Jeremiah 46 meaning explained in AI Summary
This chapter marks the beginning of a section in Jeremiah where God's judgment is pronounced upon various nations surrounding Israel. Chapter 46 specifically focuses on Egypt's downfall.
Key Events and Themes:
- Prophecy against Egypt (vs. 1-12): God reveals his plan to defeat Pharaoh Necho and the Egyptian army at Carchemish by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This defeat would shatter Egypt's pride and power.
- Description of the Battle (vs. 13-24): Vivid imagery depicts the chaos and carnage of the battle. The Egyptians, despite their might and resources, are overwhelmed and forced to flee in disarray.
- Egypt's Wounded Pride (vs. 25-26): Though not completely destroyed, Egypt is deeply wounded and humiliated. God assures his people that despite their own captivity, he will ultimately judge their enemies.
- Comfort for Israel (vs. 27-28): Amidst the pronouncements of judgment, God offers words of comfort and hope to his people. He reminds them that he has not forgotten them and will eventually restore them to their land.
Overall Message:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God's absolute control over nations. Even powerful empires like Egypt are subject to his judgment.
- The Futility of Human Pride: Egypt's confidence in its military strength proves futile against God's power. The chapter serves as a warning against arrogance and self-reliance.
- God's Faithfulness to Israel: Despite their own suffering, God assures his people that he will ultimately deliver them and judge their enemies. This message offers hope and comfort in the face of adversity.
Historical Context:
The events described in this chapter likely refer to the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces decisively defeated the Egyptians, marking a turning point in ancient Near Eastern history.
Jeremiah 46 bible study ai commentary
Jeremiah 46 declares Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all nations through two oracles against the superpower Egypt. It chronicles Egypt's humiliating defeat by Babylon at the Battle of Carchemish, mocking its military prowess and exposing the impotence of its gods. The chapter serves as a divine commentary on geopolitical events, revealing them as "The Day of the LORD," a moment of His vengeance. It powerfully contrasts the temporary, though severe, judgment on a pagan nation with God's unbreakable covenant promise to preserve His people, Jacob/Israel, whom He will discipline in measure but never completely destroy.
Jeremiah 46 Context
This chapter opens the "Oracles Against the Nations" section of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51). The historical setting is the power vacuum left by the fall of the Assyrian Empire. Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon clashed for supremacy over the Near East. The decisive Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, mentioned directly in verse 2, saw Babylon crush the Egyptian forces. At this time, King Jehoiakim of Judah had foolishly placed his trust in an alliance with Egypt, defying Jeremiah's warnings. This prophecy therefore served both as a validation of Jeremiah's ministry and a stark warning to Judah about the futility of trusting in human strength instead of Yahweh.
Jeremiah 46:1-2
The word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the nations. Against Egypt, concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah.
In-depth-analysis
- Verse 1: This serves as a superscription for the entire section of oracles against foreign nations (chapters 46-51). It establishes Jeremiah's authority as the source of these divine pronouncements.
- Verse 2: This provides a precise historical anchor. It specifies the recipient (Egypt), the leader (Pharaoh Neco), the event (defeat at Carchemish), the victor (Nebuchadnezzar), and the date (4th year of Jehoiakim, 605 BC). This historical specificity demonstrates that God is not speaking in vague myths but is actively directing real-world history. Carchemish was a strategic city on the Upper Euphrates.
Bible references
- 2 Kings 24:7: "...the king of Egypt did not come again out of his land, for the king of Babylon had taken all that belonged to the king of Egypt..." (Historical result of Carchemish).
- 2 Chronicles 35:20: "After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish..." (Background of Neco's presence in the region).
Cross references
- Jer 25:15-29 (Cup of wrath for all nations); Isa 19:1 (Burden against Egypt); Ezek 29:1-3 (Prophecy against Pharaoh).
Jeremiah 46:3-6
“Prepare the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle! Harness the horses; and get up, you horsemen! Stand forth with your helmets, polish the spears, put on the armor! Why have I seen them dismayed and turned back? Their mighty men are beaten down; they have fled apace, and do not look back; for fear was all around,” says the Lord. “Do not let the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they will stumble and fall toward the north by the River Euphrates.”
