“The word that the Lord spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet… For out of the north a nation has come up against her, which shall make her land a desolation, and none shall dwell in it…” (Jeremiah 50:1-3 ESV).
Written during a period when Babylon was at the height of its power, this prophecy of Jeremiah stands out because it anticipates the eventual conquest and destruction of Babylon by the Medo-Persian Empire under King Cyrus, which would take place about 70 years after Judah’s exile began. The prophecy foretold not only Babylon’s downfall, but its “desolation,” predicting that neither man nor beast would ever dwell there again.
This is still true over 2,400 years later. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but now there is only desert in its place. It is said that Saddam Hussein planned to rebuild Babylon anew in his modern Iraq, yet the sand still blows over the supposed site.
Babylon has fallen never to rise again, yet God’s Word still stands. This prophecy reveals God’s sovereignty over nations and empires, His faithfulness to His people even in judgment, and His ability to bring about justice in His timing.
PRAYER: Dear Father, our world today is filled with the news of terrorism and war. We are tempted to be afraid and filled with anxiety at the disunity and moral decline of our nation. Yet, You are God. You are sovereign and Your timing is perfect. Therefore we place our trust in You and in You alone. Bring revival to our land. We turn our eyes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.