Compare God's response in Jeremiah 21:5 with His protection in Exodus 6:6. Opening the Text “‘I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, in anger and wrath and great indignation.’” “‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’” Contrasting Contexts • Jeremiah 21: Jerusalem’s king seeks help while Babylon encircles the city; God answers that He will oppose Judah because of entrenched sin (Jeremiah 21:11–14). • Exodus 6: Israel groans under Egyptian slavery; God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and promises rescue (Exodus 2:23–25; Exodus 6:2–5). Common Imagery, Opposite Targets • “Outstretched arm” and “mighty acts” appear in both texts. • In Exodus, God’s power crushes Egypt to save His covenant people. • In Jeremiah, the same power turns against His covenant people to discipline their rebellion (Leviticus 26:23–25; Deuteronomy 28:58–63). Key Observations – One arm, two purposes: salvation for the faithful, judgment for the unfaithful. – God’s character is consistent; what changes is the people’s posture toward Him (Malachi 3:6). – Covenant faithfulness brings protection; covenant violation invites discipline (Deuteronomy 30:15–18). Theological Thread • God’s holiness cannot overlook persistent sin (Habakkuk 1:13). • His love relentlessly pursues redemption—yet never at the expense of justice (Isaiah 63:4–5). • The “kindness and severity of God” stand side by side (Romans 11:22). Implications for Today • God’s mighty arm still acts: He defends those who trust Him and opposes hardened rebellion (1 Peter 5:5–6). • Christ’s cross displays both judgment on sin and deliverance for believers (Colossians 2:13–15). • Walking in repentance keeps us under the shelter, not the strike, of His hand (Psalm 32:6–7; Hebrews 10:31). |
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