In-depth-analysis
- Ironic Summons (vv. 3-4): The prophecy begins with a sarcastic call to arms. The detailed, urgent commands—"Prepare," "Harness," "Get up," "Polish"—paint a picture of a formidable, well-equipped army. This builds a dramatic tension, highlighting Egypt's military might right before its sudden collapse.
- Sudden Reversal (v. 5): The tone shifts sharply with the rhetorical question, "Why have I seen them...?" The powerful army, moments ago preparing for victory, is now inexplicably seized by terror (
māḡōr missāḇîḇ
, "terror on every side," a signature phrase of Jeremiah's, see Jer 20:10). The "mighty men" (gibbôrîm
) are shattered. Their defeat is not due to a lack of preparation but to divine intervention. - Inevitable Doom (v. 6): God declares that neither speed nor strength will provide escape. Their defeat is divinely ordained to happen at a specific place: "toward the north by the River Euphrates."
Bible references
- Psalm 33:16-17: "No king is saved by the size of his army... A horse is a vain hope for deliverance..." (The futility of military might against God's will).
- Proverbs 21:31: "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord." (Echoes the same theme of divine sovereignty over human preparations).
Cross references
- Jer 6:25 (terror on every side); Isa 31:1-3 (Woe to those who trust in Egypt's chariots); Amo 2:14-16 (The strong and swift cannot escape God's judgment).
Jeremiah 46:7-9
“Who is this coming up like a flood, whose waters move like the rivers? Egypt rises up like a flood, and its waters move like the rivers; and he says, ‘I will go up and cover the earth, I will destroy the city and its inhabitants.’ Come up, O horses, and rage, O chariots! And let the mighty men come forth: The Ethiopians and the Libyans who handle the shield, and the Lydians who handle and bend the bow.”
In-depth-analysis
- Arrogance Personified (vv. 7-8): Egypt is mockingly compared to its own Nile River, which annually floods and fertilizes the land. This imagery captures Egypt's imperialistic pride—it sees itself as an overwhelming force destined to "cover the earth." The nation's boast, "I will go up..." is an act of supreme hubris, claiming a power that belongs to God alone.
- Polemic: This is a direct polemic against the Egyptian worldview, where the Nile was deified (as the god Hapi) and seen as the source of life and power. Jeremiah uses this very image of their god to describe their pride, which will lead to their downfall.
- Mercenary Force (v. 9): The passage lists Egypt's allies and hired soldiers: Cush (Ethiopia/Sudan), Put (Libya), and Ludim (Lydians from western Anatolia). Mentioning these formidable warriors serves to emphasize the scale of Egypt's army and, therefore, the magnitude of its God-ordained defeat.
Bible references
- Isaiah 8:7-8: "Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them the waters of the River, strong and many—the king of Assyria and all his glory; he will go up over all his channels and go over all his banks." (The "river" metaphor used for an invading empire).
- Ezekiel 30:5: "Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword." (Ezekiel names the same mercenaries in his own prophecy against Egypt).
Cross references
- Exo 15:9 (Pharaoh's boast before the Red Sea); Dan 4:30 (Nebuchadnezzar's pride); Gen 11:4 (Tower of Babel's boast).
Jeremiah 46:10-12
For this is the Day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, that He may avenge Himself on His adversaries. The sword shall devour; it shall be satiated and made drunk with their blood; for the Lord God of hosts has a sacrifice in the north country by the River Euphrates. “Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt; in vain you shall use many medicines; you shall not be cured.” The nations have heard of your shame, and your cry has filled the land; for the mighty man has stumbled against the mighty, and they both have fallen together.
In-depth-analysis
- The Day of the LORD (v. 10): The battle is redefined from a human conflict to a divine event. This is "The Day of the Lord YHWH of hosts," a key prophetic theme representing a time of holy-war judgment. The language is graphic: God's "sword" devours and becomes "drunk" with blood.
