) was passed to Abraham’s oldest son, Isaac, and to Isaac’s second oldest son, Jacob. As I said the pattern was broken because Esau sold his “birthright” to his brother (for a bowl of stew) and Isaac was tricked into confirming Jacob as the recipient when Jacob pretended to be Esau as Isaac was passing on blessings before he died. This situation created a great deal of hatred for Jacob (Israel) by Esau (Genesis 27). Evidently the stew that Jacob gave to Esau was redish in color and because of the trade of the birthright for some of the stew Esau’s name was changed to Edom, which means “red” (Genesis 25:30). The hatred that began between those two brothers extended across many generations and continued into the days of the Jeremiah (Some time check out that story in Genesis 27, Isaac’s “blessing” for Esau seems more like a curse than a blessing and seems to have set up this feud).

The Edomites lived in the desert east and south of the Dead Sea all the way down to the Gulf of Aquaba (about 100 miles long but only about 20 mile wide). Their territory basically was on both sides of and followed a major road from Egypt up along the eastern edge of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River (The Kings Highway). According to the “blessing” given to Esau by Issac he would “live away from the dew of Heaven (think desert) and would live by the sword.” Living in the hills along the major caravan route from the south would be a good place if you lived the life of robbers. The Edomites mostly submitted to both the Assyrian and Babylonian powers when they ruled the region but for some reason were a part of the group of kingdoms that sent representatives to Jerusalem and thought about revolting against Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) about 594 BC (See Jeremiah 27:3).

In verse 7 Yahweh (LORD) asks if there is no longer any wisdom in Teman. Teman was a grandson of Esau and his name became a way of reffering to Edom. According to the prophet Obadiah, the Edomites were know for their wisdom. It’s interesting that this verse sort of assumes that their wisdom was real. Some Christians believe that mankind has absolutely no ability to think correctly, they call the idea “utter depravity”, here in verse 7 we see that the Edomites had some sort of ‘wisdom” in the past and God is asking if it gone, has been lost, or has decayed. In verse 8 God warns people of Dedan to flee. As with many names in the Bible Dedan refers to a group of people and also to a place (often cities were named after the group that started them). Experts are not sure exactly where Dedan was but most believe it was not in the territory of Edom. There were people from Dedan living in Edom though and in verse 8 God is warning them to leave because he is about to destroy Edom.

Verses 9-10 use the image of workers picking grapes in the field to describe how bad the destruction is going to be. When God gave rules to Moses for the Israelite people to live by one of the laws was that workers were to pass through a field only once picking the grapes or whatever. They also were not to stop and pick up anything that they dropped or pick all the way to the corners of the field. This left over fruit was for poor and needy people who were allowed to come and clean up the field. The process of picking up the left over stuff was called gleaning (Leviticus 19:9-10). Unlike the field workers God was going to completely strip Edom of anything useful. Jeremiah also used the idea of robbers or thieves. When thieves break into a house at night they only take a little not wanting to take too much time and risk getting caught. Unlike the careful thieves God was going to completely search Edom, looking into all the hiding places and destroy all the Edomites.

In verse 11 there is hope for some though, the Edomites are told to leave their orphans behind and God will take care of them and the widows also can trust in him. It is interesting how this fits with the image of the gleaning law that God used as a contrast for his actions toward the Edomites. Throughout this section we are not specifically told what the Edomites had done wrong but the reference to wisdom in verse 7 gives us a hint. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul told the believers in Rome that God’s wrath (the kind of thing we see going on here with the Edomites) come because men ignore the evidence of God’s existence that they see in the created world and understood deep inside of their minds and hearts. Those people who started to deny God’s existence told every one how wise they were but they were really fools. They started treating created things like they were God and also acted in ways that did not respect how God wants all of us to act. The Edomites were probably guilty of this sort of denial of God and his rules. The destruction of Edom shows that God’s punishment is not just for the Israelites who had God’s specific laws given to them but to everyone who ignores the signs of who God is (see Romans 1:20). On the other hand the widows and orphans of Edom were protected by God just like the widows and orphans in Israel were protected as seen in the law of gleaning. Both God punishment and his protection or provision are available for everyone not just the Israelites. This is very clear with respect to Jesus who was given for our sins and the sins of the whole world because God loves everyone (John 3:16, 1 John 2:2). Sadly, like the Edomites, not every one will take advantage of God love and forgiveness, and many will suffer destruction.

In verse 12 we see this “whole world” application of God’s justice. God tells the Edomites that they would not escape since they were guilty, if God would not ignore the sins (disobedience and rebellion) of people who were not originally intended to “drink the cup” (a way of referring to God’s punishment) he would not ignore the sins of the Edomites. Bible experts debate who the “people who were not sentenced to drink the cup” were but I think it’s talking about the people of Judah who Jeremiah had also been warning (or possibly all of the Israelite people). Since they had been give direct and specific rules by God they had the best chance of not breaking the rules. Unfortunately they broke the rules like all of us do and did suffer the punishment of God. In verse 13 the LORD (Yahweh, the personal name of the one true God) confirms that he will punish evil and wrong. Bozrah was one of the leading Edomite cities and is used to represent Edom. What God was going to do in Edom would horrify any who saw it. The example of Edom would be a perpetual example of what happens when you deny and ignore Yahweh.

I like it that the widows and orphans of Edom were going to be protected. It shows me that God is fair and caring as well as just. It also shows me that God cares about everyone not just the Jewish people. I also like it that mankind does have knowledge and wisdom that makes it possible to at least look toward God. Paul made it very clear in Romans 1:16-17 that the good news of Jesus sacrifice for us is necessary for us to be a part of God’s forever kingdom. But the fact that God cared for the widows and orphans of Edom tells me that God will make sure that those people who respond to what they already know about God (internally and through the evidence of creation) will hear what they need to know about Jesus in order to fix their broken relationship with God. God loved the world and Jesus died for all, God will not waste that sacrifice, only we can throw it away.

Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins. Thank you for loving me even when I was ignoring you. Thank you for showing me the way. Thank you for teaching me about Jesus. Help me share the good news with others. Thank you for caring.