사귐의 소리 2025

<사귐의 소리> 블로그 사용 방법

Jeremiah 49 “Beyond the Horizon of History”

—

4–6 minutes

Jeremiah 49 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

Chapter 49 records prophecies concerning several nations that were destroyed by Babylon. First comes the prophecy against Ammon (vv. 1–6). Ammon was a nation north of Moab and, like Moab, was known to be descendants of Lot. The national god worshiped by the Ammonites was Molek (translated as “Milcom” in the Revised Version). The land Ammon occupied was formerly the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. The Lord laments that the people who worship the idol Molek (the Ammonites) are occupying Israel’s territory (v. 1). “Rabbah” (v. 2) was the capital of Ammon, an impregnable fortress built on a massive rocky hill, but the Lord declares that this city will become a ruin (v. 3). Ammon boasted of its great mountainous region and fertile valleys (v. 4), but all of it will be laid waste (v. 5). Then the Lord says that in due time He will restore the Ammonites who were taken into captivity (v. 6).

Next comes a prophecy of judgment against Edom (vv. 7–22). Edom was located south of Moab and was known to be the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. The region where the Edomites lived was geographically favorable for guerrilla warfare, so it had been relatively safe from foreign invasion. The Edomites rejoiced when Judah was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar because they had long been despised by the Israelites. The Lord declares that Edom too will be destroyed by Babylon. When that time comes, people will flee into the caves of Petra, but even those places will not be safe.

Damascus was the capital of Syria, located north of Israel. The Lord says that the city had once been His joy, yet it too will ultimately be abandoned (vv. 23–27). Kedar and Hazor were nomadic tribes who lived by moving through the wilderness, but they also would be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 28–33). Elam was a nation located southeast of Babylon, well known for its skill with the bow. They too would be destroyed by Babylon, but in due time the Lord would restore Elam (vv. 34–39).

Meditation:

Nebuchadnezzar (more precisely, Nebuchadnezzar II), who ruled Neo-Babylonia for more than 40 years from 605 to 562 BCE, was one of the most powerful monarchs in history. In a short period of time, he conquered all the nations scattered across the eastern Mediterranean region. Jerusalem—known as an impregnable fortress—along with Ammon’s Rabbah, Edom’s Bozrah, and Syria’s Damascus were all laid waste by his army. Having built a vast empire through countless conquest wars, he became famous for constructing the “Hanging Gardens” for his queen, Amytis. This is known as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

Nebuchadnezzar conquered the surrounding nations because of his ambition. As a result, countless peoples and nations disappeared from history. Through Jeremiah, the Lord declares that all these events occurred under His providence. The Lord calls Nebuchadnezzar “My servant.” He waged brutal wars of conquest driven solely by his own political ambition. God did not stand by helplessly watching. He used Nebuchadnezzar’s wicked deeds as a tool to accomplish His own plan. For this reason, the Lord speaks of the nations destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar as if He Himself is directly judging them.

Some people seek God’s will and live according to it, while others ignore God and live according to their own desires. But all remain under God’s rule. As Jesus said, not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father’s permission. For those who believe in God’s reign, there is no such thing as coincidence. Because of God’s higher-order equation, everything converges toward God’s will and plan. Believing this, we look beyond the horizon of history and find hope, for the Lord governs human history and fulfills His purposes.

Prayer:

Today we once again see people stepping to the forefront of history to carry out evil deeds. We hear the cries of those who suffer because of their wrongdoing. Though we feel anger and sometimes discouragement in such reality, we gather our hope as we remember the Lord. Believing that You guide and rule, we humbly and gratefully accept the calling given to us today. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God is in control of history—even when powerful leaders do wrong. People may act out of selfish ambition, and the world may look unfair or frightening, but God is still guiding history toward His good purposes. Because God rules over all things, we can trust Him, find hope, and live faithfully every day.

  • For Preschool-Elementary:
    • Who do you think is stronger—big kings like Nebuchadnezzar, or God? Why?
    • Have you ever felt scared because someone powerful (like a leader, teacher, or older kid) made a wrong choice? What helped you feel safe?
    • The Bible says God sees everything and is always in control. What is one thing you can trust God with today?
  • Youth:
    • Nebuchadnezzar thought he controlled everything, but God was the one truly guiding history. What are some things today that look powerful—like government leaders, world events, or social pressures—but are still under God’s authority?
    • How does believing that “there is no coincidence under God’s rule” change the way you look at your life, decisions, or challenges?
    • The meditation talks about looking “beyond the horizon of history” to find hope. What does that mean to you personally during stressful times (school, friendships, family, the future)?

Leave a comment