- A Sacrifice (
zeḇaḥ
): The defeat of the Egyptian army is described as azeḇaḥ
, a religious sacrifice. This powerful metaphor signifies that their destruction is an act of divine justice and appeasement for their arrogance and hostility towards God's plan. - Ironic Taunt (v. 11): Egypt, famous for its physicians and medicines, is sarcastically told to seek a cure. The reference to "balm in Gilead" (a place in Israel known for healing ointment, cf. Jer 8:22) is deeply ironic. Not even the best remedies, foreign or domestic, can heal a wound inflicted by God.
- Universal Shame (v. 12): Egypt's defeat will not be a private matter. The "nations" will hear of their humiliation. The internal chaos is so complete that their own "mighty" warriors trample each other in their panic to flee.
Bible references
- Isaiah 34:6-8: "The sword of the Lord is filled with blood... For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah... For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance..." (Parallel language of the Day of the LORD as a bloody sacrifice of God's enemies).
- Revelation 19:17-18: "...'Come, assemble for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders...'" (The NT culmination of the sacrifice/feast imagery).
- Jeremiah 8:22: "Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?" (Jeremiah uses the same phrase to lament Judah's spiritual sickness, now used to taunt Egypt).
Cross references
- Deu 32:42 (sword drunk with blood); Isa 13:6 (Day of the Lord); Joel 2:1-2 (Day of the Lord); Eze 39:17-20 (Sacrificial feast on Gog).
Jeremiah 46:13-17
The word that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon would come and strike the land of Egypt. “Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol; proclaim in Noph and in Tahpanhes; say, ‘Stand fast and prepare, for the sword shall devour all around you.’ Why are your strong ones swept away? They did not stand because the Lord drove them away. He made many stumble; yes, they fell one upon another. And they said, ‘Arise and let us go back to our own people and to the land of our nativity from the oppressing sword.’ They cried there, ‘Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is but a noise; he has passed by the appointed time!’”
In-depth-analysis
- Second Oracle (v. 13): This introduces a new, distinct prophecy. It moves beyond the defeat at Carchemish to predict a direct invasion and striking of "the land of Egypt" itself by Nebuchadnezzar.
- Geographic Alarm (v. 14): The warning is to be proclaimed in key Egyptian cities from north to south: Migdol and Tahpanhes were fortress cities in the Nile Delta where Jewish refugees would later flee (Jer 44:1), and Noph was the ancient capital of Memphis. This shows the invasion will be comprehensive.
- Divine Cause (v. 15): The rhetorical question "Why are your strong ones swept away?" is answered immediately: "the LORD drove them away." This reiterates that Egypt's collapse is a divine act, not a mere failure of its famed warriors (perhaps referencing the bull-god Apis, worshipped at Noph/Memphis, who is also "swept away").
- Mercenaries Flee (v. 16): The hired soldiers panic and decide to abandon their Egyptian employers and flee to their own lands, recognizing the fight is hopeless.
- Pharaoh Mocked (v. 17): Pharaoh (likely Hophra at the time of the later invasion) is given a new, derisive title: "A Noise" (
Šā’ôn
) who "missed his opportunity" (he‘ĕḇîr ham-mô‘ēḏ
). He is all boast and no action, a loud talker who failed to act at the decisive moment.
Bible references
- Jeremiah 43:7-10: "So they went to the land of Egypt... Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying... 'I will send and take Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant...'" (The historical fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about Nebuchadnezzar in Tahpanhes).
- Ezekiel 29:19: "Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Surely I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon... and it shall be the wages for his army.’" (Confirms that Babylon's invasion of Egypt was divinely given).
Cross references
- Nah 3:8-10 (Judgment on No-Amon/Thebes); Jer 44:1 (Cities where Jews fled); Isa 19:1-4 (Prophecy against Egypt).
Jeremiah 46:18-24
“As I live,” says the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts, “Surely as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, so he shall come... O you daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish yourself to go into captivity! For Noph shall be waste and desolate, without an inhabitant. Egypt is a very pretty heifer, but a destruction comes, it comes from the north. Also her mercenaries are in her midst like fat-fed calves, for they also have turned their back and fled together... Her sound shall be like a serpent going away, for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, like woodcutters... The daughter of Egypt shall be ashamed; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.”
