Jeremiah 46-47

Jeremiah 46

1-12 Judgment on Egypt (Destruction of the Egyptian army)

• Prophecy of Egypt, about Pharaoh Neco's army at Carchemish by the Euphrates River
• Defeated by Nebuchadnezzar in the 4th Year of King Jehoiakim (son of Josiah) of Judah

[In poetry format]

3-5 Prepare for battle, soldiers! Why are they terrified and falling back?

6-9 Egypt rises like the Nile, covering the earth, destroying cities; Ethiopia and Put carry her shield; Ludim draws the bow

10-12 It is the LORD's retribution; he will sacrifice Egypt. Her medicines will not heal her.

13-26 Babylonia Will Strike Egypt (Destruction of the Land of Egypt)

Note: According to commentaries, the first 12 verses are a different prophecy, applying only to the army. Note that it's in the 4th year of Jehoiakim. These verses happen 16 years after Jerusalem is defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, in the 27th year of his reign.

• The word of the LORD to Jeremiah about Nebuchadnezzar's attack on Egypt

14 Tell Egypt to get ready, for the sword shall devour those around you.

15-16 Your god, the bull, cannot protect you; your immigrants will want to go back home.

17-19 Name your Pharaoh "Braggart who missed his chance"; pack your bags, for Memphis shall become a waste.

20-21 Egypt is a beautiful heifer with mercenaries like fatted calves. They'll all flee together.

22-24 Egypt will slither away like a snake, beaten by locusts, put to shame by people from the north.

• Says the LORD, I am punishing Egypt and Pharaoh, her gods and her kings, handing them over to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and she shall look like she used to (before her dominance).

27-28 As for you, my servant Jacob, have no fear, for I will save you; you will return to quiet and ease. I will chastise you, but I will not destroy you.

Jeremiah 47

1-7 Judgment on the Philistines

2 The waters are rising out of the north to flood the land of the Philistines.

3-4 The noise of the chariots will be so loud and sudden, parents will not even be able to turn back for their children.

5 The land will be wiped clean.

6-7 The sword of the LORD cannot be quiet, for the LORD has appointed it for destruction of Ashkelon (one of the cities of the Philistines).