Jeremiah 45-46

CHAPTER 45

This is a short chapter that was inserted here in Jeremiah, but it was given back around the time of chapter 36, the year 605 BC, to Baruch, Jeremiah's friend and associate who had aided him over the years. Baruch was anxious about the turn of events, and Jeremiah meant to encourage him. Baruch had great expectations; therefore, disasters were too much for him. He must be content with such things as they are, and suffering is one way God teaches us contentment. (A good lesson for all of us to know.)

COMMENTARY

Baruch was the friend and assistant to Jeremiah who wrote his letter while he was in prison, the one King Jehoiakim burned in the fire; and Baruch also took care of the legal paperwork when Jeremiah bought the property in Anathoth. 

The LORD wanted Baruch to understand that while events were going to get worse, it was He who was responsible. The LORD was in control. He also wanted Baruch to know that he would get through these times, and God will preserve his life. 

CHAPTER 46

This chapter returns to the current time while the remnant and Jeremiah are in Egypt, and it is prophecy against Egypt and those who trust in Pharaoh Necho. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries. Nebuchadnezzar will strike the land of Egypt, in Migdol. God explained that it is He who will drive away Egypt's mighty men, and many will fall. 

GOD'S PROMISE TO ISRAEL

YET!!! There is good news! 

But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, and do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity; Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease; no one shall make him afraid. Do not fear, O Jacob My servant, for I am with you for I will make a complete end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but I will not make a complete end of you. I will rightly correct you, for I will not leave you wholly unpunished.  

 COMMENTARY

Now fast forward to Egypt: God told Jeremiah that He would bring Nebuchadnezzar to Egypt, and Pharaoh could not protect anyone who trusted in him. The remnant should have trusted in the LORD.

Nonetheless, Jeremiah also gave promising news (because that is how God has always shown Himself to be). The LORD is not done with Israel and Judah. They shall return to the land and live in peace and not in fear of any nation. While He must punish them for disobedience, He will correct them. The LORD will make a complete end of the nations they were driven; however, He will not make an end of Israel. 

Again, this is FUTURE PROPHECY and PROMISES, yet to be fulfilled. Given the horrible news today, how Israel has such vile, wicked neighbors, and how the world has turned its back on Israel in her troubles, one day her evil neighbors will not exist, and all nations around the world will support Israel forever. Israel will never live in fear or be led astray ever again. God's Word is true!

credit: Live and Learn Journey Lifestyle Blog