In-depth-analysis
- Divine Oath (v. 18): God swears by His own life ("As I live") and identifies Himself with the ultimate royal and military authority ("the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts"). The certainty of Nebuchadnezzar's arrival is compared to two unmovable geographical landmarks in Israel: Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel. The invader's coming is as certain and prominent as these mountains.
- Call for Captivity (v. 19): The command to pack for exile ("furnish yourself to go into captivity") is a biting taunt that underlines the certainty of defeat. Noph (Memphis), the great capital, will be utterly destroyed.
- Metaphors of Doom (vv. 20-23): A series of images describes the scene:
- Heifer and Gadfly (v. 20): Egypt is a beautiful, complacent heifer, suddenly attacked by a stinging gadfly (the Babylonian army) from "the north."
- Fat Calves (v. 21): The well-paid mercenaries are like fattened calves, good for nothing but slaughter or, in this case, running away.
- Hissing Serpent (v. 22): The proud voice of Egypt is reduced to the whisper of a serpent slithering away into hiding as the Babylonian "woodcutters" come with "axes" to clear her "forest" (population and defenses).
Bible references
- Numbers 14:28: "'As I live,' says the Lord, 'just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you...'" (The "As I live" formula used for an unbreakable divine oath).
- Hosea 10:11: "Ephraim was a trained heifer that loved to thresh grain; but I harnessed her fair neck..." (Similar heifer imagery used for Israel).
Cross references
- Jer 10:22 (Destruction from the north); Jer 1:14 (Calamity from the north); Amo 7:17 (Wife going into captivity); Isa 10:15 (The axe boasting against the one who wields it).
Jeremiah 46:25-26
The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will bring punishment on Amon of No, and on Pharaoh, and on Egypt, with their gods and their kings—on Pharaoh and all who trust in him. And I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their lives, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the hand of his servants. Afterward it shall be inhabited as in the days of old,” says the Lord.
In-depth-analysis
- Polemic Core (v. 25): This is the theological climax of the judgment. God explicitly states He will punish "Amon of No" (Thebes). Amon-Ra was the chief god of the Egyptian pantheon, and Thebes (called "No") was his cult center. By targeting Amon by name, God declares war not just on a nation but on its entire religious system and the false deities it represents. Judgment falls on the whole power structure: the god, the king, the nation, and all who trust in them.
- Judgment and Restoration (v. 26): God confirms He will use Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument of judgment. However, unlike the final destruction predicted for Babylon (Jer 51), a glimmer of hope is offered to Egypt. "Afterward it shall be inhabited as in the days of old." This indicates a judgment that is severe but not completely annihilating. Egypt will eventually recover a measure of its former state.
Bible references
- Exodus 12:12: "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night... and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord." (Yahweh's direct precedent for judging Egypt's gods).
- Ezekiel 30:13-15: "Thus says the Lord God: 'I will also destroy the idols, and cause the images to cease from Noph... I will execute judgments in No.'" (Ezekiel's parallel prophecy naming the same gods and cities).
- Ezekiel 29:13-14: "...At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians... and I will bring them back to the land of Pathros... there they shall be a lowly kingdom." (A similar prophecy of judgment followed by limited restoration for Egypt).
Cross references
- Isa 19:22 (The LORD will strike Egypt, and heal it); Nah 3:8 (Questioning No-Amon's strength).
Jeremiah 46:27-28
“But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, and do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity; Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet, and no one shall make him afraid. Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,” says the Lord, “for I am with you; for I will make a complete end of all the nations where I have driven you, but I will not make a complete end of you. I will correct you in justice, and will not let you go altogether unpunished.”
In-depth-analysis
- A Word of Comfort: These verses abruptly shift focus from the gentile nations to God's covenant people. They are a direct quotation from the Book of Consolation (Jeremiah 30:10-11). Placed here, they form a stunning contrast. While the mighty empire of Egypt faces ruin, despised and exiled Jacob has a future and a hope.
