Jeremiah 2:18
Jeremiah 2:18 in Multiple Translations
Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?
And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?
And now what hast thou to do in the way to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? or what hast thou to do in the way to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River?
And now, what have you to do on the way to Egypt, to get your drink from the waters of the Nile? or what have you to do on the way to Assyria, to get your drink from the waters of the River?
Now what will you benefit as you travel back to Egypt to drink the waters of Shihor River? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates River?
And what hast thou now to do in the way of Egypt? to drinke the water of Nilus? or what makest thou in the way of Asshur? to drinke the water of the Riuer?
And now, what — to thee in the way of Egypt, To drink the waters of Sihor? And what — to thee in the way of Asshur, To drink the waters of the River?
Now what do you gain by going to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? Or why do you go on the way to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River?
And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?
And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the troubled water? And what hast thou to do with the way of the Assyrians, to drink the water of the river?
So ◄why are you trying to make an alliance with [MET] the rulers of Egypt?/it certainly will not help you to make an alliance with the rulers of Egypt► [RHQ]. Why are you trying to make an alliance with [MET] the rulers of Assyria who live near the Euphrates River?
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 2:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
מַה
לָּ/ךְ֙
לְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
מִצְרַ֔יִם
לִ/שְׁתּ֖וֹת
מֵ֣י
שִׁח֑וֹר
וּ/מַה
לָּ/ךְ֙
לְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
אַשּׁ֔וּר
לִ/שְׁתּ֖וֹת
מֵ֥י
נָהָֽר
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לָּ/ךְ֙
Prep | Suff
לְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
לִ/שְׁתּ֖וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
שִׁח֑וֹר
Shîychôwr
H7883
Nile
N-proper
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
לָּ/ךְ֙
Prep | Suff
לְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
אַשּׁ֔וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
לִ/שְׁתּ֖וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מֵ֥י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
נָהָֽר
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 2:18
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָּ/ךְ֙
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לִ/שְׁתּ֖וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
שִׁח֑וֹר
Shîychôwr
H7883
"Nile"
N-proper
Shichor refers to a river or branch of the Nile in Egypt, described as dark or murky. It is mentioned in the Bible as a geographical location on the east border of Egypt.
Definition: Shihor or Sihor = "dark" a river or canal on east border of Egypt and a branch of the Nile Another name of ye.or (יְאֹר "Nile" H2975G)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shihor, Sihor. See also: Joshua 13:3; Isaiah 23:3; Jeremiah 2:18.
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָּ/ךְ֙
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אַשּׁ֔וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
לִ/שְׁתּ֖וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מֵ֥י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
נָהָֽר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 2:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 2:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:18
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
- Sermons on Jeremiah 2:18
Context — The Consequence of Israel’s Sin
16The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.
17Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way?
18Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?
19Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. 20“For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 13:3 | from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; |
| 2 | Isaiah 31:1 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 2:36 | How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. |
| 4 | Hosea 7:11 | So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove— calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 17:15 | But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ |
| 6 | Lamentations 4:17 | All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 16:7–9 | So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death. |
| 8 | Isaiah 30:1–7 | “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.” This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them. Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 37:5–10 | Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down. This is what the LORD says: Do not deceive yourselves by saying, ‘The Chaldeans will go away for good,’ for they will not! Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.” |
| 10 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
Jeremiah 2:18 Summary
[Jeremiah 2:18 is a verse where the prophet Jeremiah is asking the people of Israel what they will gain by going to Egypt and Assyria for help, when they should be trusting in God instead. This is similar to what is said in Psalm 20:7-8, where it says that some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. The people of Israel were looking to other countries for security and provision, but Jeremiah is saying that this will not bring them the fulfillment they are looking for. Ultimately, our true security and provision can only come from God, as stated in Matthew 6:33, where it says to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Jeremiah 2:18?
The main idea of Jeremiah 2:18 is that the prophet is questioning the benefit of Israel's alliances with Egypt and Assyria, suggesting that these alliances will not bring the desired security or prosperity, as seen in Jeremiah 2:17 where it is stated that they have forsaken the LORD their God.
Why is Jeremiah comparing the waters of the Nile and the Euphrates to God's provision?
Jeremiah is comparing the waters of the Nile and the Euphrates to God's provision to highlight the futility of seeking sustenance and security from foreign powers rather than from the Lord, as stated in Psalm 42:1-2 where it says that the soul thirsts for God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of idolatry in the Bible because Israel's pursuit of alliances with Egypt and Assyria represents a form of idolatry, where they are seeking to replace God with other sources of security and provision, as warned against in Exodus 20:3-5.
What is the significance of the waters of the Nile and the Euphrates in this verse?
The waters of the Nile and the Euphrates represent the life-giving resources and security that Israel is seeking from foreign powers, but Jeremiah is emphasizing that these resources are ultimately insufficient and fleeting compared to the living water that God provides, as seen in John 4:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be seeking security or provision from sources other than God, and how can I redirect my trust to Him?
- How can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 2:18 to my own life, recognizing that my own strength and resources are insufficient for true fulfillment and security?
- What does it mean to 'drink from the waters' of worldly sources, and how can I avoid the temptation to do so?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision and care, rather than relying on my own efforts or the support of others?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:18
And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt,.... By worshipping of idols, in imitation of them; or by sending ambassadors thither for help, when they had their Lord, their God, so nigh, had they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:18
And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
What hast thou to do in the way of Egypt? what business hast thou there? or what dost thou expect from thence? or what need hast thou to go or send messengers thither, if thou wouldst but keep close to me? Sihor, viz. Nilus; it signifies black, from whence called Melas by the Greeks, either from the blackness of the land it passed through, or of the soil it casteth up. See on . To drink the waters: here, and by the same words before, is meant, to seek help from either place, noting their strength, . A metaphorical allegory, wherein God minds them of two of their broken cisterns, and shows them their folly to go so far when they might have been better supplied nearer home; as if God were not able to help them. Compare . The river, i.e. Euphrates, often called so by way of eminency; the chief river of Assyria, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
Jeremiah 2:18 And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?Ver. 18. And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt?] Why trusteth thou to carnal combinations, which thou hast formerly found to lack in success? wilt thou never be warned of these broken cisterns? or hast thou a mind to be ground to powder between those two millstones of Egypt and Assyria, after whom thou hankerest? Psalms 146:3, David having entered a caveat against creature confidence, persuades people to trust in God alone. See also Psalms 62:8-10. To drink the waters of Sihor,] i.e., Of Nile, called Sihor, of its blackness or muddiness; and in Greek, Måëáò, black. To drink the waters of it here is to draw the Egyptian forces to thine assistance, and, as some think, to partake with them in their superstitions. To drink of the water of the river,] i.e., Of Euphrates, that river by an eminence. Limosus est Nilus et oblimat Aegyptum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
(18) In the way of Egypt . . .?—The rebuke becomes more and more specific. Great rivers were, in the poetry of the prophets, the natural symbols of the kingdoms through which they flowed. Sihor (= the turbid or muddy river) here, and in Isaiah 23:3 the Nile (though in Joshua 13:3 it stands for the border stream between Palestine and Egypt), represented Egypt. The “river,” or “flood,” needing no other name as pre-eminent in its greatness (comp. Joshua 24:14-15), the Euphrates, stood for Assyria (comp. Isaiah 8:7). The words point to the tendency to court the alliance now of one, now of the other of the great kingdoms of the world. The policy was no new one. Menahem in Israel, Ahaz in Judah, had courted Assyria (2 Kings 15:19; 2 Kings 16:7-8); Hezekiah, Babylon (Isaiah 39); Hoshea had sought help from Egypt (2 Kings 17:4). The prophet Hosea had rebuked both policies (Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9).
Even under Hezekiah there was a party seeking the Egyptian alliance (Isaiah 18, 19, 31. Under Manasseh and Amon that party was in power, and the very name of the latter probably bears witness to its influence. Josiah kept as far as possible the position of a neutral, but, when forced into action, and probably guided by the counsels of Hilkiah, resisted the advance of Pharaoh-nechoh (2 Kings 23:29). On his death the Egyptian party again gained ground under Jehoiakim, while Jeremiah, opposing its strength, urged the wisdom of accepting the guidance of events, and submitting to the Chaldæans (so far continuing the line of action adopted by Hezekiah), and ultimately was accused of deserting his own people and “falling away” to their oppressors (Jeremiah 37:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
Verse 18. What hast thou to do in the way of Egypt] Why dost thou make alliances with Egypt? To drink the waters of Sihor?] This means the Nile. See on Isaiah 23:3. The way of Assyria] Why make alliances with the Assyrians? All such connexions will only expedite thy ruin. To drink the waters of the river?] The Euphrates, as נהר nahar or הנהר hannahar always means Euphrates, the country between the Tigris and Euphrates, is termed to this day Maher alnahar, "the country beyond the river," i.e., Mesopotamia. Instead of cleaving to the Lord, they joined affinity and made alliances with those two nations, who were ever jealous of them, and sought their ruin. Egypt was to them a broken reed instead of a staff; Assyria was a leaky cistern, from which they could derive no help.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:18
18. what hast thou to do in the way to Egypt] The thought is the same as that expressed in Isaiah 30:1-3. Ever since the time when Psammetichus I (b.c. 663–610), king of Egypt, reduced under his own sway the twelve separate kingdoms into which that country had been formed, there was a party of statesmen at Jerusalem who favoured an Egyptian alliance. This party Jeremiah constantly opposed. to drink the waters of Shihor] to hold communication with Egypt, and espouse its cause. The figure has been already suggested by the mention of fountains and cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13). Shihor] The word, which properly means turbid, is shewn by the context to be equivalent to the Nile, a word which itself denotes blue, or dark; so probably in Isaiah 23:3. Sometimes (as in Joshua 13:3; 1 Chronicles 13:5) the name is confined to the easternmost branch of the Nile. what hast thou to do in the way to Assyria] Both Israel and Judah had vacillated for many reigns between Egypt and Assyria. Menahem king of Israel bribed Pul king of Assyria to support him, and to him also his successors Pekahiah and Pekah seem to have looked. Hoshea sought the aid of Egypt to enable him to throw off the Assyrian yoke, while Josiah met his death in fighting against it and on behalf of the Eastern empire, Assyria’s successor. Thus subservience now to one now to the other quarter was familiar to those whom Jeremiah addressed. Hosea (Jeremiah 7:2) had likened Israel in its vacillation to “a silly dove, without understanding.” to drink the waters of the River] Euphrates, the great river, on which was built Babylon.
Cp. Isaiah 8:7.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:18
Sihor - The Nile. To lean upon Egypt was a violation of the principles of theocracy. The two rivers are the two empires, and to drink their waters is to adopt their principles and religion. Compare also Isaiah 8:6-7.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:18
18. The way of Egypt, is the way they must go to secure the aid of Egypt. What business have you going down to Egypt for help? God’s way is from Egypt, not to it.
Sermons on Jeremiah 2:18
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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Trusting God in Stead of Man by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the words spoken to be transformed from water into wine, symbolizing a powerful and impactful message. The preacher then discusse |
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Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who |
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The Spirit of Egypt - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon reflects on a time of imminent danger during the Japanese invasion of Madras, where the speaker's father used the opportunity to preach the gospel. It emphasizes seekin |
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Gone Down Into Egypt by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores Abram's journey into Egypt during a famine in Canaan, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who separate themselves for God's purpose. He highlights the imp |