Jeremiah 46

Jeremiah 46:1

VIII. PROPHECIES AGAINST THE GENTILE NATIONS (Chaps. 46-51)In this section Jeremiah delivers warnings of destruction and judgmentpoetically and beautifully. He prophesies against nine nations: Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Arabia (Kedar and Hazor), Elam, and Babylon. The nations are listed geographically, i.e., from west to east. Topically these prophecies fit after Jer_25:13. They were fulfilled after the destruction of Jerusalem. Babylon will be destroyed and desolate, while Israel will be redeemed. This prophecy of Babylon is probably already fulfilled, though some scholars envisage a rebuilding and subsequent overthrow. The rise of the Medes is taken up in Jer_51:1-24. A. Prophecies against Egypt (Chap. 46)46:1-12 Chapter 46, a song dealing with Egypt, begins a series of prophecies regarding Gentile nations. An army is seen preparing for battle, then making a hasty retreat. The army is Egypt’s, but it is composed mainly of mercenariesEthiopians, Libyans, and Lydians. Its defeat took place at Carchemish in 605 B.C. 46:13-19 Next Egypt is warned to prepare for invasion and exile. When Nebuchadnezzar invades the land, the valiant mercenary soldiers will fall against one another, then decide to go back home. Pharaoh will be nicknamed “Empty sound,” he is just so much noise. The Chaldean’s commanding presence, like Tabor and Carmel, will spell captivity for the Egyptians. 46:20-24 The Babylonian gadfly will sting the very pretty Egyptian heifer; her mercenaries, fat and undisciplined bulls, will retreat in disarray. The sound of Egypt “fleeing from the enemy is like the rustling of an escaping serpent” (Amplified Version). The invaders approach with battle axes. They cut down the Egyptians as if they were a thick forest. They are . . . more numerous than a swarm of grasshoppers. Egypt is thoroughly disgraced. 46:25-28 The LORD will punish Amon of No (the sun god of ancient Thebes), Pharaoh, and Egypt with their gods and their kings. But afterward they will be inhabited again. Israel, too, will be restored to her land, and will enjoy quiet and ease.