- Covenant Promise: God reaffirms His identity as the God of Israel (v. 25) and Jacob as "My servant." The promise is one of salvation from exile, return to the land, and perfect peace (
rest
,quiet
,no one shall make him afraid
). - Justice and Grace: Verse 28 explains the nature of God's covenant relationship. Unlike the gentile nations that will face "a complete end" (
kālāh
), Israel will not. However, this preservation is not based on Israel's innocence. God will "correct you in justice" (yissartîḵā lammišpāṭ
) and will not treat them as guiltless (naqqēh lō’ ’ănaqqekkā
). God's discipline of His people is corrective, not purely destructive; it is a sign of His loving faithfulness.
Bible references
- Jeremiah 30:10-11: "Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob... For I will make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, but I will not make a full end of you." (The original source of this passage, emphasizing its importance in Jeremiah's message of hope).
- Isaiah 43:1, 5: "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob... Fear not, for I have redeemed you... Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east..." (The classic Isaianic message of hope and restoration for Jacob/Israel).
- Hebrews 12:5-6: "...'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens...'" (The NT principle of God's loving, corrective discipline for His children).
Cross references
- Deu 4:29-31 (Promise of restoration after exile); Psa 103:8-10 (God's merciful nature); Mic 7:18-20 (God pardons iniquity); Rom 11:28-29 (God's gifts and calling are irrevocable).
Jeremiah chapter 46 analysis
- The Sovereignty of God in History: The chapter's primary theological argument is that YHWH, the God of Israel, is the true king of history. He raises up empires like Babylon and casts down superpowers like Egypt according to His divine purpose. Geopolitical shifts are not random but are orchestrated events within "the Day of the LORD."
- A Tale of Two Destinies: The structure powerfully contrasts Egypt's fate with Israel's. Egypt, which trusts in its might, mercenaries, and false gods, is humiliated and judged. Israel, though sinful and exiled, is addressed as "My servant Jacob" and is promised salvation and measured, corrective discipline because of God's covenant. This highlights the difference between God's common grace/wrath toward the world and His special, covenantal faithfulness to His people.
- Polemic as Prophecy: The prophecy is saturated with polemics against the Egyptian worldview. By mocking the Nile, the Pharaoh (a supposed god-king), and the chief deity Amon-Ra, Jeremiah deconstructs the entire framework of Egyptian spiritual and military confidence, showing it to be hollow before the true God of Hosts.
Jeremiah 46 summary
Jeremiah 46 delivers two divine oracles predicting the downfall of Egypt. The first foretells the defeat of Pharaoh Neco's army by Babylon at Carchemish (605 BC), sarcastically mocking Egypt's military pride. The second predicts Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent invasion of the Egyptian homeland. The chapter frames these historical events as the "Day of the LORD," a divine judgment against Egypt's arrogance and false gods, especially Amon of Thebes. In stark contrast, the chapter concludes by reaffirming God's covenant promise to save and restore His people Jacob/Israel, whom He will discipline justly but never utterly destroy.
Jeremiah 46 AI Image Audio and Video
Jeremiah chapter 46 kjv
- 1 The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;
- 2 Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.
- 3 Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.
- 4 Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, and put on the brigandines.
- 5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.
- 6 Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.
- 7 Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?
- 8 Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.
- 9 Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow.
- 10 For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
- 11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.
- 12 The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, and they are fallen both together.
- 13 The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.
- 14 Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.
- 15 Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.
- 16 He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.
- 17 They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed.
- 18 As I live, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, so shall he come.
- 19 O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.
- 20 Egypt is like a very fair heifer, but destruction cometh; it cometh out of the north.
- 21 Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation.
- 22 The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.
- 23 They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.
- 24 The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.
- 25 The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him:
- 26 And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.
- 27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
- 28 Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
Jeremiah chapter 46 nkjv
- 1 The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the nations.
