Theological Commentary: Click Here
Jeremiah is
not very kind to the Philistines. By the
time of Jeremiah, they were a dwindling people anyways. Constant wars and tribal disputes had kept
their growth and prosperity in check. Invaders
have come and gone. Jeremiah tells them
to not get too comfortable. Babylon will
come. They will be like a sword. Their assault will be swift and deadly. In fact, the assault will be so swift and so
deadly that parents won’t have time to go to their families. While I’m that’s a bit of an exaggeration, it
makes a point.
In fact,
judgment will come so swiftly and thoroughly that the Philistines won’t be able
to ask for help from allies. We already
know that the Egyptians will have their hands full with the Babylonians. This chapter tells us that Babylon will keep
Tyre and Sidon at bay, too. Judgment was
coming and it wasn’t going to be diverted.
There will be little help coming.
Philistia will fall.
A meaningful
part of this chapter comes at the end when Jeremiah begs for mercy from the
Lord. He asks how long judgment will
come upon the land. Anyone can cry out
for mercy when they are being judged.
Most people will celebrate when one’s enemies come into judgment. We know a true prophet of God, though, when
he mourns judgment at any time, even against his enemies. Judgment is harsh at all times.
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