Jeremiah 47

CHAPTER 47

A Message About the Philistines (47:1–7)

1 The occasion of this message about the Philistines was probably an attack by Egypt against Gaza¹²³ as the Egyptians were on their way to fight Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish (see Jeremiah 46:2).

2–7 The Lord describes the Babylonians as waters . . . rising in the north (verse 2). They will overflow all of Philistia; the Lord, through the Babylonians, will destroy all the Philistines (verse 4). How long will the remnant on the plain—those Philistines still alive after the attack by Egypt—cut themselves in mourning? (verse 5). Not for long, because the Babylonians will soon be coming to finish whatever the Egyptians have left undone.

In verse 6, the Philistines cry out to the Lord, asking Him how long His judgment will continue. His judgment will continue, He says, until all Philistia has been judged—right up to the coast (verse 7).