Punishing Philistines and Moabites

JEREMIAH   CHAPTERS 47 & 48

CHAPTER 47
The Lord's message concerning the Philistines of Gaza before it was captured by the Egyptians was: That a great flood would come from the north and destroy the land and all in it- cities and people. There would be screams of terror and weeping and the terrified fathers would run without a backward glance at their helpless children. But the Lord decided the time had come for destroying the Philistines along with their allies Tyre and Sidon.

CHAPTER 48
Concerning Moab, the Lord said that he would destroy the city of Nebo, and Kiriathaim would be captured. No one would ever brag about Moab again for she was being plotted against in Heshbon who will completely destroy her.  Her little ones would cry out and her refugees would climb the hills, weeping bitterly. And God told them to flee and hide in the wilderness because they trusted in their own wealth and skill. They would be taken captive and their god Chemosh and his priests and princes would be exiled to a distant land.

The Lord said that from early history, Moab live in peace, but the time was at hand when Moab would be like aged wine poured from jar and her jar then shattered. Moab would be detroyed because the Lord said its people offered sacrifices at pagan shrines and burnt incense to false gods. (In the remainder of the paragraphs, God gives a colorful message of the destruction he will render, but he also says he would weep along with the people). God further say, that in the latter days, he would restore the fortunes of Moab.

BIBLE NOTES: Philstia was located on the coastal plain next to Judah. It had always been a thorn in Israel's side.  The Moabites were descendants of Lot through incest with his daughter and they helped lead the Israelites into idolotry. Chemosh was the main god of Moab and child sacrifice was an important pat of his worship.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? The nation of Moab in those days, was condemned for its pride. God does not like pride if we are taking credit for what he has done for us. He does not condemn us for taking satisfaction for what we do, but he stands against overestimatesof our own importance.

Can you see many nations of the world today who would be condemned for their pride? Do you think perhaps our own country often takes credit for what God has done? Can you now see how urgent it is to have leaders in our country who practice humility?

Above all, in this chapter, can you see that God hurts and feels pity and compassion even when he is in the midst of punishing? Doesn't it remind you of a parent who has to reluctantly spank a child? This truly shows us  the role of "heavenly father". His name be Praised!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:


HEALTH:

Pray for my grandson and new baby Gunar who was born with kidney problems.

Pray for Gabe.

Pray for Gary and Steve my insurance men who have prostate cancer.

Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.

Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and who recently underwent major surgery.

Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.

Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.

Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.

Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who has been undergoing chemo. Pray also for Charly who longs to be 100 percent again and walk without an aid.

Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.

SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary

RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John

LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian

SUPPORT: Pray for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom. Pray for our farmers and those who raise livestock during this terrible drought.