Babylon had been the sword in the hand of the Lord to smite Israel and Judah, Egypt and Moab, Ammon (Jeremiah 49:1-6), Edom (49:7-22), Damascus (49:23-27), Kedar, and Elam (49:28-38). After all that, Babylon might well be feeling like they’d been established as rulers of the world forever. But that will turn out not to be the case.

Though Babylon would be used by God to punish other nations for their sins, the Babylonians’ own sinfulness would not escape the judgment of God. Though they rejoice over their plunder, they will suffer complete disgrace (50:11-12), for they “have sinned against the Lord” (50:14). “A sword against the Chaldeans, says the Lord, and against the inhabitants of Babylon” – and against her officials, her diviners, her soldiers and cavalry and mercenaries, and her treasury (50:35-37).

And destruction would not be the end of the story for Israel. After all of their suffering, God would indeed bring the people back home again. Even though “Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions,” and even though “at the end King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has gnawed its bones” (50:17), death and destruction would not get the last word.

Israel would once again enjoy the richness of the land with their hunger satisfied (50:19). And their hearts will be purified: “In those days and at that time, says the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and none shall be found; for I will pardon the remnant that I have spared” (50:20).

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When will we learn that the meaning of our lives is not power over others, but purity of heart before you, O Lord? Can we only come to know this through our own disaster and exile? Or could we even now hear it from your word, and turn to you in repentance, and have you cleanse our souls?