50:1-3
We now come to the big one in terms of judgement, Babylon. Babylon had been the instrument of God’s judgement, but that did not mean that she could do what she liked, or had no responsibility. Any ideas that think that the sovereignty of God and human responsibility are somehow incompatible is badly mistaken. Babylon was a powerful nation and had many idols. Jeremiah starts by declaring to the nations that “Baylon is taken” and her images put to shame. The once powerful Babylon would be defeated by the Medes. In reading Revelation it is vital that we have an understanding of the role of Babylon in Israel’s history.
50:4,5
The destruction of Babylon was not just about judgement, it was also about the salvation of God’s people. Israel and Judah had been divided for many years, but they would come together again, and this would happen as they sought the Lord their God. They would also be weeping. There are three vital elements here. One is that there is repenting for their sins, the second is that there is coming together, a restoration of unity, and finally they are united in seeking the Lord. If we look at worldly attempts at salvation they will fall down on at least one of these, and probably all three. The BLM movement and critical race theory (CRT) are prime examples of this. There is no repenting of their own sins, but an attempt to highlight the sins of others. There is no seeking of unity, CRT is very divisive. And there is certainly no seeking of the Lord. Thankfully, here we are speaking of the Lord’s salvation, and the people want to join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant.
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