1 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
2 About Egypt. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish, and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah.
3 “Prepare buckler and shield,
and advance for battle!
4 Harness the horses;
mount, O horsemen!
Take your stations with your helmets,
polish your spears,
put on your armor!
5 “Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and have turned backward. Their warriors are beaten down and have fled in haste; they look not back— terror on every side! declares the Lord.
6 “Let not the swift flee away, nor the warrior escape; for in the north by the river Euphrates they have stumbled and fallen.”
7 “Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge?”
8 Egypt rises like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge. He said, ‘I will rise, I will cover the earth, I will destroy cities and their inhabitants.’
9 Advance, O horses,
and rage, O chariots!
Let the warriors go out:
men of Cush and Put who handle the shield,
men of Lud, skilled in handling the bow.
10 For that day is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, to avenge himself on his foes. The sword shall devour and be sated and drink its fill of their blood. For the Lord God of hosts holds a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
11 Go up to Gilead, and take balm,
O virgin daughter of Egypt!
In vain you have used many medicines;
there is no healing for you.
12 The nations have heard of your shame, and the earth is full of your cry; for warrior has stumbled against warrior; they have both fallen together.”
13 The word that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:
14 “Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol;
proclaim in Memphis and Tahpanhes;
say, ‘Stand ready and be prepared,
for the sword shall devour around you.’
15 Why are your mighty ones face down? They do not stand because the Lord thrust them down.
16 He made many stumble, and they fell,
and they said one to another,
“Arise, and let us go back to our own people
and to the land of our birth,
because of the sword of the oppressor.”
17 “They cried there, ‘Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is but a noise; he has missed his moment.’”
18 As I live, declares the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts, like Tabor among the mountains and like Carmel by the sea, shall one come.
19 Prepare yourselves baggage for exile, O inhabitants of Egypt! For Memphis shall become a waste, a ruin, without inhabitant.
20 “A beautiful heifer is Egypt,
but a biting fly from the north has come upon her.
21 Even her hired soldiers in her midst are like fattened calves; yes, they have turned and fled together; they did not stand, for the day of their calamity has come upon them, the time of their punishment.
22 The noise of battle is in the land, and great destruction!
23 They shall cut down her forest, declares the Lord,
though it is impenetrable,
because they are more numerous than locusts;
they are without number.
24 “The daughter of Egypt shall be put to shame; she shall be delivered into the hand of a people from the north.”
25 The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, said: “Behold, I am bringing punishment upon Amon of Thebes, and Pharaoh, and Egypt and her gods and her kings, upon Pharaoh and those who trust in him.
26 I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their life, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Afterward Egypt shall be inhabited as in the days of old, declares the Lord.
27 “But fear not, O Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel, for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.”
28 Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
The True Meaning of Jeremiah 46
The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet Jeremiah, a man called by God to speak His words to the people of Judah during a tumultuous time in their history. Jeremiah delivers a prophecy concerning the fate of Egypt, a powerful nation that would soon face the judgment of the Lord in this chapter. We will witness the unfolding of events as we delve into this passage, events that would have a profound impact on the region. Jeremiah’s words echo the warnings found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah’s declaration that “the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion” (Isaiah 34:8). The chapter paints a vivid picture of the impending doom that awaits Egypt, a nation that had once been a source of strength and refuge for Judah.
The chapter begins with Jeremiah’s proclamation against the Egyptian army, foretelling their defeat at the hands of the Babylonian forces. We will see how the pride and might of Egypt will be shattered, as the Lord’s judgment falls upon them. This passage serves as a stark reminder that no nation or power can stand against the will of the Almighty, and that true security can only be found in the Lord.
Jeremiah 46:1-6
Jeremiah 46:1-6 introduces “the word of the Lord” which came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations. This sets the stage for a message specifically targeted at Egypt and its pharaoh. The prophet Jeremiah often received divine messages about various nations, revealing God’s sovereignty over all peoples and His judgment on those who stray from righteousness.
The verse positions Egypt as the formidable opponent in battle, symbolizing power and might. However, despite their strength, they will face a certain defeat at the hands of Babylon. This declaration by God through Jeremiah speaks to the overarching theme of God’s justice and judgment. It serves as a reminder that no nation or ruler is beyond the reach of divine accountability.
The mention of Pharaoh Neco, the king of Egypt, presents a historical context to the prophecy. Pharaoh Neco was a significant figure in the ancient Near East during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. He played a role in regional power struggles and conflicts, including the Battle of Carchemish where he was defeated by the Babylonians. This event marked a turning point in the balance of power in the region and set the stage for Babylonian dominance.
