Jeremiah 39:1-18
At the 9th day of the 4th month of the 11th year of Zedekiah’s reign, the famine prevailed upon Jerusalem and thus the City was broken up (Jer. 39:2, 2 Kings 25:3). After the City was broken up and the House of the LORD and the City were burned, it was written that Nebuar-adan the Captain of the Guard “left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the Land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time” (Jer. 39:10). Fearfully, though, this people came under the judgment of God according to the prophecies which were before spoken concerning them (reducing Jerusalem into an uninhabited desolation: Jer. 44:2)! And, yet, after the 1st increment of this judgment came to pass an interval of mercy was provided (1st increment: Jer. 40:7-41:18, interval of mercy: Jer. 42:1-12, rejection of mercy: Jer. 42:13-43:7). A way of escape was made available! Sadly, though, the people rejected the mercy of God and claimed that Jeremiah spoke falsely (Jer. 43:2-3). Obstinately, all the Jews left the Land of Judah to dwell in Egypt …place where the people were not permitted to escape (Jer. 43:7-13; especially verses 11-12)! Fearfully, the LORD proceeded to proclaim judgment upon cities of refuge which were erroneously chosen in the Land of Egypt (Jer. 44:1). A great and affectionate appeal was made (Jer. 44:4)!
To be Continued…