2:5
Babylon would become extremely powerful, but also equally proud, thinking her success was down to her own abilities. This is an all too common trait among individuals and among nations, sadly sometimes even among churches. If we have success then we think it is down to us. God warned Israel repeatedly not to think her success was down to any righteousness of her own. We need to remember that we are creatures, created beings, utterly dependent upon God for the very breath in our lungs, let alone any success we might have. Babylon became drunk on wine. Successful nations often descend into debauchery. It happened to Rome, it is happening to the West. Babylon sought military conquest, the West seeks material wealth.
2:6
At the time Babylon was all powerful, but a time would come (about 538 BC) when all she had conquered would mock her. As the saying goes, “how the mighty are fallen” and “pride comes before a fall”. She exploited many nations, but eventually disaster would befall her. If we are given wealth and power, then we are given it to administer justice and mercy, not to feather our own nest, and definitely not to exploit others. We need to remember this as individuals, we also need to remember it as nations. There is nothing wrong with wealth, but there can be everything wrong with the way it is acquired and the way it is used.
2:7,8
NIV says “creditors” and ESV says “debtors”, somewhat confusing! However, the meaning is clear. One day the nations that she exploited would rise up and take from Babylon. God brings about justice for the oppressed. Babylon would become their prey. When a people forget that there is a God, that we are created and are ultimately accountable to our Maker they become fools.
Babylon had also shed much blood and brought about much destruction. We see this again and again in history, Nazi Germany and communist Russia are more recent examples. It could be said that the West has brought about much destruction in the Middle East with ill-conceived adventures.
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