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Jeremiah 46

28 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah warns of impending judgment upon Egypt and its allies, depicting a fierce, divine conquest by Babylon, while assuring Israel of future deliverance.

Summary

The chapter opens with Jeremiah delivering the Lord’s word against the Gentiles, specifically Egypt and its military forces. The prophet describes a dramatic battle scenario, urging Egyptian troops to prepare for a devastating defeat by the Euphrates. He paints vivid imagery of floods, swords, and the annihilation of Egypt’s forces, including allied peoples such as Ethiopians, Libyans, and Lydians. The Lord declares vengeance as the day of the Lord, condemning Egypt’s pride and predicting its subjugation by Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon. Amid this bleak vision, the text shifts to comfort Israel, assuring Jacob that God will rescue them from captivity and that His judgment will not be complete upon His own people. Thus, the chapter juxtaposes doom for Egypt with hope for Israel.

Outline
  1. Prophetic condemnation of Egypt and its allies, including battle imagery and divine judgment
  2. Announcement of Babylonian conquest and the execution of vengeance
  3. Reassurance to Israel that God will deliver them from exile
Themes
Divine judgment and vengeanceCovenant faithfulness of IsraelContrast between Egyptian pride and Israel’s trust in God
Keywords
LordJudgmentVengeanceEgyptIsraelNebuchadrezzarEuphratesBattleDestructionDeliverance
People
JeremiahPharaoh (King of Egypt)Nebuchadrezzar (King of Babylon)Israel / Jacob (servant of the Lord)Pharaohnecho (king of Egypt)
Places
EgyptEuphrates RiverCarchemishGileadNophTahpanhesMigdolNorth country
Things
Shield and bucklerHorse armor and helmetsSpears and brigandinesFlood watersSwordDestruction of forestsCaptivity
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 46:1: Introduces the divine commission and the target of the prophecy.
  • Jeremiah 46:5: Illustrates the fear and disarray of the Egyptian forces.
  • Jeremiah 46:10: Highlights the theme of vengeance and the sword consuming the enemy.
  • Jeremiah 46:27: Shifts to reassurance for Israel, promising rescue from captivity.
  • Jeremiah 46:28: Affirms God’s protective presence for Israel while outlining the limits of judgment.
Questions
  • Why does God choose to judge Egypt while reassuring Israel?
  • What is the significance of the imagery of floods and swords in prophetic literature?
  • How does the contrast between Egyptian pride and Israel’s faith inform our understanding of covenant fidelity?
  • In what ways does the text reflect the historical context of Babylonian dominance?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage presents stark negative judgment for Egypt but offers positive reassurance for Israel.