A Warning For Egypt
September 9, 2022
Commentary
Jeremiah wrote this prophecy while living in Egypt after being taken there against his will. In it, he describes the future invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, an event that took place after Jeremiah’s death (vv. 13–16). God declared that Babylon would conquer the land and bring judgment upon Egypt. In the middle of this prophecy, Pharaoh is given a striking description: “Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise. He has passed by the appointed time!” (v. 17). Phar-aoh appeared powerful, but in time for action came, he failed to act. This picture also reflects the world, it’s often filled with activity and distractions, yet accomplishes little value. People are occupied but rarely stop to consider God and His purposes.
Jeremiah uses vivid images to describe Egypt’s coming defeat. An enemy from the north would strike suddenly and powerfully (v. 20). Egypt’s hired soldiers would flee when battle came, like well-fed calves unable to stand their ground (v. 21). The advancing army would be so numerous that it would seem like a swarm of locusts moving across the land (vv. 22–23). Egypt would be cut down and captured by its northern enemy (v. 24). Their confidence, resources, and defenses would prove powerless before the sovereign plan of the Lord.
The Lord, the God of Israel, declared that He would judge Egypt’s false gods, rulers, and all who trusted in its power (v. 25). He would hand them over to Nebuchadnezzar, yet Egypt would not remain desolate forever, for people would live there again in the future (v. 26). The chapter closes with comfort for God’s people. Israel was not to fear, because the Lord would preserve a remnant and bring them safely through their trials (vv. 27–28). While earthly kingdoms rise and fall, God remains faithful to His promises and to those who trust in Him.
Application
Where I am placing my confidence, am I trusting in my own abilities and resources, more than in God? Am I occupied with daily activities that I neglect to seek His direction? When challenges arise, do I respond with fear or with faith in God? How can I slow down, listen, and place my trust more fully in His faithful care today?
Jeremiah 46:13–28 (NET)
13 The Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah about Nebuchadnezzar coming to attack the land of Egypt:
14 “Make an announcement throughout Egypt. Proclaim it in Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes. ‘Take your positions and prepare to do battle. For the enemy army is destroying all the nations around you.’
15 Why will your soldiers be defeated? They will not stand because I, the Lord, will thrust them down.
16 I will make many stumble. They will fall over one another in their hurry to flee. They will say, ‘Get up! Let’s go back to our own people. Let’s go back to our homelands because the enemy is coming to destroy us.’
17 There at home they will say, ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is just a big noise! He has let the most opportune moment pass by.’
18 I the King, whose name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, swear this: ‘I swear as surely as I live that a conqueror is coming. He will be as imposing as Mount Tabor is among the mountains, as Mount Carmel is against the backdrop of the sea.
19 Pack your bags for exile, you inhabitants of poor dear Egypt. For Memphis will be laid waste. It will lie in ruins and be uninhabited.
20 Egypt is like a beautiful young cow. But northern armies will attack her like swarms of stinging flies.
21 Even her mercenaries will prove to be like pampered, well-fed calves. For they too will turn and run away. They will not stand their ground when the time for them to be destroyed comes, the time for them to be punished.
22 Egypt will run away, hissing like a snake, as the enemy comes marching up in force. They will come against her with axes as if they were woodsmen chopping down trees.
23 The population of Egypt is like a vast, impenetrable forest. But I, the Lord, affirm that the enemy will cut them down. For those who chop them down will be more numerous than locusts. They will be too numerous to count.
24 Poor dear Egypt will be put to shame. She will be handed over to the people from the north.’”
25 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says, “I will punish Amon, the god of Thebes. I will punish Egypt, its gods, and its kings. I will punish Pharaoh and all who trust in him. 26 I will hand them over to Nebuchadnezzar and his troops, who want to kill them. But later on, people will live in Egypt again as they did in former times. I, the Lord, affirm it!”
27 “You descendants of Jacob, my servants, do not be afraid; do not be terrified, people of Israel. For I will rescue you and your descendants from the faraway lands where you are captives. The descendants of Jacob will return to their land and enjoy peace. They will be secure and no one will terrify them.
28 I, the Lord, tell you not to be afraid, you descendants of Jacob, my servant, for I am with you. Though I completely destroy all the nations where I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will indeed discipline you but only in due measure. I will not allow you to go entirely unpunished.”
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