- 2 Against Egypt. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt, which was by the River Euphrates in Carchemish, and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:
- 3 "Order the buckler and shield, And draw near to battle!
- 4 Harness the horses, And mount up, you horsemen! Stand forth with your helmets, Polish the spears, Put on the armor!
- 5 Why have I seen them dismayed and turned back? Their mighty ones are beaten down; They have speedily fled, And did not look back, For fear was all around," says the LORD.
- 6 "Do not let the swift flee away, Nor the mighty man escape; They will stumble and fall Toward the north, by the River Euphrates.
- 7 "Who is this coming up like a flood, Whose waters move like the rivers?
- 8 Egypt rises up like a flood, And its waters move like the rivers; And he says, 'I will go up and cover the earth, I will destroy the city and its inhabitants.'
- 9 Come up, O horses, and rage, O chariots! And let the mighty men come forth: The Ethiopians and the Libyans who handle the shield, And the Lydians who handle and bend the bow.
- 10 For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, A day of vengeance, That He may avenge Himself on His adversaries. The sword shall devour; It shall be satiated and made drunk with their blood; For the Lord GOD of hosts has a sacrifice In the north country by the River Euphrates.
- 11 "Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt; In vain you will use many medicines; You shall not be cured.
- 12 The nations have heard of your shame, And your cry has filled the land; For the mighty man has stumbled against the mighty; They both have fallen together."
- 13 The word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon would come and strike the land of Egypt.
- 14 "Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol; Proclaim in Noph and in Tahpanhes; Say, 'Stand fast and prepare yourselves, For the sword devours all around you.'
- 15 Why are your valiant men swept away? They did not stand Because the LORD drove them away.
- 16 He made many fall; Yes, one fell upon another. And they said, 'Arise! Let us go back to our own people And to the land of our nativity From the oppressing sword.'
- 17 They cried there, 'Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is but a noise. He has passed by the appointed time!'
- 18 "As I live," says the King, Whose name is the LORD of hosts, "Surely as Tabor is among the mountains And as Carmel by the sea, so he shall come.
- 19 O you daughter dwelling in Egypt, Prepare yourself to go into captivity! For Noph shall be waste and desolate, without inhabitant.
- 20 "Egypt is a very pretty heifer, But destruction comes, it comes from the north.
- 21 Also her mercenaries are in her midst like fat bulls, For they also are turned back, They have fled away together. They did not stand, For the day of their calamity had come upon them, The time of their punishment.
- 22 Her noise shall go like a serpent, For they shall march with an army And come against her with axes, Like those who chop wood.
- 23 "They shall cut down her forest," says the LORD, "Though it cannot be searched, Because they are innumerable, And more numerous than grasshoppers.
- 24 The daughter of Egypt shall be ashamed; She shall be delivered into the hand Of the people of the north."
- 25 The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says: "Behold, I will bring punishment on Amon of No, and Pharaoh and Egypt, with their gods and their kings?Pharaoh and those who trust in him.
- 26 And I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their lives, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the hand of his servants. Afterward it shall be inhabited as in the days of old," says the LORD.
- 27 "But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, And do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from afar, And your offspring from the land of their captivity; Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease; No one shall make him afraid.
- 28 Do not fear, O Jacob My servant," says the LORD, "For I am with you; For I will make a complete end of all the nations To which I have driven you, But I will not make a complete end of you. I will rightly correct you, For I will not leave you wholly unpunished."
Jeremiah chapter 46 niv
- 1 This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations:
- 2 Concerning Egypt: This is the message against the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:
- 3 "Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle!
- 4 Harness the horses, mount the steeds! Take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears, put on your armor!
- 5 What do I see? They are terrified, they are retreating, their warriors are defeated. They flee in haste without looking back, and there is terror on every side," declares the LORD.
- 6 "The swift cannot flee nor the strong escape. In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall.
- 7 "Who is this that rises like the Nile, like rivers of surging waters?
- 8 Egypt rises like the Nile, like rivers of surging waters. She says, 'I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy cities and their people.'
- 9 Charge, you horses! Drive furiously, you charioteers! March on, you warriors?men of Cush and Put who carry shields, men of Lydia who draw the bow.
