778_ God brings the proud low (Jeremiah 46-49)
Jeremiah 46:27-28 “But fear not, O Jacob my servant,
nor be dismayed, O Israel,
for behold, I will save you from far away,
and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
and none shall make him afraid.
28 Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
declares the Lord,
for I am with you.
I will make a full end of all the nations
to which I have driven you,
but of you I will not make a full end.
I will discipline you in just measure,
and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”
There is an old saying, “The higher a man climbs, the harder he falls.” We have seen it happen many times. Those in power become so confident in their position that they begin to believe themselves untouchable. But history reminds us that human strength, wealth, influence and security are fleeting and fragile. What pride builds, God can bring down in a moment.
Jeremiah chapters 46 through 49 may seem at first like a long list of ancient nations with unfamiliar names—Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Elam. But behind these historical events is the timeless revelation of the character of God. The defeats these nations experienced were not simply political or military events. They were pronouncements from the God who rules over the nations.
And this should not surprise us. When God called Jeremiah, He told him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Here we see that calling being fulfilled.
And these judgments make one thing increasingly clear: God sees what happens among the nations, and no nation is beyond His authority. The kingdoms of this world rise and fall, but all remain accountable to their Creator. Despite the strength of their armies, their fortifications, their prosperous economies, and their influential rulers, none of them are beyond the reach of God.
Beneath much of the judgment pronounced on the nations is the same destructive root—pride. Concerning Moab, the Lord says, “We have heard of the pride of Moab—he is very proud” (Jeremiah 48:29). Edom likewise had become deceived by its own sense of superiority. The Lord says, “The horror you inspire has deceived you, and the pride of your heart” (Jeremiah 49:16). And concerning Ammon, God asks, “Why do you boast of your valleys, O unfaithful daughter, who trusts in her treasures?” (Jeremiah 49:4).
Their nationalistic pride led them to trust in their possessions, their position, their security and their own strength. Their blessings led them, not to gratitude or humility, but to bragging. Their riches and possessions displaced the God from whose hand they had received them.
This is where these ancient chapters become uncomfortably relevant today. Pride does not require a throne, a great army or a vast empire. It raises its deadly head whenever we begin to think, “I managed that pretty well,” without recognizing the grace of God. Pride appears in the feeling of power fueled by our success; the lack of prayer driven by our abilities; the feeling of security caused by our possessions and wealth; or the feeling of superiority engendered by our position.
Yet God’s judgment is never arbitrary or unjust. The nations did not simply wake up one morning to discover that God had decided to destroy them without reason. Their rebellion had a history. Their pride had grown over decades and centuries of disobedience to God’s universal law. Their violence, oppression, idolatry and hostility to the living God had accumulated before the righteous Judge.
This clearly demonstrates that God’s patience should not be mistaken for his approval of sin. Because he does not destroy evildoers at once, it does not mean he overlooks their evil. Scripture says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). God calls people to repentance, and delays his judgment in his patience. But that does not mean He forgets.
Rather, God’s patience reveals His kindness and mercy. He does not delight in judgment but rather in our repentance. Even when judgment is deserved, God gives opportunity to turn back to Him, to do what is right. Peter reminds us that He is “patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). What a gracious God we serve.
And this becomes especially significant when we remember that God’s concern was not limited to Israel. The Old Testament is stuffed with the names of Gentiles who found refuge in the God of Israel. Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho the accursed city, trusted the Lord and found safety and a new life in Israel as the wife of the prince of Judah. Ruth the Moabitess found shelter under the wings of the God of Israel. Ebed-melech the Ethiopian remained faithful to the Lord when everyone else turned against his prophet Jeremiah. Their stories remind us that God is always ready to show mercy to individuals from any nation when they come in faith to seek his mercy.
Centuries later, Peter declared this: “God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34–35). The God who judges righteously also welcomes those who turn to Him.
But after describing how Egypt would collapse under the weight of her judgment, the Lord turns back to His own people with the assurance, “But fear not, O Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel. For I am with you” (Jeremiah 46:27–28).
Israel too had sinned. But God would not destroy them completely. He says, “I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished” (Jeremiah 46:28).
God’s faithfulness does not mean that His people are exempt from discipline. Rather, it assures us that his covenant love governs all he is and does, even his discipline. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” The same God who humbles the proud also restores the repentant. His judgment is righteous, and His mercy is abundant.
We need not merely wonder, “Why did God judge Moab, Edom, Ammon and the other nations?” Rather, let us ask, “What evil is God showing me in my own heart?”
Let us probe for self-sufficiency, pride in our blessings, security in our possessions, abilities, or achievements, or our position. Let us open our hearts to listen to the voice of the Lord calling us to humble ourselves, repent of our pride, and return to him.
The safest place for us is not where we enjoy the illusion of safety, success, and strength. Rather, it is the place where we realize our total dependence upon God. Scripture says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). And therefore, let us obey the injunction: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
Let us examine our hearts, set our ways right, and confide entirely in the Lord. For human strength will fail, earthly kingdoms will pass away, and everything in which we boast can disappear. But the Lord remains faithful.
Let us see things rightly in humility before God brings us low. Let us repent while there is opportunity. Then we can rest in the promise: “Fear not… for I am with you.” God bless.
Reflection Questions
What are some areas of your life where success, possessions, abilities, or security could quietly become sources of pride or self-reliance?
Why do you think God sometimes allows a long period between a person’s rebellion and His judgment, and how should His patience affect the way you respond to your own sin?
How does Jeremiah 46:27–28 help you understand the difference between God’s discipline of His people and His judgment upon persistent rebellion?
What practical changes can you make this week to replace self-confidence with humble dependence upon God?
How do the examples of Rahab, Ruth, and Ebed-melech encourage you to understand God’s willingness to receive people from every nation who turn to Him?
Let us pray
Heavenly Father, I remind myself that You are the righteous Judge of all the earth. No pride, power, possession, or position can stand before You. I recognize my utter helplessness and accept my total dependence upon you rather than myself. Show me where I need to repent and set my ways right. I confess that your patience does not mean you are indifferent or weak. I will humbly learn from your discipline, comforting myself in the promise of your presence. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen
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