Jeremiah 46:8-18

8 Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters churn like rivers. He boasts: I will go up, I will cover the earth; I will destroy cities with their residents.
9 Rise up, you cavalry! Race furiously, you chariots! Let the warriors go forth- Cush and Put,[a] who are able to handle shields, and the Ludim,[b] who are able to handle and string the bow.[c]
10 That day belongs to the Lord, the God of Hosts, a day of vengeance to avenge Himself against His adversaries. The sword will devour and be satisfied; it will drink its fill of their blood, because it will be a sacrifice[d] to the Lord, the God of Hosts, in the northern land by the Euphrates River.
11 Go up to Gilead and get balm,[e] Virgin Daughter Egypt! You have multiplied remedies in vain; there is no healing for you.
12 The nations have heard of your dishonor,[f] and your outcry fills the earth, because warrior stumbles against warrior and together both of them have fallen.
13 [This is] the word the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to defeat the land of Egypt:[g]
14 Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol! Proclaim it in Memphis and in Tahpanhes! Say: Take positions! Prepare yourself, for the sword devours all around you.
15 Why have your strong ones been swept away? Each has not stood, for the Lord has thrust him down.
16 He continues to stumble. Indeed, each falls over the other. They say: Get up! Let's return to our people and to the land of our birth, away from the sword that oppresses.
17 There they will cry out: Pharaoh king of Egypt was all noise; he let the opportune moment pass.
18 As I live- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the King's declaration; the Lord of Hosts is His name.[h] He will come like Tabor among the mountains and like Carmel by the sea.

Jeremiah 46:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 46

This chapter contains two prophecies relating to Egypt; one concerning the overthrow of Pharaohnecho, king of it, which was quickly accomplished; and the other concerning the destruction of the land, fulfilled many years after, and both by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and the chapter is concluded with a word of comfort to the people of Israel. It begins with a general title to prophecies in this and the five following chapters, Jer 46:1; then follows a particular prophecy of the route of Pharaoh's army; of the place where, and time when, Jer 46:2; the preparations of the Egyptians for the battle, with a variety of warlike instruments, Jer 46:3,4; the consternation, flight, and destruction of them, Jer 46:5,6; notwithstanding their confidence of getting the victory, Jer 46:7-9; the reason of it, because it was the day of the Lord's vengeance on them, and therefore their ruin was inevitable, Jer 46:10,11; the consequence of which was shame and confusion, Jer 46:12; next follows another prophecy of the destruction of the land itself by Nebuchadnezzar, Jer 46:13; the places that should be destroyed, Jer 46:14,19,25; the multitude that should be slain, Jer 46:15-17; a description of the calamity; the instrument, manner, and consequence of it, Jer 46:20-24; the certainty of it, Jer 46:18,25,26; and the whole is closed with a promise of the return of the Jews, and of their salvation; though they should not be without divine corrections, Jer 46:27,28.

Footnotes 8

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