The pride and arrogance of Pharaoh Neco are highlighted in the text, reflecting a common theme in Scripture where human rulers are often depicted as prideful and self-reliant, leading to their downfall. This mirrors the biblical narrative of the consequences of pride, where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
The declaration of Egypt’s defeat despite its confidence in its own military might emphasizes the futility of human strength when pitted against the will of God. This theme is reiterated throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 21:31 which states, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” It reinforces the idea that ultimate victory belongs to God and not to human prowess. Jeremiah 46:1-6 conveys a powerful message about the inevitability of God’s judgment, the consequences of pride and arrogance, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and rulers. It serves as a warning to individuals and nations alike to humbly submit to God’s will and acknowledge His supremacy in all things.
Jeremiah 46:7-12
Jeremiah delivers a message from the Lord concerning Egypt and its impending defeat by the Babylonians in Jeremiah 46:7-12. This passage outlines the fierce and destructive nature of the Babylonian conquest, portraying it as a judgment from God upon Egypt for their idolatry and wickedness. The imagery of the Nile River rising up like a flood and its waters being tumultuous in verse 7 symbolizes the impending chaos and devastation that Egypt will face at the hands of the Babylonian army. The Nile was a source of life and prosperity for Egypt, so describing it in this way signifies the severity of the imminent destruction.
The mention of Egypt’s allies in verse 9, such as Cush and Put, who will also fall alongside Egypt, demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the judgment that God will bring upon the nation. It serves as a reminder that earthly alliances and military strength are ultimately futile in the face of God’s sovereign power and judgment.
Verse 11 speaks of the swift defeat of Egypt’s army at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This highlights the swiftness and decisiveness of God’s judgment, which can come upon nations and individuals alike when they persist in rebellion and sin. The apocalyptic language used in verse 12 to describe Egypt’s ultimate destruction underscores the severity of the judgment that awaits Egypt. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing worldly pursuits and false beliefs.
The overall message of this passage is a sobering warning about the inevitable consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the dangers of relying on earthly powers instead of trusting in the Almighty. It also serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in executing judgment upon the unrepentant, while also extending the offer of forgiveness and redemption to those who turn back to Him.
This passage echoes similar themes found throughout the Bible, such as in the story of the Exodus where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, demonstrating His power over earthly nations. It also resonates with passages in the New Testament, like Revelation, which speak of the ultimate judgment that will come upon the nations at the end of time. Jeremiah’s prophecy serves as a timeless reminder of God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty over all nations and peoples.
Jeremiah 46:13-19
Jeremiah the prophet declared in Egypt, proclaimed in Migdol, proclaimed in Memphis and Tahpanhes, saying, “Stand ready and be prepared, for the sword shall devour around you.”‘ Why are your mighty ones facedown? They do not stand because the Lord thrust them down. He made many stumble, and they fell, and they said one to another, ‘Arise, and let us go back to our own people and to the land of our birth, because of the sword of the oppressor.’ Call the name of Pharaoh king of Egypt, ‘Noisy one who lets the hour go by. The King, whose name is the Lord of hosts, declares, ‘As I live, like Tabor among the mountains and like Carmel by the sea, shall one come.’ Prepare yourselves baggage for exile, O inhabitants of Egypt! For Memphis shall become a waste, a ruin, without inhabitant. God reveals to Jeremiah the impending invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful king of Babylon in this passage. The prophet is instructed to declare this message across different regions of Egypt, warning them of the impending destruction that will befall them. The imagery of the mighty ones of Egypt being facedown and unable to stand symbolizes their defeat and powerlessness in the face of God’s judgment.
Pharaoh, who was seen as a mighty ruler, is described here as a “Noisy one who lets the hour go by,” indicating that his boasting and arrogance will not save him from the destruction that is to come. This highlights the theme of pride and the consequences of trusting in one’s own strength rather than in God. Pharaoh’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of human power and the importance of humility before the Almighty.
The mention of Memphis becoming a wasteland without inhabitants emphasizes the severity of the judgment that will be brought upon Egypt. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God’s will. God demonstrates His sovereign power over all nations and His justice in dealing with those who go against His commands by using Babylon as a tool of judgment against Egypt.
This passage also echoes the broader biblical theme of God using foreign nations as instruments of His judgment. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God using powerful empires like Babylon or Assyria to bring about punishment on nations that had turned away from Him. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and obedience to God’s will. Additionally, it reaffirms the overarching message of the sovereignty of God over all nations and His ultimate authority in the affairs of the world. This passage from Jeremiah 46 serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and relying on worldly strength rather than on God. It reminds us of the importance of humility, obedience, and trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty, knowing that His judgments are just and His will shall prevail in the end.
Jeremiah 46:20-24
The prophet Jeremiah delivers a prophecy concerning Egypt in Jeremiah 46:20-24. Let’s break down this passage into sections for a more comprehensive understanding.
