God Restoration Promise in Fearful Times

Jeremiah 46:2 (ESV) About Egypt. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:

The king of Egypt had killed Judah's last righteous king, Josiah. It may have seemed to Israel that this nation was once again dominant over the world's affairs. But how quickly things change in human history, particularly regarding the rise and fall of empires. 

The faithful in Israel must have felt a particular sting from Josiah's death at the hands of Neco. After all, Egypt was their former captor and the supplier of much weaponry since the time of Solomon. But Josiah interfered in their affairs and wound up killed. 

So when Neco's army fought against Babylon, it was the odds-on favorite. Yet it was resoundingly defeated. 

Jeremiah 46:5 (ESV) Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and have turned backward. Their warriors are beaten down and have fled in haste; they look not back— terror on every side! declares the LORD.

Indeed, the Lord made certain to take credit for Egypt's swift defeat at Babylon's hands. 

Jeremiah 46:14–15 (ESV) “Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol; proclaim in Memphis and Tahpanhes; say, ‘Stand ready and be prepared, for the sword shall devour around you.’ 15 Why are your mighty ones face down? They do not stand because the LORD thrust them down.

Judah may have feared for themselves in the face of this demolition. After all, in times past, they sought help from Egypt and its Pharaoh. At this present moment, a band of Jewish exiles was living in Egypt to escape Babylon. But now that nation is demolished, and the Lord says He has done it. 

All hope seemed lost. But that is not where Jeremiah ends this chapter. In fact, Egypt is promised to be restored. 

Jeremiah 46:26 (ESV) I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their life, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Afterward Egypt shall be inhabited as in the days of old, declares the LORD.

This is a repeated theme in Jeremiah. God judges not only Israel at the hand of her enemies but also other nations of old. Yet He promises restoration. Most notably to Israel, His beloved, chosen people. 

Jeremiah 46:27 (ESV) “But fear not, O Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel, for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.

Incredible to hear this word from the Lord as Egypt falls. Surely, the die has been cast over Israel's future, and Babylon's world domination is a foregone conclusion. No! The Lord is sovereign over the nations and rules from heaven over the business of men. He promises protection and preservation for His people, who have nothing to fear. In fact, the last verse promises that out of all nations, Israel alone will be restored again. 

Jeremiah 46:28 (ESV) Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”

While Egypt is indeed a modern nation, it is not run by the Pharaoh dynasty and was largely Christian until the 7th century, when the Muslims took over. So, what Jeremiah declares has come to pass. You won't find this same Egypt on the map, but you will see the restored nation of Israel. It was written down as a promise from God. He's always true to His Word. 

And that means you can trust Him to restore and rebuild what's broken and lost in your life.