Jeremiah 47:7
Jeremiah 47:7 in Multiple Translations
How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”
How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.
How canst thou be quiet, seeing Jehovah hath given thee a charge? Against Ashkelon, and against the sea-shore, there hath he appointed it.
How is it possible for it to be quiet, seeing that the Lord has given it orders? against Ashkelon and against the sea-land he has given it directions.
But how can the sword stop killing when the Lord has given it orders to attack Ashkelon and its coastlands?
Howe can it cease, seeing the Lord hath giuen it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea banke? euen there hath he appointed it.
How shall it be quiet, And Jehovah hath given a charge to it, Against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? There hath He appointed it!'
“How can you be quiet, since the LORD has given you a command? Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore, there he has appointed it.”
How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.
How shall it be quiet, when the Lord hath given it a charge against Ascalon, and against the countries thereof by the sea side, and there hath made an appointment for it?
But it would not be right [RHQ] for their swords to stay there, because Yahweh has commanded their enemies to do something more; Yahweh intends to tell them to attack all the people living in Ashkelon and in other cities along the coast.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 47:7
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 47:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣יךְ
תִּשְׁקֹ֔טִי
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
צִוָּה
לָ֑/הּ
אֶֽל
אַשְׁקְל֛וֹן
וְ/אֶל
ח֥וֹף
הַ/יָּ֖ם
שָׁ֥ם
יְעָדָֽ/הּ
אֵ֣יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
תִּשְׁקֹ֔טִי
shâqaṭ
H8252
to quiet
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
צִוָּה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לָ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַשְׁקְל֛וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
Ashkelon
N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
ח֥וֹף
chôwph
H2348
coast
N-ms
הַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
יְעָדָֽ/הּ
yâʻad
H3259
to appoint
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 47:7
אֵ֣יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
תִּשְׁקֹ֔טִי
shâqaṭ
H8252
"to quiet"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To quiet or be at peace is what this Hebrew word means, like the stillness after a storm, as described in Psalm 107:30.
Definition: 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be quiet, be undisturbed 1a1a) to be at peace (of land) 1a2) to be quiet, be inactive 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show quietness 1b1a) quietness, display of quietness (subst) 1b2) to quiet, be quiet 1b3) to cause quietness, pacify, allay
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. See also: Joshua 11:23; Psalms 76:9; Psalms 83:2.
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צִוָּה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לָ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַשְׁקְל֛וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
"Ashkelon"
N-proper
Ashkelon was a major city in ancient Palestine, southwest of Jerusalem. It was a key Philistine city, mentioned in the books of Joshua and Amos. The KJV translates it as 'Ashkelon' or 'Askalon'.
Definition: Askelon or Ashkelon = "the fire of infamy: I shall be weighed" a maritime city of the Philistines, southwest of Jerusalem Also named: esh.qe.lo.ni (אֶשְׁקְלוֹנִי "Ashkelon" H0832)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Ashkelon, Askalon. See also: Judges 1:18; Jeremiah 47:5; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
ח֥וֹף
chôwph
H2348
"coast"
N-ms
A coast or seashore is the land along the edge of the sea, like the coast of Israel where the tribe of Benjamin lived. It can also refer to a sheltered bay or haven.
Definition: seashore, coast, shore
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: coast (of the sea), haven, shore, (sea-) side. See also: Genesis 49:13; Judges 5:17; Jeremiah 47:7.
הַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
יְעָדָֽ/הּ
yâʻad
H3259
"to appoint"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To appoint or agree on something, like setting a time to meet or making a plan, as seen in Esther when the king appoints a new leader. It can also mean to gather or assemble people for a purpose.
Definition: 1) to fix, appoint, assemble, meet, set, betroth 1a)(Qal) to appoint, assign, designate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to meet 1b2) to meet by appointment 1b3) to gather, assemble by appointment 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet 1d) (Hophal) to be set, be placed before, be fixed
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: agree,(maxke an) appoint(-ment, a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time). See also: Exodus 21:8; 2 Samuel 20:5; Psalms 48:5.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 47:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 47:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
- Sermons on Jeremiah 47:7
Context — Judgment on the Philistines
5The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself?
6‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’
7How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 14:17 | Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I cut off from it both man and beast, |
| 2 | Micah 6:9 | The voice of the LORD calls out to the city (and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name): “Heed the rod and the One who ordained it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:6 | I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. |
| 4 | Zephaniah 2:6–7 | So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 25:16 | therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 15:3 | Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” |
| 7 | Amos 3:6 | If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? |
| 8 | Isaiah 37:26 | Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. |
| 9 | Isaiah 13:3 | I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have even summoned My warriors to execute My wrath and exult in My triumph. |
| 10 | Isaiah 46:10–11 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
Jeremiah 47:7 Summary
Jeremiah 47:7 means that God has given a command for the sword, or His judgment, to be executed on certain nations, including Ashkelon and its coastland. This verse shows that God is in control of all nations and events, and His plans will not be stopped, as seen in Psalm 103:19. Just like a sword cannot rest until it has completed its task, God's judgment will not rest until it has accomplished its purpose, as encouraged in Isaiah 55:11. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and obey His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'How can it rest' mean in Jeremiah 47:7?
