How does Jeremiah 46:26 connect with God's justice in other scriptures? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 46:26 “ ‘I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Afterward, however, Egypt will be inhabited again as in ancient times,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 46:26) Justice in Two Movements • Immediate judgment: Egypt is handed over to Babylon. • Eventual mercy: Egypt will once more be “inhabited … as in ancient times.” God’s Use of Human Instruments • Isaiah 10:5-6 – Assyria is “the rod of My anger.” • Habakkuk 1:6 – The Chaldeans are “raised up” to execute judgment. • Jeremiah 25:9 – Babylon called “My servant” to punish the nations. Takeaway: The Lord’s justice can work through pagan powers without compromising His holiness (Proverbs 21:1). Justice That Holds the Instrument Accountable • Jeremiah 50:18 – Babylon itself later judged for its cruelty. • Habakkuk 2:8 – “Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant … will plunder you.” • Isaiah 14:4-6 – The oppressor is broken after being used by God. Takeaway: God’s sovereignty never excuses human sin; He repays every wrong (Nahum 1:3; Romans 2:6). Justice Balanced with Mercy • Isaiah 19:22 – The Lord strikes Egypt, then heals Egypt when it turns to Him. • Jeremiah 12:14-17 – Uprooting foreign nations, yet promising to “build and plant” if they learn His ways. • Romans 11:22 – “Kindness and severity of God” side by side. Takeaway: Divine justice is never capricious; it aims at repentance and restoration (Ezekiel 33:11). Echoes of the Same Pattern 1. Edom – Obadiah 15-17: doom followed by a future in the Lord’s kingdom. 2. Nineveh – Jonah 3; Nahum 1-3: mercy after repentance, judgment when sin resumes. 3. The whole world – Revelation 18-21: Babylon destroyed, but nations walk in the light of the New Jerusalem. Threads That Tie It All Together • God’s character: “The Rock, His work is perfect … all His ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Retributive element: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). • Restorative element: “He wounds, but He also binds up” (Job 5:18). • Universal scope: Justice begins with God’s people (1 Peter 4:17) yet extends to every nation (Psalm 9:7-8). Living in Light of Jeremiah 46:26 • Trust that God sees and will right every wrong, even when He uses unexpected means. • Remember His justice is not opposed to mercy; both flow from the same holy heart. • Hold to hope: if Egypt can be restored, so can anyone who turns to the Lord (Acts 17:30-31). |
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