When you’ve been abused verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically, the wounds go deep into your soul. Your response may be quite explosive. Some may wish to retaliate with equal force, but with a vengeance. 

The Israelites experienced abuse to the wildest extent. Not just a few people, but the entire nation faced the utter cruelty of the Babylonians. When you recount all they did to the people and to their land, it was nothing short of evil. 

In the midst of all this, God was merciful to his people. He worked miracles to allow them to return to their land after 70 years in captivity. God fulfilled his promise to them that he would relent from his anger and return them to their promised land. 

But what about their abusers? What happened to the nation that caused all this havoc? The Babylonians were an inherently cruel and proud nation. Abuse and oppression were their tactics as they dealt with the nations surrounding them. They were the most powerful nation of their time, and no nation could stand up to them. But God had another plan. 

Here is the prophecy spoken against Babylon: “Behold I will stir up the Medes against them, who will not regard their silver; and as far as for gold, they will not delight in it” (Isa 13:17 NKJV). History shows that the Medo-Persian empire took over Babylon and became the world power of that time, replacing Babylon’s long-standing position. 

 The powerful often take advantage of the weak and vulnerable ones. With abuse and oppression, they rule and conquer. They begin to think their position of dominance will never be shaken. But God has designed a sort of “historical oscillation” that re-balances the power structures. 

Yes, we should stand up for ourselves when taken advantage of, but there’s no need for fear. Even if you don’t stand up for yourself, God has designed history to re-balance for the sake of justice. God will handle your abuser. 

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