1. Fire, sword and scepter (20:45-21:10a)

The parable of the fire (20:45-49) is explained in parallel by the sword of Babylon against Israel (21:1-5,19). Green and dry trees destroyed by fire represents both righteous and wicked people slain by the sword. The scepter of Judah's throne was like a stick before the sword of Babylon. What if the scepter did not continue? (13) Would that mean God's promises and Israel's hopes failed?

2. The crown will be restored (21:10b-32)

God directed Babylon to take the road to destroy Jerusalem, rather than Rabbah of the Ammonites (20-22). God's people would be taken captive because of their open rebellion (24). Judah's profane, wicked king would lose his crown, and Judah would be ruined. But the crown would one day be restored to whom it rightfully belongs-the Messiah and true King, Jesus Christ (Gen 49:10; Ac 2:36). Both the Ammonites and Babylon would also face the sword and fire for their own wickedness, and they would not be remembered (28-32).