Jeremiah 46

7–12 Jeremiah envisions the Egyptian army rising like the Nile River in flood time (verses 7–8). The Egyptian army will include many mercenary soldiers from neigh boring countries, such as Cush (northern Sudan), Put (Libya), and Lydia (verse 9). But the Egyptians will not prevail; instead, the Lord will take vengeance on them for what they have done to His people. The Egyptians will be offered up like a sacrifice (verse 10). Even the balm of Gilead will not heal them (see Jeremiah 8:22); there will be no remedies . . . no healing for the Egyptians (verse 11).

13–17 Verses 13–26 present a second message about Egypt, one that describes a future invasion of Egypt by the Babylonians; this took place in 568 B.C. (see Jeremiah 43:10–11). In that invasion, the Egyptians were again defeated. Their mercenary soldiers deserted and returned to their native lands (verse 16).

18–24 Here the Lord—the King (verse 18)—discloses that one (Nebuchadnezzar) will come who is like Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel, two of Israel’s most prominent mountains. He will destroy Lower (northern) Egypt, including its capital, Memphis (Jeremiah 44:1); therefore, let the Egyptians flee into exile (verse 19). Then, in figurative language, the Lord describes the coming of the gadfly (Nebuchadnezzar), whose troops will be like woodcutters, more numerous than locusts (verses 20,22–23).

25–26 The Lord will judge the gods of Egypt along with the people. Amon was the god of Thebes, the capital of Upper (southern) Egypt (verse 25). Nebuchadnezzar would destroy both northern and southern Egypt, but later all Egypt would be inhabited again (verse 26). God’s judgment is always balanced by mercy. God allows His judgment to last until it has accomplished its purpose; then He brings healing and restoration.

27–28 After describing God’s terrible judgment on Egypt, Jeremiah ends the chapter with a word of comfort for Israel. These words are repeated from Jeremiah 30:10–11. Later on, they would give hope to the Jewish exiles during their captivity in Babylon and elsewhere. And these words continue to give hope to believers today, who may find themselves held “captive” by fear, discouragement, sorrow and sin. To them the Lord’s word is this: “Do not fear . . . do not be dismayed . . . I will surely save you” (verse 27).