What did God mean by this?

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What did God mean by this? Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 15:23:38 2f21f6 No.604045

I need some help understanding God's actions in the books of Jesaja and Jeremiah.

So the main element of the story is that God is planning to punish Israel for their sins. Many times through his prophets he says things such as: "Babylon is my servant, my sword, the tool I will use to punish Israel. I will use them to unleash my wrath upon Israel". I can't be bothered to look for the actual quotes, but if you are familiar with the books you certainly know what I mean.

But when all is said and done, God then basically says: "Okay, I've punished them enough and I forgive them. All is fine, you can come home now. But the people of Babylon, who enslaved you and treated you badly, I will purge from the face of the earth for the sins they did to my chosen people".

So, basically, "Hey, Babylon, go do some dirty work for me about Israel because I'm annoyed of them. Thanks, Babylon. Now I shall punish the living hell out of you for doing what I told you to do".

How is this okay?

Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 18:08:37 bbbdeb No.604204

>So, basically, "Hey, Babylon, go do some dirty work for me about Israel because I'm annoyed of them. Thanks, Babylon. Now I shall punish the living hell out of you for doing what I told you to do".

Not quite. There is never any indication God commanded them to do those things. It's more like He knew they would because they were heathens and just didn't prevent it because Israel was not deserving of protection from this. The Babylonians and whoever else is "used" similarly still got what they deserved for their actions.

At the start of Ezekiel 33, a somewhat similar idea is elaborated on. Basically, if the watchman warns a person who is in danger of being taken in their sin, then he has cleared himself of any blame whether or not they listen, but if the watchman doesn't warn them, then the watchman shares in the guilt of the blood for what happens. But notice one thing. In verse 6, it still says the person who didn't get warned was taken in their own iniquity. This is because God will only ever do justice, whether or not you take part in it; He has ways to work it out.

Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 18:43:01 97b6ac No.604236

>>604045

Why wouldn't it be okay? Do you think God answers to you? Your sense of righteousness is imperfect, God's is perfect. He is all-knowing, you know almost nothing, its good that you are trying to understand his plan, but you need to let go of your condescending attitude. God doesn't have to live up to your standards, God lives up to His own standards which are infinitely greater than yours.

Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 18:47:16 1eb648 No.604240

>>604236

You should delete your post since >>604204 is infinitely better.

Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 18:58:28 97b6ac No.604244

>>604240

>>604204 answers the question, I wasn't responding to his question. I was responding to his attitude and notion that God must justify Himself before the OP.

Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 21:16:59 dba0d6 No.604289

>>604204

>Baptist flag

>Sharing his deep "wisdom" on things from Holy Bible

Consider not posting again and repent from your heresy

(USER WAS WARNED FOR THIS POST)

Christanon 02/12/18 (Mon) 23:17:42 3ccd17 No.604360

>>604289

Creating infighting is sinful.

Consider never visiting this board again.