Jeremiah's Prophecies for Surrounding Nations

Nations surrounding Israel and known to have antagonistic relationships with her, were marked for destruction in Jeremiah's prophecies. The Ammonites, who descended from Lot as the Moabites had, frustrated the Lord when they took over some of Israel's territory after the Jews had been conquered by the Assyrians. The Edomites, descended from Esau had a long history of conflict with Israel. Both Ammon and Edom were subjugated by the Babylonian empire in 605 BC and destroyed by them in 581 BC. Later, Arab tribes conquered Ammon, Moab, and Edom such that they were non-existent by the middle of the 6th century BC.

Damascus was part of Aramea and we do not have information as to what their particular offense was against Israel. The same can be said of Kedar and Hazor, both of which were Arabic tribes. It is assumed that these groups must have been guilty of aggression against Israel, since God had promised to punish those who opposed Israel. We do not have historical records regarding the fulfillment of the prophecy related to Damascus, though it is likely that they fell to the hands of Nebuchudnezzar as well. As for Kedar and Hazor, they were destroyed by Nebuchudnezzar in 599 BC.

Like much of prophecy, there could also be a "distant future" fulfillment for these nations. Specifically, God says that He will "restore the fortunes of the Ammonites in the days to come".

Tomorrow's reading: Jer. 23:33-24:10, 29:1-31:14