Jeremiah 47 5

Jeremiah 47:5 kjv

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

Jeremiah 47:5 nkjv

Baldness has come upon Gaza, Ashkelon is cut off With the remnant of their valley. How long will you cut yourself?

Jeremiah 47:5 niv

Gaza will shave her head in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. You remnant on the plain, how long will you cut yourselves?

Jeremiah 47:5 esv

Baldness has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon has perished. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourselves?

Jeremiah 47:5 nlt

Gaza will be humiliated, its head shaved bald;
Ashkelon will lie silent.
You remnant from the Mediterranean coast,
how long will you cut yourselves in mourning?

Jeremiah 47 verses

Jeremiah 47 5 Meaning

Jeremiah 47:5 describes the profound grief and distress of the Philistines as they witness the destruction of Gaza by the Babylonian army. The verse emphasizes the lament of those who dwell in the valley, signifying a pervasive and widespread sorrow affecting the entire region.

Jeremiah 47 5 Context

Jeremiah 47 is part of a larger section in Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) that contains prophecies against foreign nations. This chapter specifically addresses the Philistines. Historically, the Philistines were persistent adversaries of Israel, often described as oppressors. This prophecy comes during a time of escalating conflict with Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, who was expanding his empire. The Babylonians, referred to as "the people from the north" in other parts of Jeremiah, are the instruments of God's judgment against nations that have acted against His people. This specific prophecy against Philistia reflects the broader divine judgment on nations that defied God and mistreated Israel. The invasion of Philistine cities like Gaza by the Babylonians signifies the fulfillment of God's promised retribution.

Jeremiah 47 5 Word Analysis

• Gazah (עָזָה): Gaza. This is the proper name of one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located on the Mediterranean coast. It was a significant commercial and military stronghold.
• ‘e`qum (עֵקֶם): Is disabled/bereft. The root implies pain, anguish, or being made childless. It suggests a state of severe affliction and powerlessness.
• Shaddu (שַׁדּוּ): Is made silent/put to shame. This word can denote the cessation of speech due to shock, fear, or desolation. It signifies a loss of voice, implying defeat and humiliation.
• Shimrōn (שִׁמְרוֹן): Ashkelon. Another major Philistine city. Similar to Gaza, its silencing indicates devastation and the end of its influence.
• Ma‘ǎpōqē‘ (מַעֲמָקִים): The valley. Refers to a lowland or plain, likely a geographical feature in the territory of Philistia, perhaps where the general populace might lament.
• ’ap (אַף): Also/even. A conjunctive particle that adds emphasis or connection.
• Samar‘ām (שָׁמְרוֹם): Ephraim. This refers to the northern kingdom of Israel, also known as Israel or Samaria. Its inclusion here is significant.
• Nĕtsĕrāh (נִצְּרָה): Guarded/kept. However, in this context, often understood to mean "cut off" or "removed" when associated with destruction, referring to the cutting off of Ephraim's security or strength.

Group Analysis:

• "For Gaza is bereft and Ashkelon silenced;": This pairing of two prominent Philistine cities emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the impending destruction. "Bereft" (e`qum) and "silenced" (shaddu) evoke images of profound loss and desolation.
• "even the valley shall cut off...": The "valley" amplifies the extent of the ruin, indicating that even common areas, not just fortifications, will experience the devastation. The phrase "shall cut off" (netsar implies being cut off or removed) speaks to the abrupt end of security and normal life for the inhabitants of this region. The inclusion of "Ephraim" (Samaria) in this context likely serves a theological purpose, highlighting that divine judgment can extend beyond immediate enemies to include those who have also strayed, or it might be a general statement of widespread chaos impacting various peoples in the region due to the great empire's movements.

Jeremiah 47 5 Bonus Section

The Philistines were long-standing enemies of Israel, often characterized by their hostility (1 Samuel 17, 29:1-11). God had promised judgment upon them for their actions against His people, as seen in various prophetic books. This verse is a specific instance of that judgment being executed through the Babylonian empire, illustrating how God uses even pagan nations as instruments of His wrath. The reference to Ephraim here can be interpreted in a few ways: it might foreshadow future diasporas or chastisements for Israel, or it might serve to contrast the fate of God’s rebellious people with His judgment on other nations, or it could reflect a geographical or political reality where Philistine incursions affected surrounding territories including remnants or those identified with Ephraim. The "valley" could represent the plain or lowlands, places of vulnerability during warfare.

Jeremiah 47 5 Commentary

This verse vividly portrays the devastating impact of military invasion, using the silencing and desolation of major Philistine cities, Gaza and Ashkelon, as stark examples. The imagery of the valley also being affected underscores the thoroughness of the destruction. The mention of Ephraim, a part of the northern kingdom of Israel, suggests a wider scope of conflict or perhaps God's judgment extending to all who have defied Him or His people. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of wickedness and the ultimate sovereignty of God in directing the affairs of nations. The sorrow and panic that would accompany such events are deeply conveyed by the verse’s chosen terms for affliction.