Starting with verse 20, “Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly is coming against her from the north. Egypt symbolically compares itself to a beautiful heifer in this verse, which was a prized possession in ancient times, representing Egypt’s strength and pride. However, the arrival of a gadfly from the north signifies an impending threat that will disturb and weaken Egypt.
Moving on to verse 21, “The mercenaries among her are like fattened calves. They too will turn and flee together; they will not stand their ground, for the day of disaster is coming upon them, the time for them to be punished.” This verse suggests that even the strong and well-equipped mercenaries in Egypt will be defeated and forced to flee. It emphasizes the inevitability of the impending disaster and punishment that will befall Egypt. The enemy will come against Egypt with axes, like men who cut down trees, making her hiss like a fleeing serpent as they advance in force in verse 22.” Here, the imagery of Egypt hissing like a fleeing serpent highlights the sense of fear and vulnerability that will overtake Egypt as the enemy approaches with destructive force, likened to men cutting down trees with axes. This portrays a scene of destruction and chaos.
Verse 23 states, “They will chop down her forest,” declares the Lord, “dense though it be. They are more numerous than locusts, they cannot be counted.” This verse reinforces the idea of destruction and devastation that will sweep through Egypt. The comparison of the enemy to locusts, a symbol of vast numbers and destruction in the Bible, emphasizes the unstoppable and overwhelming nature of the invading army.
Finally, in verse 24, “Daughter Egypt will be put to shame, given into the hands of the people of the north.” This verse concludes the prophecy by declaring Egypt’s impending defeat and humiliation, as she will be handed over to the people from the north, a reference to the Babylonians who were a dominant power at that time. A common theme of impending judgment and devastation upon Egypt due to their sinful ways and disobedience to God emerges as we analyze these verses. The Bible often uses the rise and fall of nations to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and justice. Egypt, known for its power and wealth, was not immune to God’s judgment. This prophecy serves as a reminder that no nation or individual is beyond the reach of God’s justice.
This passage also echoes similar themes found in other parts of the Bible, where God punishes nations for their pride, idolatry, and oppression of others. Prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah frequently warned about the consequences of turning away from God and placing trust in earthly powers. These verses remind us of the importance of humility, obedience, and trusting in God rather than relying on our own strength or worldly alliances in a broader context. We are called to seek God’s guidance and follow His ways to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and destruction, just as Egypt faced judgment for its pride and reliance on human strategies. Jeremiah’s prophecy against Egypt serves as a timeless message of God’s faithfulness, justice, and the consequences of turning away from Him.
Jeremiah 46:25-28
Jeremiah 46:25-28 reveals a powerful declaration from the Lord against Egypt. The passage begins with God declaring that He will punish the multitude of Egyptian gods, Pharaoh, and Egypt itself, along with its people and rulers. This statement is significant as it reveals the authority and power of God over all nations and rulers. It conveys the message that no nation, no matter how mighty or influential, is beyond the reach of God’s judgment and justice.
The mention of Pharaoh in this passage is noteworthy, as Pharaoh was a symbol of power and pride in ancient Egypt. Throughout the Bible, Pharaohs are often depicted as oppressors of God’s people, such as the Pharaoh who enslaved the Israelites in Exodus. God is reminding the people of Egypt that even the most powerful human rulers are subject to His divine authority by referencing Pharaoh in this context. We see a promise of restoration for Israel, God’s chosen people, as the passage continues. Despite the impending judgment on Egypt, God assures the people of Israel that He will bring them back from captivity and restore their fortunes. This promise of restoration is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting God’s faithfulness to His people even in times of judgment and exile. God offers a message of hope and redemption in the midst of pronouncing judgment on Egypt. He declares that He will make a full end of all the nations where He has scattered His people, but He will not make a complete end of His chosen people. This demonstrates God’s enduring love and faithfulness towards His people, even in the midst of their disobedience and sin. This passage in Jeremiah 46 serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all nations, His judgment on the proud and powerful, and His faithfulness to His people. It conveys a timeless message of God’s justice, mercy, and promise of restoration for those who turn back to Him. The story of Egypt’s downfall as depicted in this passage serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God, while also highlighting His unwavering love and grace towards His people.
After Jeremiah 46
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about the nations, and now the prophet turned his attention to Egypt. The Lord revealed that Pharaoh’s army would be defeated, and the people would be scattered. Jeremiah described the coming destruction, warning the Egyptians to flee. Jeremiah delivered a sobering message as the chapter drew to a close. The Lord had pronounced judgment on Egypt, and there was no escaping it. The mighty nation would fall, its gods proven powerless. This was a stark reminder that the Lord alone is sovereign. The Lord’s judgment extended to the Philistines will be seen in the next chapter. Their coastal cities would be destroyed, and their people would mourn the loss of their way of life. The hand of the Almighty was moving, and no one could stand against Him.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.