Time: June 21, 587 BC
What the Lord is Saying: The chapter begins comparing Egypt to Assyria. Assyria is presented as once like the cedar of Lebanon. The cedar of Lebanon is mentioned multiple times in the Bible and always in a positive light. Lebanon cedar was an excellent source of timber for building temples, palaces and seagoing vessels. It did not rot and did not attract insects. And this tree is mentioned as flourishing and growing high and towering over all the other trees. So, Assyria was obviously greater than other places. The Lord mentions how he made this tree beautiful and made it sought after and distinct and separate from all other trees. It was the envy of all other trees. It was a place of nourishment. It was a sought after place. Verse 9 declares that the Lord made it beautiful. It was the envy of other places.
But, God states how Egypt set itself high above all the other trees. Instead of the Lord making something high and separate, Egypt proclaimed itself. Egypt took pride in its height.
So, God gave them over (Romans 1) to be dealt with in the way its wickedness deserves. Cut down, branches fallen, people no longer take cover in its shadow, and loss of height.
Promise: The Lord build up and the Lord, if necessary, will tear down.
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