- 10 But that day belongs to the Lord, the LORD Almighty? a day of vengeance, for vengeance on his foes. The sword will devour till it is satisfied, till it has quenched its thirst with blood. For the Lord, the LORD Almighty, will offer sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.
- 11 "Go up to Gilead and get balm, Virgin Daughter Egypt. But you try many medicines in vain; there is no healing for you.
- 12 The nations will hear of your shame; your cries will fill the earth. One warrior will stumble over another; both will fall down together."
- 13 This is the message the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to attack Egypt:
- 14 "Announce this in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it also in Memphis and Tahpanhes: 'Take your positions and get ready, for the sword devours those around you.'
- 15 Why will your warriors be laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD will push them down.
- 16 They will stumble repeatedly; they will fall over each other. They will say, 'Get up, let us go back to our own people and our native lands, away from the sword of the oppressor.'
- 17 There they will exclaim, 'Pharaoh king of Egypt is only a loud noise; he has missed his opportunity.'
- 18 "As surely as I live," declares the King, whose name is the LORD Almighty, "one will come who is like Tabor among the mountains, like Carmel by the sea.
- 19 Pack your belongings for exile, you who live in Egypt, for Memphis will be laid waste and lie in ruins without inhabitant.
- 20 "Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly is coming against her from the north.
- 21 The mercenaries in her ranks 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.
- 22 Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent as the enemy advances in force; they will come against her with axes, like men who cut down trees.
- 23 They will chop down her forest," declares the LORD, "dense though it be. They are more numerous than locusts, they cannot be counted.
- 24 Daughter Egypt will be put to shame, given into the hands of the people of the north."
- 25 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "I am about to bring punishment on Amon god of Thebes, on Pharaoh, on Egypt and her gods and her kings, and on those who rely on Pharaoh.
- 26 I will give them into the hands of those who want to kill them?Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Later, however, Egypt will be inhabited as in times past," declares the LORD.
- 27 "Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.
- 28 Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you," declares the LORD. "Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished."
Jeremiah chapter 46 esv
- 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 "The swift cannot flee away, nor the warrior escape; 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 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 Call the name of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, 'Noisy one who lets the hour go by.'
- 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 "She makes a sound like a serpent gliding away; for her enemies march in force and come against her with axes like those who fell trees.
- 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."
Jeremiah chapter 46 nlt
- 1 The following messages were given to Jeremiah the prophet from the LORD concerning foreign nations.
- 2 This message concerning Egypt was given in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, the king of Judah, on the occasion of the battle of Carchemish when Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, and his army were defeated beside the Euphrates River by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
- 3 "Prepare your shields,
and advance into battle! - 4 Harness the horses,
and mount the stallions.
Take your positions.
Put on your helmets.
Sharpen your spears,
and prepare your armor. - 5 But what do I see?
The Egyptian army flees in terror.
The bravest of its fighting men run
without a backward glance.
They are terrorized at every turn,"
says the LORD. - 6 "The swiftest runners cannot flee;
the mightiest warriors cannot escape.
By the Euphrates River to the north,
they stumble and fall. - 7 "Who is this, rising like the Nile at floodtime,
overflowing all the land? - 8 It is the Egyptian army,
overflowing all the land,
boasting that it will cover the earth like a flood,
destroying cities and their people. - 9 Charge, you horses and chariots;
attack, you mighty warriors of Egypt!
Come, all you allies from Ethiopia, Libya, and Lydia
who are skilled with the shield and bow! - 10 For this is the day of the Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies,
a day of vengeance on his enemies.
The sword will devour until it is satisfied,
yes, until it is drunk with your blood!
The Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, will receive a sacrifice today
in the north country beside the Euphrates River. - 11 "Go up to Gilead to get medicine,
O virgin daughter of Egypt!
But your many treatments
will bring you no healing. - 12 The nations have heard of your shame.
The earth is filled with your cries of despair.
Your mightiest warriors will run into each other
and fall down together." - 13 Then the LORD gave the prophet Jeremiah this message about King Nebuchadnezzar's plans to attack Egypt.
