Read: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16
Damascus was the capital of Syria which is the oldest of the Oriental cities. Hamath was a fortress and the capital of one of the kingdoms of Upper Syria. Arpad was a city near Hamath. Kedar and Hazor were nomadic kingdoms of the sons of Ismael who were Arabian clans run by sheiks. The Babylonians would attack all of these nations and destroy them.
After God used Babylon to destroy all these nations, Babylon itself would be captured by a northern nation and all it’s gods and idols would prove to be helpless and fake. At that time God would lead his people to flee Babylon and return to Jerusalem where they would renew their covenant with the Lord.
Israel would be completely cleansed of all her guilt and sin because God would forgive her and give her a new start. She was to attack the land of Merathaim and Pekod which means “double bitterness” and “punishment”. They were to completely destroy them. God would completely judge and destroy Babylon which means “confusion”.
After a time of discipline and trials we cannot let bitterness and the condemnation of the devil to taint our hearts. We cannot be confused by what we lost and miss the blessing that God wants to bring us through his deliverance. God is able to restore us and bring a blessing that is better than what we had before. This is what God wanted to do for Israel and it is what God wants to do for us.
In Titus, Paul tells us what a spiritual leader should look like. She or he should be blameless, not overbearing or quick-tempered, sober, self-controlled and not seeking their own gain. They must live a life of discipline and holiness. If you stay pure, you will keep your mind free of the clutter of the world.
Lord, help us to wear your robe of righteousness and be useful in your kingdom.
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