Judgment Must Come Before Blessing Can Come
May 6, 2021
Commentary
Israel’s condition was critical (vv. 12-15). Her wound appeared incurable, and no one was available to provide a remedy for her sore (v. 12). The allies in whom the nation had placed such great hope had forgotten her (vv. 13-14). Even God had struck her as an enemy and punished her because of her guilt (v. 15). Israel’s condition appeared hopeless, but God promised to reverse her misfortunes (vv. 16-17). Those who were devouring the nation would themselves be devoured by God. He would send her enemies into exile and plunder those who sought to make spoil of her. I believe this passage refers to the restoration after the Babylonian captivity, as well as under Christ.
God’s restoration will involve a physical rebuilding (vv. 18-22). The city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt on her ruins, including the king’s palace (v. 18). This prophesy that Jerusalem would be rebuilt was not completely fulfilled by the work of Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubbabel. The festive sound of rejoicing that had been silenced by Babylon will once again be heard in the city v. 19), and God will increase Judah numerically (Deut. 30:5). The nation will be secured and established before God, and He will punish anyone who tries to oppress her (vv. 20-22)
Before God’s blessing can be experienced He must judge sin (vv. 23-24). His wrath will burst out against the wicked (v. 23). Though these words were applied to false prophets (Jer. 23:19-20), Jeremiah may have been using them here to refer to God’s judgment on the wicked nations who opposed Israel (vv. 16-20). God’s fierce anger that had been poured out on Judah would not turn back till it also extended to the other nations of the earth (v. 24).
Application
The final restoration will occur when all believer are gathered in Christ’s kingdom. It will include building (v. 18), people (v. 19) and rulers (v. 21). I look forward to being there.
Jeremiah 30:12– 24 (NET)
12 Moreover, the Lord says to the people of Zion: “Your injuries are incurable; your wounds are severe.
13 There is no one to plead your cause. There are no remedies for your wounds. There is no healing for you.
14 All your allies have abandoned you. They no longer have any concern for you. For I have attacked you like an enemy would. I have chastened you cruelly. For your wickedness is so great and your sin is so much.
15 Why do you complain about your injuries, that your pain is incurable? I have done all this to you because your wickedness is so great and your sin is so much.
16 But all who destroyed you will be destroyed. All your enemies will go into exile. Those who plundered you will be plundered. I will cause those who pillaged you to be pillaged.
17 Yes, I will restore you to health. I will heal your wounds. I, the Lord, affirm it! For you have been called an outcast, Zion, whom no one cares for.”
18 The Lord says: “I will restore the ruined houses of the descendants of Jacob. I will show compassion on their ruined homes. Every city will be rebuilt on its former ruins. Every fortified dwelling will occupy its traditional site.
19 Out of those places you will hear songs of thanksgiving and the sounds of laughter and merriment. I will increase their number and they will not dwindle away. I will bring them honor and they will no longer be despised.
20 The descendants of Jacob will enjoy their former privileges. Their community will be reestablished in my favor, and I will punish all who try to oppress them.
21 One of their own people will be their leader. Their ruler will come from their own number. I will invite him to approach me, and he will do so. For no one would dare approach me on his own. I, the Lord, affirm it!
22 Then you will again be my people, and I will be your God.
23 Just watch! The wrath of the Lord will come like a storm. Like a raging storm it will rage down on the heads of those who are wicked.
24 The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has fully carried out his intended purposes. In future days you will come to understand this.
Illustration: William Barclay The Tragedy of Losing a Daughter
In his spiritual autobiography, William Barclay, the venerable Scottish scholar, tells the tragedy of losing his 21-year-old daughter and her fiancé who were drowned in a boating accident. He writes, “God did not stop that accident at sea, but he did still the storm in my own heart so that somehow my wife and I came through that terrible time still on our own two feet.” (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).