QT 09/07/2025 Wed. Jeremiah 49. The Nations Fall, But God Stands Forever. 万国倾倒，上帝永立。

QT 09/07/2025 Wed. Jeremiah 49. The Nations Fall, But God Stands Forever.
READ http://www.esv.org/jer49

Key Verse:
"But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites, declares the Lord." — Jeremiah 49:6 (ESV)

Reflection:
Jeremiah 49 continues the series of prophecies against foreign nations. In this chapter, God pronounces judgment on several peoples of Jeremiah’s time: the Ammonites, Edomites, Damascus (Syria), Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. These were real, powerful nations during Jeremiah’s time—each with their own culture, economy, and military strength. But none of them could stand against the justice of the Lord.

The central theme is simple yet sobering: God is the sovereign King over all nations, not just Israel. His authority is universal, and His righteousness demands accountability from all people, regardless of their national or religious identity. These judgments are not arbitrary; they are the result of pride, idolatry, and violence.

In verses 1–6, the Ammonites are addressed. They had taken land that belonged to Israel and worshiped the false god Molech. God asks in verse 1, "Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir?" This is a rhetorical rebuke—God is reminding them that He sees injustice and will respond. Yet, in verse 6, we find a glimmer of grace: “But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites.” Even among enemies, God extends the possibility of restoration.

The prophecy against Edom in verses 7–22 emphasizes human pride and false wisdom. Edom was known for its wise men, but God declares in verse 7, “Is wisdom no more in Teman?” Human understanding can never save us from divine judgment. Edom’s trust in its high places and military might could not protect it from the coming storm of God's justice.

This is a warning for us today: our education, wealth, or national strength cannot shield us from God’s judgment if we rebel against His rule. We need a Saviour.

Then comes judgment on Damascus, Kedar, and Elam—each falling under the same weight of God's righteous wrath. Yet again, we hear this refrain in verse 39: “But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam.” God’s justice is always tempered with mercy for those who turn to Him.

As believers, Jeremiah 49 reminds us of two truths: God is just, and God is merciful. He will not allow sin to go unpunished, whether in Israel, Moab, Edom, or the modern world. Yet He also extends the offer of redemption. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ—the only One who bore God’s wrath in our place so that we might be restored.

Every nation and every person must one day bow before the Lord. The nations in Jeremiah 49 fell because they exalted themselves, ignored God's Word, and oppressed others. May we learn from their fate and instead humble ourselves before God, seeking His mercy through Christ.

Prayer:
Lord, You are King over all the earth. Help me not to trust in wisdom, power, or possessions, but in You alone. Thank You for Your justice and Your mercy. Teach me to walk humbly and to live with a heart surrendered to Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

QT 09/07/2025 星期三. 耶利米书 49 万国倾倒，上帝永立。
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Jer/49/

关键经文
耶和华说：“但我日后必使被掳的亚扪人归回。”这是耶和华的宣告。- 耶利米书 49：6

反思：
《耶利米书》第 49 章延续了一系列针对外国的预言。在本章中，神宣布了对耶利米时代几个民族的审判：亚扪人、以东人、大马士革（叙利亚）、基达、夏琐和以兰。在耶利米的时代，这些都是真实存在的强大国家--每个国家都有自己的文化、经济和军事力量。但他们都无法对抗耶和华的公义。

中心主题简单却发人深省： 上帝是万国的君王，而不仅仅是以色列。祂的权威是普世的，祂的公义要求所有人承担责任，无论其民族或宗教身份如何。这些审判不是武断的；它们是骄傲、偶像崇拜和暴力的结果。

第 1-6 节提到了亚扪人。他们侵占了属于以色列的土地，崇拜假神摩利。上帝在第 1 节中问道："以色列没有儿子吗？他没有子嗣吗？”这是一个反问句，上帝在提醒他们，祂看到了不公，并将做出回应。然而，在第6节中，我们发现了一丝恩典： “但我日后必使被掳的亚扪人归回。”这是耶和华的宣告。”即使是在敌人中间，上帝也有恢复的可能。

第 7-22 节中针对以东的预言强调了人类的骄傲和虚假智慧。以东以智慧人著称，但神在第 7 节中宣布：“难道在提幔没有智慧了吗？” 人类的理解力永远无法使我们免于神的审判。以东对其高位和军事力量的信任无法保护它抵御即将到来的上帝正义的风暴。

这是对我们今天的警示：如果我们反抗上帝的统治，我们的教育、财富或国力都无法使我们免受上帝的审判。我们需要一位救世主。

接着是对大马士革、基达和以兰的审判--它们都同样承受着上帝公义愤怒的重压。在第 39 节中，我们再次听到了这样的重复： “但日后我必使被掳的以拦人归回。”这是耶和华的宣告。”上帝的公义总是与对归依他的人的怜悯相辅相成。

作为信徒，耶利米书第 49 章提醒我们两个真理： 上帝是公正的，上帝是仁慈的。无论是在以色列、摩押、以东，还是在现代世界，祂都不会让罪恶逍遥法外。然而，祂也提供救赎。这在耶稣基督身上得到了实现--他是唯一一位代替我们承受上帝的愤怒，使我们得以恢复的人。

每一个国家和每一个人总有一天都要在耶和华面前俯首称臣。《耶利米书》第 49 章中的国家之所以灭亡，是因为他们自高自大，无视上帝的话语，欺压他人。但愿我们能从他们的命运中吸取教训，在神面前谦卑下来，通过基督寻求祂的怜悯。

祷告：
主啊，你是全地的王。帮助我不要相信智慧、权力或财产，而只相信您。感谢你的公义和怜悯。教导我谦卑前行，以降服于基督的心生活。奉耶稣的名祷告。阿门。