3 promises in an awful Time

 Read Jeremiah 46.

From chapter 46 to chapter 51, God addressed the surrounding nations.  He began with Egypt.

The Egyptians seemingly worshiped anything but the true and living LORD.  Spiritually, they tried everything and nothing worked.  Even the famous balm of Gilead could not help them.  "In vain you have used many medicines; there is no healing for you." (v.11b)  Their sin had reached full measure (v.12) and now God was poised with their earthly punishment.

The battle described here took place in 605 B.C. and is confirmed by Babylon's own historical records.  In their pride, the Egyptians marched all the way to the Euphrates River.  But when they arrived, the Babylonian army overwhelmed them.  The Egyptians fled but none escaped. 

God took full credit for the defeat.  "Why are your mighty ones face down?  They do not stand because the LORD thrust them down." (v.15)  In fact, He called this His day of vengeance on the Egyptians as His enemies (v.10).  The land of Egypt fell to the control of the Babylonian Empire.

Then, in the closing verses the LORD turned to address His chosen people.  During this awful time of war and exile, twice He encouraged them with the words "fear not."  Were they not experiencing His discipline?  Yes.  But, reassurances came through His promises.
"I will save you..."
"I am with you."
"I will by no means leave you..."

Compare those statements with some well-known verses in the New Testament.  These are the exact same promises the Lord Jesus has given to those who turn to Him.  “…for he said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’  So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5)