[Note: With the exception of verses 28 to 30 of ch. 52, all of that chapter is duplicated in 2 Kings 24:18 to 25:21 and 25:27–30, considered on Monday of the Twelfth Week in Kingdomtide, Year B.]

Babylon takes its place along with Sodom, Gomorrah, and Nineveh as wicked cities in the ancient world. With the exception of the conclusion of chapter 51 from verse 59, almost every verse details the destruction of this ancient city.

Yet there are exceptions; today’s verse is one of them. Not only is human vengeance at work, but rather divine interventions against Babylon. Yet there is still hope that the city will repent and be saved.

What other verses do you find that rise up as respite from the poetic waves of God’s justice? These verses are themselves as a siege against the city. They pound at your own soul, lest there be anything as Babylon in you that needs to be destroyed. As the refiner’s fire, may the pure gold of who you are in Christ shine forth.

Jeremiah 51—52

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 36-52.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Mourning for those in exile 52:1ff

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.