Jeremiah 47

Prophecy against Philistia

1 The LORD's word to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh conquered Gaza.

2 The LORD proclaims: Waters are rising from the north and turning into a raging flood. They will engulf the land and everything in it, the towns and those living in them. The people cry out; all who live there scream.

3 At the pounding of the stallions' hooves, at the deafening roar of the chariots' wheels, parents abandon children, so paralyzed are they with fear.

4 Because the time is coming for the Philistines' destruction, for cutting off from Tyre and Sidon anyone who might try to save Gaza, because the LORD will destroy the Philistines, the few left from the island of Caphtor.

5 Mourning will come upon Gaza; silence will cover Ashkelon, the few left in their valley. How long will you gash yourselves in grief?

6 You sword of the LORD, how long until you are silent? Return to your sheath; rest and be still!

7 How can you be silent when the LORD has directed you to attack Ashkelon and the coast line?

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or a helper
• [b]. Or baldness
• [c]. Heb lacks in grief.
• [d]. Or it

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.