God’s Hammer

Jeremiah 51:15–32
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God used his wisdom and power to create the heavens and the earth (v. 15). He makes the clouds from the waters in the heavens, He sends the winds from His storehouse and makes lightening flash in the rain (v. 16). People who make idols are stupid because these false gods can not breathe, and when the time is right will be destroyed (vv. 17-18). Israel’s God is all-powerful and created everything (v. 19). Babylonia was the hammer used to pound nations, shatter chariots, men and women, shepherds, flocks, farmers, oxen, governors and leaders (vv. 20-23). He says He will repay them for what they did to Zion (v. 24). They seem strong because they destroyed the nations but He can roll them off a cliff and they will be as a pile of scorched bricks (v. 25). He promises that their foundations will crumble and they will be a desert forever (v. 26).

For the third time God summons the nations to rally their troops against Babylon. In addition to the Medes the invasion forces include the kingdom of Ararat (located in present day Armenia, which is today western Iran), and Ashchenaz (near Lake Urmia and Ararat (v. 27). He tells the kings, governors, leaders and people to prepare for war and Babylon will be a desert where no one can live (vv. 28-29). God sends these invaders to accomplish His purposes against Babylon. Instead of offering resistance, these warriors of Babylon stop fighting and withdraw to their strongholds (v. 30). The city was in flames, and the bars to the gates were broken (vv. 30-31). Messengers rush from various parts of the city to announce that the entire city has been captured (v. 32).

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