![]() Though they were horribly cruel, God did use the war they inflicted on Europe to drive the Jews out of the places they had taken root for nearly two thousand years, bringing them back again to populate Israel. Looking at history, you can see many times God has used even wicked nations to accomplish his purposes. They were unknowing, and unwilling, instruments in His hands. It is clear that God’s sovereign hand was behind their rise and fall. Right before the seventy-year exile was up, they were miraculously defeated and conquered in one night. Their rise was rapid, and their downfall was equally quick. But somehow, they suddenly rose to prominence and took over much of the known world. They were just a small group of people with little influence and a small kingdom. ![]() When you look at the history of Babylon, it is easy to see God’s sovereign hand. God’s answer was that He would use Babylon for this purpose and one day, they too would experience judgment. Wasn’t Judah, though still sinful, better than Babylon? The prophet Habakkuk was confused about how God, who is infinitely holy, could use an evil kingdom like Babylon to punish Judah (Habakkuk 1-2). Reflect: Why, after experiencing God’s discipline in their history so often, did they still rebel?Ģ. Though they were given a clear choice between the two paths (Deuteronomy 28), with the destination of each foretold, they still chose rebellion. He also warned them about the results of disobedience. God had promised Israel great blessings and prosperity if they were faithful. Although His judgment was severe, He still never forgot His promises to David and always preserved a remnant of the nation and a remnant who was faithful to himself. God planned to use 70 years of captivity to bring the people to their knees and turn them back to Himself. ![]() The prophets were ignored, scoffed, or even thrown into prison and cut in two. In recent years, these warnings reached a fever pitch. Repeated warnings – For decades, prophets had been warning Judah that God would punish her for her gross sins and rebellion against the Lord. Hebrews 12:1 – For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.ġ. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord.Įzekiel 14:20, 28:3 – Daniel was mentioned by Ezekiel as being extraordinarily wise and righteous. Isaiah 39:6-7 –Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |