Jeremiah 46 remind me of a time when parents would discipline their own children and other children also under their authority. Neighbors were expected to help keep all the local kids in line. More often than not, the kids were punished a second time when they got home. In today’s chapter, even though God Almighty is always primarily concerned for His people, the Jews, He announces His discipline on all the neighborhood kids too. Over the next several chapters, each will hear their own, but today He begins with Egypt. “The word of the Lord… came to Jeremiah the prophet… concerning Egypt… against the army of Pharaoh”. One of the games we played as kids was called King of the Hill. One person would climb and push all others off to stand at the top as king, but usually, only for a minute, before someone else would push them off. God sees earthly kings in much the same way. “Necho king of Egypt… was defeated… by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon”. They and their armies played to win with all their might, “Prepare your shields… and march out for battle… Take your positions with helmets on!” God explains, “What do I see? They are terrified, they are retreating, their warriors are defeated… The swift cannot flee nor the strong escape… that day belongs to the Lord… there is no healing for you”. Some fight over bigger hill than others, but God keeps careful watch. Nothing happens without His knowledge.
Our first reaction to getting caught normally is to try to cover it up. God tells Egypt, “But you try many medicines in vain… your cries will fill the earth”. God has seen enough and will step in. “One warrior will stumble over another; both will fall down together”. His tool of discipline was “the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to attack”. And it will be messy, “get ready, for the sword devours… they will come against her with axes, like men who cut down trees”. One of the harshest punishments possible is for God to remove His hand of protection. “Daughter Egypt will be put to shame, given into the hands of the people of the north”. Has God removed His hand of protection from you?
The chapter closes with a contrast in the way God deals with His kids and the way He treats the neighbor’s kid. “Pharaoh… Egypt and her gods and her kings… I will give them into the hands of those who want to kill them—Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon”. What about His kids? God removes and separates His people from calamity. “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place”. It is as if God is saying, get inside the house, we will deal with this in private. “Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid… for I am with you, declares the Lord”. But notice, “I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished”. God’s yard is a blast. It offers safety, protection and great treats. There is only one way in according to John chapter 10. Jesus said “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest”. At that point, we are no longer visitors, but God adopts us with full rights and privileges of being part of His family. The street lights are coming on soon; it’s time to come home.