What The LORD Says About Egypt
June 6, 2026
Commentary
This chapter takes us back to the time when Jeremiah sent Baruch to read God’s message in the temple (v. 1). Though it belongs after chapter 36 chronologically, it is placed here because it reveals the heart behind many fleshly sins. Baruch may have hoped the people would respond and appreciate his ministry. Instead, both he and the message were rejected. Discouraged, he cried out, “Woe is me now! For the LORD has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest” (v. 3). Through Jeremiah, the Lord reminded Baruch not to seek great things for himself while judgment was coming upon the nation (vv. 4–5). The desire for personal recognition often lies behind pride, jealousy, fear, and rebellion. We cannot overcome these struggles by our own strength. Only God can change the human heart.
The prophecy then turns to Egypt and the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C., where Egypt and Babylon met on the banks of the Euphrates River (vv. 1–2). Jeremiah describes this great battle in advance, portraying Babylon’s march and Egypt’s defeat (vv. 3–6). Although Egypt had once enslaved Israel, the people often looked back on it with longing. They remembered its comforts but forgot its bondage. In Scripture, Egypt often pictures the attraction of a worldly life that draws people away from God. Jeremiah compares Egypt’s confidence to the overflowing Nile River (vv. 7–8). Egypt believed its power could overcome every obstacle, but the Lord declared otherwise. The day of battle belonged to Him, and Egypt’s strength would fail (vv. 9–10). No remedy could heal its defeat, and Egypt would hear of its downfall as its soldiers fell (vv. 11–12). The message is clear: human strength and worldly security cannot stand against the purposes and plan of God.
Application
Am I seeking recognition and praise for myself or faithfully serving Him? Do I become discouraged when others do not appreciate my efforts? Am I looking back to worldly comforts instead of trusting God’s ways? Where am I relying on my own strength? How can I humbly depend on the Lord and seek His glory today?
Jeremiah 45:1–46:12 (NET)
1 The prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah while he was writing down in a scroll the words that Jeremiah spoke to him. (This happened in the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was ruling over Judah.) 2 Jeremiah said, “The Lord God of Israel has a message for you, Baruch. 3 ‘You have said, “I feel so hopeless! For the Lord has added sorrow to my suffering. I am worn out from groaning. I can’t find any rest.”’”
4 The Lord told Jeremiah, “Tell Baruch, ‘The Lord says, “I am about to tear down what I have built and to uproot what I have planted. I will do this throughout the whole earth. 5 Are you looking for great things for yourself? Do not look for such things. For I, the Lord, affirm that I am about to bring disaster on all humanity. But I will allow you to escape with your life wherever you go.”’”