Jeremiah 46:14

14 “Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis ^[a] and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’

Jeremiah 46:14 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 46:14

Declare ye in Egypt
The coming of the king of Babylon, and his intention to invade the land, and subdue it: and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph, and in Tahpanhes;
of these places (See Gill on Jeremiah 44:1); these were principal ones in the land of Egypt, where the enemy should come, and which he should lay waste; and therefore the above things are to be published for their warning; and particularly these were places where the Jews that went into Egypt contrary to the will of God resided; and therefore for their sakes also this publication must be made, to let them see and know that they would not be safe there, but would be involved in the general calamity of the nation: say ye, stand fast, and prepare thee;
O Egypt, and the several cities mentioned, and all others; prepare for war, and to meet the enemy, resist and repel him; present yourselves on the frontiers of your country; put yourselves in proper places, and keep your ground: for the sword shall devour round about thee;
the sword of the Chaldeans, into whose hands fell Palestine, Judea, Syria, and other neighbouring countries; and therefore it was high time for them to bestir themselves, and provide for their defence and safety.

Jeremiah 46:14 In-Context

12 The nations have heard of your shame, and your outcry fills the earth, because warrior stumbles over warrior and both of them have fallen together.”

13 This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:

14 “Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’

15 Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down.

16 They continue to stumble; indeed, they have fallen over one another. They say, ‘Get up! Let us return to our people and to the land of our birth, away from the sword of the oppressor.’

Footnotes

• [a] LXX; Hebrew Noph; also in verse 19