A time of Agitated

Jeremiah 49:23-27

  

“About Damascus:  Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report and are agitated; in the sea, there is anxiety that cannot be calmed.” (Jeremiah 49:23)   It is of interest that both Hamath and Arpad are in the North and are cities of some acclaim that are not near the sea, in fact, they are about 110 miles from Damascus.  The word “agitated” jumped off the page; do we not live in a time of the bad report?  Much of it is called “fake news” which brings distress, and nervousness to our souls.  What is the source and why do those behind it do such things?  I will let you ponder on those questions, but this I can say, like the sea there is anxiety that cannot be calmed.

It is clear that Jeremiah often compares the weakness of warriors to that of a mother having labor pains.  And Jeremiah tells us that Damascus has become weak, and her young men will fall in battle and all the warriors will perish.  You will find that account in Jeremiah 49:26, “Therefore her young men shall fall in her squares, and all her soldiers shall be destroyed in that day, declares the LORD of hosts.”

As we look at verse 27, let us visit the book of Amos 1:4-5, “I will send fire on the house of Hazael that will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.  I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will destroy the king who is in the Valley of Aven and the one who holds the scepter in Beth Eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir, “says the Lord.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice