Jeremiah 46 2

Jeremiah 46:2 kjv

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.

Jeremiah 46:2 nkjv

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:

Jeremiah 46:2 niv

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:

Jeremiah 46:2 esv

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:

Jeremiah 46:2 nlt

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.

Jeremiah 46 verses

Jeremiah 46 2 Meaning

The verse speaks of Egypt's impending doom. The phrase "the sword of the LORD" signifies divine judgment being enacted against Egypt, not through direct supernatural intervention, but through the military might of human agents commissioned by God. The verse announces the utter devastation and destruction that awaits Egypt, characterized by its fallen mighty men and the completeness of the disaster.

Jeremiah 46 2 Context

Jeremiah chapter 46 addresses God's judgment against Egypt. This prophecy was delivered during a turbulent period in Near Eastern history, specifically when Egypt was asserting its influence in the Levant and clashing with the rising Babylonian empire. Pharaoh Necho II had even defeated King Josiah of Judah at the Battle of Megiddo. The prophecy is set against the backdrop of Nebuchadnezzar's military campaigns, which would eventually lead to the Babylonian exile of Judah. Verse 2 specifically describes the moment of defeat, as the Egyptian army, under Pharaoh Necho, faces God's sword.

Jeremiah 46 2 Word analysis

• אֲרֶרֶ֕ת (’ĕrêṯ) - "a destruction," "a downfall." This word conveys a sense of overwhelming ruin and annihilation.

• וַחֲצִיצָ֥ה (wĕḥăṣîṣâ) - "and the clanging," "and the sound of a trumpet." Refers to the loud, alarming noise associated with battle preparation and the onset of war, often a trumpet blast signaling engagement.

• בְּבֶל. (bêlêṯ.) - This appears to be a variant spelling or an artifact; the intended word likely relates to the location or context of the judgment. Standard Hebrew for "against" or "concerning" is אֶל (’el) or עַל (’al). Some scholarly interpretations suggest a connection to "Baal," implying judgment against false gods associated with Egypt, or it might be a scribe's error. Given the context, it most likely indicates the subject of the oracle.

• עַל־ (’al-): "concerning," "against." Introduces the object of the prophetic oracle.

• צְבָא֥ (ṣĕḇā’) - "army," "host." Refers to a military force.

• פַּרְעֹ֖ה (par‘ôh) - "Pharaoh." The title of the king of Egypt.

• נְכ֛וֹ (nêḵw) - "Necho." The name of the Egyptian king during whose reign this prophecy was likely delivered.

• מְצִרָ֑יִם (meṣrayîm) - "Egypt." The nation of Egypt.

• יְרִ֥י (yərî) - "passing," "going forth," "overcoming." It implies movement and advance, particularly in a military context.

• בְּצִבְרִ֥י (bəṣîḇrî) - "against the river." Likely refers to the Euphrates River, where key confrontations with Egyptian forces took place.

• Egypt, concerning the army of Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish, which was smitten by Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.

  • Egypt, concerning the army of Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt: This identifies the subject nation and its military force led by its ruler.
  • which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish: This specifies the location of a significant military engagement. Carchemish was a strategically important city on the Euphrates.
  • which was smitten by Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon: This describes the decisive action – defeat – and identifies the victor, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, highlighting God's instrument of judgment.
  • in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah: This provides the historical timeframe, anchoring the event within the history of Judah, emphasizing the consequences of their political and spiritual state.

Jeremiah 46 2 Bonus Section

The battle at Carchemish is considered a turning point in ancient Near Eastern history. It effectively ended Egyptian dominance in the region and cemented Babylon's position as the paramount world power. This shift in geopolitical power had direct implications for Judah, bringing it under Babylonian suzerainty, which eventually led to the Babylonian exile. The prophecy in this chapter underscores that nations, even powerful ones like Egypt, are accountable to God. The mention of Pharaoh Necho, who had previously intervened in Judah's affairs (killing King Josiah), highlights the interconnectedness of international politics and divine judgment within the prophetic message.

Jeremiah 46 2 Commentary

This verse is foundational to the prophecy against Egypt in Jeremiah 46. It vividly sets the scene for a critical battle, naming the key players: Egypt's Pharaoh Necho and the rising Babylonian power under Nebuchadnezzar. The location at the river Euphrates near Carchemish is historically significant as the site of a major battle in 605 BCE, where Nebuchadnezzar decisively defeated the Egyptian army. Jeremiah is announcing God's sovereign hand in this military outcome, portraying the defeat not as a random event but as a divine judgment. The use of "the sword of the LORD" emphasizes that earthly armies are instruments in God's hands to execute His purposes and judgment against nations that oppose Him or become excessively proud. The verse foreshadows a period of vulnerability and subsequent judgment for Egypt.