1:7-9
These verse expand on the power of the Babylonians. Everyone feared and dreaded them. “They were a law unto themselves”. They were so powerful that they paid no regard to anyone else nor anything else. They promoted their own honour.
Verse 8 describes the great military power that they had. The prophets used poetic language to describe their prophecies. God is not just communicating with the mind, but with the emotions and imagination as well. So while academic “theological” communication and interpretation of the Bible is important (and the sort I like best), it is not the only sort. Likewise, straightforward expository preaching is important as part of our message and communication, but it is not the sum total of our communication. It is perfectly valid to use other means as well.
1:10,11
But there was a fundamental weakness in the Babylonians, their strength was their god. They mocked all around them, whether it be rulers or fortifications. Nothing could stand in their way, but they assumed that this was because of some innate strength in themselves when it was only because God had ordained it. This led to two fatal mistakes. One was that they were indescribably cruel, having no regard for the weak. The second was that they trusted in themselves. Pride always leads to us devaluing others and not treating them properly. It is a fundamental tenet of God’s ways that we should be merciful and kind. Trusting in ourselves always leads ultimately to our downfall. One day we will die, no matter how rich, powerful or clever we may be.
As the end of verse 11 says “guilty people, whose own strength is their god”.
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