The phrase 'How can it rest' refers to the sword of the LORD, which is a symbol of God's judgment and war, as mentioned in Jeremiah 47:6. The sword cannot rest because God has commanded it to execute judgment on specific nations, as seen in Jeremiah 47:7 and Ezekiel 21:9-11.
Why has the LORD appointed the sword against Ashkelon and its coastland?
The LORD has appointed the sword against Ashkelon and its coastland as a form of judgment, likely due to their wickedness and rebellion against God, as seen in other passages such as Isaiah 1:1-20 and Jeremiah 1:10.
Is the sword of the LORD a literal or metaphorical concept?
The sword of the LORD is likely a metaphorical concept, representing God's power and judgment, as seen in passages such as Hebrews 4:12, where the word of God is compared to a double-edged sword, and Ephesians 6:17, where the sword of the Spirit is the word of God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty, as He is the one commanding the sword to execute judgment, demonstrating His control over all nations and events, as seen in passages such as Psalm 103:19 and Daniel 4:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God's judgment can be seen in the world today, and how should I respond to these signs?
- How can I balance the concept of God's judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in passages such as John 3:16 and Romans 5:8?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or chaos, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:3-4?
- How can I apply the principle of God's judgment on nations to my own life, recognizing the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Matthew 25:31-46?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:7
How can it be quiet,.... There is no reason to believe it will, nor can it be expected that it should; to stop it is impossible, and to request that it might be stopped is in vain: seeing the Lord
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:7
How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it. How can it be quiet?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
Some make the words of the 6th verse to be the words of the Philistines in their mourning and cutting themselves, crying to God to stop the sword drawn against them, and to return it again into its scabbard: others make them the words of the prophet, lamenting the havoc which he by the eye of the prophecy saw was like to be made amongst the Philistines by the Chaldeans (for good men are affected with the miseries even of the worst of men). The latter verse must be expounded according to the former; for if the words of the former verse be understood as the words of the Philistines, those of this verse must be understood as the words of the prophet putting them out of hopes of the sword’ s stopping, because what it did was by commission from God, which it must execute. If the words of the former verse be to be understood as the prophet’ s words, the words of this verse are either the prophet’ s words correcting himself, and concluding that this sword could not be quiet, because it was edged by God himself, who had given it his commission, which it must execute; or the words of God, letting the prophet know that he had given this sword its commission, and therefore it could not stop till Ashkelon and the people on the sea-shore were destroyed by it.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
Jeremiah 47:7 How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.Ver. 7. How can it be quiet?] Heb., How shalt thou be quiet? Here the prophet quieteth himself howsoever by a humble submission to his holy will, who had put the sword in commission. God’ s will is the rule of right, neither can force or entreaty prevail aught against it in this world, much less in the world to come, where each one must hold him to his doom, which is irreversible.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
(7) Against the sea shore.—In the “sea shore,” as in Ezekiel 25:16, we have the term specially appropriate to the territory of the Philistines.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
Verse 7. How can it be quiet] This is the answer of the Sword. I am the officer of God's judgments, and he has given me a commission against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore; all the coast where the Philistines have their territories. The measure of their iniquities is full; and these God hath appointed this sword to ravage. The Philistines were ever the implacable enemies of the Jews, and the basest and worst of all idolaters. On these accounts the sword of the Lord had its commission against them; and it did its office most fearfully and effectually by the hand of the Chaldeans.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:7
7. How canst thou] rather, with LXX, Syr., Vulg. How can it.… So correct “thee” by mg. it, the sea shore, the Philistine and Phoenician coast.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:7
7. How can it, etc. — A reply to the question asked in Jeremiah 47:6. Jehovah hath given “the sword” a commission, and it cannot be quiet until the commission be fulfilled. Sea shore — A suitable designation of Philistia.
Sermons on Jeremiah 47:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Removing the Stumbling Blocks by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of removing stumbling blocks from our hearts and from the church. He warns that if we do not heed God's call to be honest and |
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C. H. Spurgeon by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher, Spurgeon, addresses the sins of society, particularly the oppression of the poor and the toleration of immorality. He emphasizes that this world is no |
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Through the Bible - Jonah, Micah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's controversy with His people as described in Micah chapters six and seven. The Lord challenges Israel to state their case against Him, re |
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 2 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity for Christians to remain mute and silent during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9 to illustrate that silence allows believers to hear the |
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A Divine Cordial by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the transformative power of God's love and mercy in the lives of believers, highlighting how afflictions, when sanctified, draw them closer to God, tea |
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All the Afflictions, Troubles, and Trials by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in our afflictions, urging believers to heed the rod of discipline that God appoints. He explains that the rod s |
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Live Expressed by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap |