Jeremiah 47 is a brief chapter in which the LORD calls down judgment on the Philistines. He tells them they will be overrun and destroyed. He mentions cutting themselves, which was a common practice among idol worshipers. The intent was to gain the god’s attention. But such action would have no impact, as the LORD’s judgment was going to be carried out against them.
As brief as Jeremiah 47 is in proclaiming judgment on the Philistines, so extensive is Jeremiah 48 in proclaiming judgment against Moab. In great detail the cities of Moab are named and marked for destruction. The LORD mentions Chemosh, one of the gods of the Moabites, by name as being overthrown. The LORD speaks both in the present tense and in the future tense of Moab being destroyed. He tells the people they will be scattered and not one will remain in Moab. He tells them they will be destroyed in the pit and in the snare. The words of judgment flow from beginning to end, and then in the last verse, words of hope are offered as the LORD says He will restore Moab.
Jeremiah 49 offers judgment against the Ammonites. The pronouncement isn’t as lengthy as that against Moab, but it is still detailed. Then the pronouncements of judgment turn to Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. With more or less detail, the LORD tells each nation or city of the impending judgment. In this case, only Elam is promised restoration by the LORD.
As we return to Matthew 11, we find John the Baptist, who was in prison, sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus whether He was the Messiah or whether they ought to expect another? The question comes from John’s understanding that the Messiah would be a conquering hero who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel’s prominence. This wasn’t merely John’s understanding. Most of Israel thought the same way. Jesus’ response was to tell of His works, and to quote the prophet Isaiah, which said the Messiah would do such works. Jesus then turned to the crowds and spoke of his place in the redemptive process. He said John was the Elijah who was to come to prepare the way for the Messiah. He pointed out John was not dressed in fine clothes, because his purpose was not to experience the finery of life, but to prepare the way of the LORD. He also said no human being to that point was greater than John, but the least in the Kingdom of God was greater than John. Jesus was pointing out that those of the old covenant have place and prominence in God’s purpose, but God’s ultimate purpose was to establish His eternal kingdom.
Jesus went on to condemn several cities in the region of Galilee, for their unwillingness to let Jesus’ miracles turn their hearts to the LORD. He mentioned Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum by name. He said that if the kind of works done there had been done in Tyre, Sidon, Sodom, and Gomorrah, the people there would have repented and turned to the LORD. Therefore, the judgment on those three cities would be great.
Jesus closes out the chapter by thanking His Father for showing His truth to the simple, and hiding it from the wise. He tells us if we are tired and burdened to come to Him and He will give us rest. His “yoke” is easy and His burden is light. The yoke refers to the instrument used to connect two cattle so they could be used to plow a field or some other type of work. As we are yoked to Jesus, He shoulders most of the burden, and guides us along the way. How important it is for us to yoke ourselves to Him!