Jeremiah 47

1 Before the king of Egypt attacked Gaza, the Lord spoke to me about Philistia. ¹

2 He said: "Look! Waters are rising in the north and will rush like a river in flood. They will cover the land and everything on it, cities and the people who live there. People will call out for help; everyone on earth will cry bitterly.

3 They will hear the hoofbeats of horses, the clatter of chariots, the rumble of wheels. Parents will not turn back for their children; their hands will hang limp at their sides.

4 The time has come to destroy Philistia, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon all the help that remains. I, the Lord, will destroy the Philistines, all who came from the shores of Crete.

5 Great sorrow has come to the people of Gaza, and Ashkelon's people are silent. How long will the rest of Philistia mourn?

6 You cry out, "Sword of the Lord! How long will you go on slashing? Go back to your scabbard, stay there and rest!'

7 But how can it rest, when I have given it work to do? I have commanded it to attack Ashkelon and the people who live on the coast."

Jeremiah 47 Commentary

Chapter 47

The calamities of the Philistines.

- The Philistines had always been enemies to Israel; but the Chaldean army shall overflow their land like a deluge. Those whom God will spoil, must be spoiled. For when the Lord intends to destroy the wicked, he will cut off every helper. So deplorable are the desolations of war, that the blessings of peace are most desirable. But we must submit to His appointments who ordains all in perfect wisdom and justice.

Cross References

• 1. 47.1-7Isaiah 14.29-31;Ezekiel 25.15-17;Joel 3.4-8;Amos 1.6-8;Zephaniah 2.4-7;Zechariah 9.5-7.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 47

This chapter contains a prophecy of the destruction of the Philistines chiefly; and also of the Tyrians and Zidonians. The title of the prophecy, Jer 47:1; the instruments of this destruction, who are compared to overflowing waters; which would cause great lamentation in the inhabitants of the places where they should come, Jer 47:2; the noise of their horses and chariots would be so terrible, as to make parents flee and leave their own children, Jer 47:3; at the same time Tyre and Zidon would fall into the hands of the enemy, and have no helper, Jer 47:4; particular places in Palestine are mentioned, that should be destroyed, Jer 47:5; and all this owing to a commission the Lord gave to the sword, and which therefore would continue to ravage, Jer 47:6,7.