In this chapter, the Lord determines that it is time to remove an enemy. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “This is the Lord’s message to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the Philistines of Gaza, before it was captured by the Egyptian army.
This is what the Lord says: “A flood is coming from the north to overflow the land. It will destroy the land and everything in it – cities and people alike. People will scream in terror, and everyone in the land will weep. Hear the clatter of hooves and the rumble of wheels as the chariots rush by. Terrified fathers run madly, without a backward glance at their helpless children.
“The time has come for the Philistines to be destroyed, along with their allies from Tyre and Sidon. (Yes, Lord! Your time and not our time.) Yes, the Lord is destroying the Philistines, those colonists from Crete. The city of Gaza will be demolished; Ashkelon will lie in ruins. You remnant of the Mediterranean plain, how long will you lament and mourn?
“Now, O sword of the Lord, when will you be at rest again? Go back into your sheath; rest and be still! But how can it be still when the Lord has sent it on an errand? For the city of Ashkelon and the people living along the sea must be destroyed.” (Jeremiah 47) (Wow! God is removing a long time enemy of Israel. The battle between the two nations that is likely the most remembered is when the young David defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for continually fighting our battles, and destroying our enemies! Help us be patient and faithful, knowing that our time is not your time, and the enemies we are dealing with will be dealt with when you are ready. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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