Jeremiah 47

Judgment on the Philistines

1 This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza. ¹

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. ^[a]

5 The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, ^[b] 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!’

7 How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”

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. (Zephaniah 2:4–7)

Footnotes

• [a]. That is, Crete
• [b]. That is, the Mediterranean coast or plain

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.