SECTION 3. PROPHECIES AGAINST FOREIGN NATIONS (CHAPTER S 46-51). This SECTION commences in Jeremiah 46:1 with the words, ‘The word of YHWH which came to Jeremiah the prophet --'. This phrase follows the pattern that has gone before, and here indicates a new section. It is also a reminder that what w... [ Continue Reading ]
GENERAL HEADING. ‘The word of YHWH which came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.' Here we have an indication of what this final main section is all about. It deals with YHWH's ‘powerful word' (dbr YHWH) against all the nations which were affecting Judah/Israel at that time. It indicate... [ Continue Reading ]
A). ORACLE CONCERNING NEBUCHADREZZAR'S DEFEAT OF THE EGYPTIAN ARMY AT CARCHEMISH IN 605 BC (JEREMIAH 46:2). The importance of this prophesy to a people reeling under the unexpected death of their good and godly king Josiah, and who now as a consequence found themselves under tribute to Egypt, with... [ Continue Reading ]
EXPECTANT PREPARATION FOR BATTLE (JEREMIAH 46:3). The prophecy commences with a vivid picture of preparation for battle, as the Egyptian army prepared to face the enemy. Some see in this the Babylonian preparations, but the whole context appears to have in mind the Egyptians (although note Jeremiah... [ Continue Reading ]
UTTER DEFEAT (JEREMIAH 46:5). In deliberately stark contrast we are now given the picture of this once proud army fleeing in tatters. It is as though it was written by an onlooker behind the lines who had observed with awe the initial preparations and advance, and now saw the same army streaming ba... [ Continue Reading ]
THE COMMAND TO LET NONE ESCAPE (JEREMIAH 46:6). The Babylonians are commanded to ensure that their victory is complete and that due judgment is visited on the Egyptians. All is under God's control. Jeremiah 46:6 ‘Do not let the swift flee away, Nor the mighty man escape! In the north by the riv... [ Continue Reading ]
YHWH CHALLENGES THEM AND DARES THEM TO GO FORTH TO WHAT IS TO BE HIS DAY, A DAY OF VENGEANCE AND SACRIFICE (JEREMIAH 46:9). But YHWH saw things differently. The Egyptian Army was composed largely of mercenaries, experienced warriors from many nations. They appeared invincible. But they are now call... [ Continue Reading ]
B). ORACLE CONCERNING NEBUCHADREZZAR'S LATER PENETRATION INTO EGYPT WHICH WILL NOT HOWEVER BE TERMINAL (JEREMIAH 46:13). This prophecy here has in mind a much later excursion of Nebuchadrezzar against Egypt (568/7 BC), no doubt angered by Egypt's constant interference in Palestine. It was not so mu... [ Continue Reading ]
A PROMISE TO JUDAH THAT SHE TOO WILL BE RESTORED (JEREMIAH 46:27). But in spite of these judgments there is future hope for Judah/Israel, for YHWH's promise is that He will not leave them in their exile. As He had previously promised in Isaiah, they will be brought back to their land and dwell in sa... [ Continue Reading ]