- 14 "Shout it out in Egypt!
Publish it in the cities of Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes!
Mobilize for battle,
for the sword will devour everyone around you. - 15 Why have your warriors fallen?
They cannot stand, for the LORD has knocked them down. - 16 They stumble and fall over each other
and say among themselves,
'Come, let's go back to our people,
to the land of our birth.
Let's get away from the sword of the enemy!' - 17 There they will say,
'Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is a loudmouth
who missed his opportunity!' - 18 "As surely as I live," says the King,
whose name is the LORD of Heaven's Armies,
"one is coming against Egypt
who is as tall as Mount Tabor,
or as Mount Carmel by the sea! - 19 Pack up! Get ready to leave for exile,
you citizens of Egypt!
The city of Memphis will be destroyed,
without a single inhabitant. - 20 Egypt is as sleek as a beautiful heifer,
but a horsefly from the north is on its way! - 21 Egypt's mercenaries have become like fattened calves.
They, too, will turn and run,
for it is a day of great disaster for Egypt,
a time of great punishment. - 22 Egypt flees, silent as a serpent gliding away.
The invading army marches in;
they come against her with axes like woodsmen. - 23 They will cut down her people like trees," says the LORD,
"for they are more numerous than locusts. - 24 Egypt will be humiliated;
she will be handed over to people from the north." - 25 The LORD of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: "I will punish Amon, the god of Thebes, and all the other gods of Egypt. I will punish its rulers and Pharaoh, too, and all who trust in him.
- 26 I will hand them over to those who want them killed ? to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his army. But afterward the land will recover from the ravages of war. I, the LORD, have spoken!
- 27 "But do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant;
do not be dismayed, Israel.
For I will bring you home again from distant lands,
and your children will return from their exile.
Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet,
and no one will terrorize them. - 28 Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
for I am with you," says the LORD.
"I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you,
but I will not completely destroy you.
I will discipline you, but with justice;
I cannot let you go unpunished."
- Bible Book of Jeremiah
- 1 The Call of Jeremiah
- 2 Israel Forsakes the Lord
- 3 Faithless Israel Called to Repentance
- 4 Disaster from the North
- 5 Jerusalem Refused to Repent
- 6 Impending Disaster for Jerusalem
- 7 Evil in the Land
- 8 Sin and Treachery
- 9 Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep
- 10 Idols and the Living God
- 11 The Broken Covenant
- 12 Jeremiah's Complaint
- 13 The Ruined Loincloth
- 14 Famine, Sword, and Pestilence
- 15 The Lord Will Not Relent
- 16 Famine, Sword, and Death
- 17 The Sin of Judah
- 18 The Potter and Clay
- 19 The Broken Flask
- 20 Jeremiah Persecuted by Pashhur
- 21 Jerusalem Will Fall to Nebuchadnezzar
- 22 Message to the evil Kings
- 23 The Righteous Branch
- 24 The Good Figs and the Bad Figs
- 25 Seventy Years of Captivity
- 26 Jeremiah Threatened with Death
- 27 The Yoke of Nebuchadnezzar
- 28 Hananiah the False Prophet
- 29 Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles
- 30 Restoration for Israel and Judah
- 31 The Lord Will Turn Mourning to Joy
- 32 Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege
- 33 The Lord Promises Peace
- 34 Zedekiah to Die in Babylon
- 35 The Faithful Rechabites
- 36 Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
- 37 King Zedekiah's vain hope
- 38 Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern
- 39 The Fall of Jerusalem
- 40 Jeremiah Remains in Judah
- 41 Gedaliah Murdered
- 42 Warning Against Going to Egypt
- 43 Jeremiah Taken to Egypt
- 44 Judgment for Idolatry
- 45 Message to Baruch
- 46 Judgment on Egypt
- 47 Judgment on the Philistines
- 48 Judgment on Moab
- 49 Judgment on Ammon
- 50 Judgment on Babylon
- 51 The Utter Destruction of Babylon
- 52 The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted