Humbled by God

“Hazor will become a haunt of jackals, a desolation forever; no one will live there, nor will anyone of mankind reside in it.” – Jeremiah 49:33 NASB

Today, Hazor is an archaeological curiosity – a dig in northern Israel, a place to study Israel’s past. But at one time, it was a center of power. Located north of the Sea of Galilee, Hazor occupied a strategic position on the highway that brought armies and travelers to and from Egypt. Hazor provided the perfect vantage point to guard.

But Jeremiah prophesied that Hazor would be humbled as a victim of the Babylonian armies. God warned the inhabitants to “run away, flee!” (v. 30). They were “a nation which is at ease, which lives securely,” a nation with “no gates or bars” (v. 31). God Himself would “bring their disaster from every side” (v. 32). As a result, this once-powerful city would become a “desolation forever” (v. 33).

Throughout history, many nations, organizations, and people have become like Hazor – confident, sure of their own strength, and trusting in their power and ability. Many today are just like this. But God promises that eventually every kingdom, every person will be humbled before Him.

Learn from what happened to Hazor. Remember, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6). “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). If you want His blessings, seek to humble yourself before Him. You can trust that He will exalt you.

Reflection Question: Personalize Psalm 139:23-24.