Jeremias 47:5-15

5 But if not, depart; return to Godolias the son of Achicam, the son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed governor in the land of Juda, and dwell with him in the midst of the people in the land of Juda: to whatsoever places it seems good in thine eyes to go, do thou even go. And the captain of the guard made him presents, and let him go.

6 And he came to Godolias to Massepha, and dwelt in the midst of his people that was left in the land.

7 And all the leaders of the host that was in the country, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Godolias in the land, and they committed to him the men and their wives, whom not removed to Babylon.

8 And there came to Godolias to Massepha Ismael the son of Nathanias, and Joanan son of Caree, and Saraeas the son of Thanaemeth, and the sons of Jophe the Netophathite, and Ezonias son of the Mochathite, they and their men.

9 And Godolias swore to them and to their men, saying, Be not afraid before the children of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be better for you.

10 And, behold, I dwell in your presence at Massepha, to stand before the Chaldeans who shall come against you: and do ye gather grapes, and fruits, and oil, and put into your vessels, and dwell in the cities which ye have obtained possession of.

11 And all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the children of Ammon, and those in Idumea, and those in all the country, heard that the king of Babylon granted a remnant to Juda, and that he had appointed over them Godolias the son of Achicam.

12 And they came to Godolias into the land of Juda, to Massepha, and gathered grapes, and very much summer fruit, and oil.

13 And Joanan the son of Caree, and all the leaders of the host, who were in the fields, came to Godolias to Massepha,

14 and said to him, Dost thou indeed know that king Beleissa son of Ammon has sent Ismael to thee to slay thee? But Godolias believed them not.

15 And Joanan said to Godolias secretly in Massepha, I will go now and smite Ismael, and let no man know ; lest he slay thee, and all the Jews that are gathered to thee be dispersed, and the remnant of Juda perish.

Jeremias 47:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

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.