Jeremiah 47:3

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.

Jeremiah 47:3 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 47:3

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong
[horses]
The noise of the cavalry of Nebuchadnezzar's army, as they came marching on towards the country of the Philistines; who, being mounted on strong prancing horses, made a great noise as they came along, and were heard at a distance: at the rushing of his chariots, [and at] the rumbling, of his wheels;
the rattling and clatter the chariot wheels made; in which rode the chief officers and generals, with other mighty men: chariots were much used in war in those times: the fathers shall not look back to [their] children for feebleness of
hands;
they should be so frightened at the approach of the enemy, and flee with much precipitancy to provide for their own safety, that they should not think of their children, or stay to deliver and save them, the most near and dear unto them; being so terrified as not to be able to lift up their hands to defend themselves, and protect their children. The Targum is,

``the fathers shall not look back to have mercy on [their] children;''

in their fright should forget their natural affection to them, and not so much as look back with an eye of pity and compassion on them; so intent upon their own deliverance and safety.

Jeremiah 47:3 In-Context

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?