Jeremiah 47:4

4 For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor. ^[a]

Jeremiah 47:4 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines,
&c.] The time appointed by the Lord for their destruction, which should be universal: [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth;
these were cities in Phoenicia, which bordered on the country of the Philistines, who were their auxiliaries in time of distress; but now, being wasted themselves, could give them no help when Nebuchadnezzar attacked them; as he did Tyre particularly, which he besieged thirteen years, and at last destroyed it, and Zidon with it: for the Lord will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of
Caphtor;
these last are not put by way of apposition, as if they were the same with the Philistines, though they were near of kin to them, coming from Casluhim; who were the posterity of Mizraim, as well as Caphtorim, ( Genesis 10:13 Genesis 10:14 ) ; indeed the Philistines are said to be brought from Caphtor, ( Amos 9:7 ) ; being very probably taken captive by them, but rescued from them; and now in confederacy with them, and like to share the same fate as they. The Targum renders it,

``the remnant of the island of the Cappadocians;''

and so the Vulgate Latin version. Some think the Colchi, others that the Cretians, are meant. R. Saadiah by Caphtor understands Damiata, a city in Egypt; which is the same with Pelusium or Sin, the strength of Egypt, ( Ezekiel 30:15 ) ; and it is usual with the Jews ^F23 to call this place Caphutkia, the same with Caphtor, they say; and, in Arabic, Damiata.

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 Misn. Cetubot, c. 13. sect. 11. & Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.

Jeremiah 47:4 In-Context

2 This is what the LORD says: “See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail

3 at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp.

4 For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.

5 The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself?

6 ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’

Footnotes

• [a] That is, Crete