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After focusing on the nations to the south, this prophecy shifts to the northern borders. This prophecy speaks to both the northern kingdom of Israel as well as Damascus (nation of Syria). The city of Damascus was a very strategic area when compared to other cities of its size. The inflow of traffic was high because geographically it stood between Mount Hermon and basalt plateaus. It was really the only route to take if one was traveling from east to west – from Mesopotamia to Egypt.
The moral of the story here is that for every nation that seems to be all-sufficient and powerful, there always seems to be one that trumps it. The only hope is in the ultimate power because nations will rise and fall on God’s hand alone. It also reminds me of the fact that so many people place their trust and security in their financial status – but what happens when there is no food or clothing to buy? What happens when the rivers dry up and natural disasters strike? What good will our money be then?
The judgments in this chapter represent the physical and agricultural – two blessings we commonly take for granted. When we fail to acknowledge the source of our physical and material provisions, we mock the Lord. We send a message that we are in control and He isn’t. We sit back and casually gorge ourselves, giving no credit to the Provider. The people of Syria and Israel would have nearly everything taken away. They would learn the hard way that each gift is a blessing from God, and that He alone is the source of all that is good.
Let us not fall into the same trap. Let us be gracious and thankful for all He has provided.
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Evil has looted us..Evil has plundered us. But GOD is almighty with power and He will do whatever it takes to be Glorified! He is the mind changer. He is the Waymaker. Thank you Guys again for your thoughts