Jeremiah 37:5

KJV

Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Pharaoh's {H6547} army {H2428} was come forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}: and when the Chaldeans {H3778} that besieged {H6696} Jerusalem {H3389} heard {H8085} tidings {H8088} of them, they departed {H5927} from Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the same time Pharaoh's army marched out of Egypt; and when the Kasdim besieging Yerushalayim heard about them, they lifted the siege from Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh’s army was come forth out of Egypt; and when the Chaldeans that were besieging Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they brake up from Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:5 describes a pivotal, albeit temporary, turn in the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. As the Chaldean forces under Nebuchadnezzar pressed their assault, news arrived that an Egyptian army had mobilized and was advancing. This development prompted the besieging Babylonians to lift their siege and withdraw from Jerusalem, offering a brief moment of reprieve and false hope to the beleaguered inhabitants of Judah, who had been desperately seeking foreign intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically during the final siege of Jerusalem (c. 588-586 BC). Chapters 34-39 detail the escalating conflict with Babylon, Zedekiah's wavering leadership, and Jeremiah's unwavering, often unpopular, prophecies of judgment. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah had been imprisoned in the court of the guard, having warned Zedekiah against resisting Babylon and trusting in Egypt ([Jeremiah 37:1-4](/jeremiah/37-1 "Jeremiah 37:1-4 - Zedekiah's Reign and Jeremiah's Imprisonment")). Following this temporary withdrawal, Jeremiah reiterates God's message that the Egyptians would return to their land and the Babylonians would resume and complete their conquest, leading to Jerusalem's destruction ([Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Return")). Thus, Jeremiah 37:5 serves as a brief, dramatic pause in an otherwise relentless narrative of impending doom, highlighting the futility of Judah's reliance on human alliances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BC were marked by intense geopolitical struggle between the declining power of Egypt and the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah, strategically located, often found itself caught between these two giants. King Zedekiah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar as a vassal king, constantly vacillated between loyalty to Babylon and seeking alliances with Egypt, despite Jeremiah's warnings. Pharaoh Hophra (Apries) ruled Egypt from 589-570 BC and was known for his attempts to reassert Egyptian influence in the Levant. The movement of his army was a significant event, signaling an Egyptian challenge to Babylonian dominance, which temporarily drew the Chaldean forces away from Jerusalem. Culturally, Judah had a long history of looking to Egypt for help, often against God's explicit commands not to trust in "horses and chariots" but in the Lord ([Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 37:5 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Futility of Human Alliances**, demonstrating that reliance on foreign powers like Egypt, rather than on God, offers only fleeting and ultimately deceptive hope. This aligns with Jeremiah's consistent message that Judah's true security lay in obedience to God, not in political maneuvering ([Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - Judah's Shameful Reliance on Egypt")). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty** over nations; even the movements of powerful armies are ultimately orchestrated or permitted by God to fulfill His purposes, whether in judgment or temporary reprieve. The brief withdrawal of the Chaldeans, though seemingly a human strategic decision, serves God's larger plan, allowing Jeremiah to continue his prophetic ministry and further expose Judah's unbelief. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **Prophetic Vindication**, as Jeremiah's subsequent prophecy (Jeremiah 37:7-10) regarding the return of the Babylonians proves accurate, confirming his divine commission and exposing the false hopes placed in Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term (H2428) denotes a "force," whether of men, means, or other resources. It can refer to an army, wealth, virtue, valor, or strength. Here, it specifically refers to Pharaoh's military "force" or "host" that "came forth." The use of _chayil_ emphasizes the formidable nature of the Egyptian military, which was significant enough to cause the Chaldeans to react.
* **come forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3318) means "to go (causatively, bring) out" in a variety of applications. In this context, it describes the active movement of Pharaoh's army "out of Egypt." It signifies an offensive maneuver, a deliberate deployment of military power intended to intervene in the conflict in Judah. The verb emphasizes the decisive action taken by the Egyptian forces.
* **Chaldeans (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** This term (H3778) refers to the inhabitants of Chaldea, specifically the Neo-Babylonians. By this period, "Chaldeans" was synonymous with the dominant power of Babylon, the empire that had conquered much of the ancient Near East and was now besieging Jerusalem. The mention of "Chaldeans" immediately identifies the formidable enemy against whom Judah was struggling and whose departure was so eagerly noted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt:":** This clause introduces the catalyst for the events described. The mobilization and advance of the Egyptian military, led by Pharaoh Hophra, represented a direct challenge to Babylonian hegemony in the region. This action was perceived by Judah as a potential deliverance from the relentless Babylonian siege.
* **"and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them,":** This explains the immediate consequence of the Egyptian advance. The Babylonian forces, who had Jerusalem under a tight siege, received intelligence ("heard tidings") about the approaching Egyptian army. This intelligence prompted a strategic reassessment, highlighting the Babylonians' awareness of external threats and their calculated response.
* **"they departed from Jerusalem.":** This final clause describes the direct and significant outcome: the Chaldean army lifted its siege and withdrew from Jerusalem. This was not a defeat, but a tactical redeployment to confront the new threat posed by the Egyptians. For Jerusalem, it was a moment of unexpected, though ultimately temporary, relief, creating a window of false hope.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:5 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Dramatic Pause**, as the verse describes a sudden, unexpected halt in the relentless siege of Jerusalem, creating a moment of suspense and anticipation for both the characters in the narrative and the reader. This pause is immediately followed by **Irony**, as what appears to be a deliverance—the departure of the besieging army—is, in fact, a temporary reprieve that ultimately leads to greater judgment, as Jeremiah later prophesies. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between the perceived strength and hope offered by the Egyptian army and the underlying reality of their ultimate weakness and inability to provide lasting salvation for Judah. This sets the stage for the **Foreshadowing** of Jeremiah's subsequent prophecies, which reveal the true, fleeting nature of this "deliverance" and the inevitable return of the Chaldeans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological principle that human strength and alliances, no matter how formidable they appear, are ultimately insufficient against the sovereign purposes of God. Judah's persistent reliance on Egypt, despite divine warnings, reflects a profound lack of faith in Yahweh as their true deliverer and protector. The temporary nature of the Chaldean withdrawal serves as a stark reminder that true salvation comes not from geopolitical maneuvering or the strength of foreign armies, but from humble submission to God's will. This brief respite was a test, an opportunity for Judah to repent and trust God, but they largely failed to seize it, clinging instead to the illusion of human help.

* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help!"): "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!"
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."): "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD."): "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:5 serves as a profound historical parable for our own lives, urging us to scrutinize the sources of our hope and security. In moments of intense pressure or crisis, it is natural to seek immediate relief, and often, worldly solutions present themselves as appealing alternatives to patient trust in God. This verse cautions us against placing our ultimate reliance on temporary human interventions, political strategies, or financial strength, which, like Pharaoh's army, may offer a brief respite but cannot provide lasting peace or true deliverance. The experience of Judah highlights the danger of false hope—a hope rooted in human capability rather than divine faithfulness. True security and enduring peace are found not in the fleeting strength of worldly alliances or clever schemes, but in a steadfast and obedient trust in the Lord, who sovereignly orchestrates all events to fulfill His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on "Pharaoh's army" (human solutions or worldly resources) rather than trusting fully in God's provision and timing?**
* **How do I discern between a genuine answer from God and a temporary reprieve that might lead to false hope?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of discerning God's will, even when it seems counter-intuitive or difficult, instead of pursuing seemingly easier paths?**
* **Considering the ultimate outcome for Jerusalem, how does this passage challenge my understanding of true deliverance and lasting security?**

### FAQ

**Who was the Pharaoh mentioned in Jeremiah 37:5?**

Answer: The Pharaoh mentioned in Jeremiah 37:5 was Pharaoh Hophra, also known as Apries, who reigned over Egypt from 589 to 570 BC. He was known for his attempts to reassert Egyptian influence in the Levant, often clashing with the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire. His military intervention was a direct response to Nebuchadnezzar's growing power and the siege of Jerusalem.

**Why did the Chaldeans depart from Jerusalem upon hearing of Pharaoh's army?**

Answer: The Chaldeans (Babylonians) departed from Jerusalem as a strategic maneuver to confront the approaching Egyptian army. They did not abandon the siege permanently but temporarily lifted it to engage the new threat. It was a tactical decision to avoid being caught between the fortified city of Jerusalem and a large Egyptian force, demonstrating their military pragmatism and focus on the larger geopolitical conflict with Egypt. They intended to return to Jerusalem after dealing with the Egyptians, as Jeremiah prophesied in [Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Return").

**Did the Egyptian army ultimately save Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, the Egyptian army did not ultimately save Jerusalem. While their advance caused a temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian forces, this relief was short-lived. As the prophet Jeremiah foretold, the Egyptian army would retreat, and the Babylonians would return to complete their conquest. Pharaoh Hophra's intervention proved ineffective in the long run, and Jerusalem eventually fell to Nebuchadnezzar's forces, leading to its destruction and the exile of its people ([Jeremiah 39:1-2](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-2 - The Fall of Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:5, with its narrative of a temporary, ultimately futile human intervention, powerfully foreshadows the greater truth of Christ as our ultimate and eternal Deliverer. Just as Judah desperately sought a savior in Pharaoh's army, humanity continually seeks salvation in temporary fixes, worldly powers, and self-effort, only to find them ultimately insufficient. The brief reprieve granted by Pharaoh's army was a false dawn, leading back to inevitable judgment. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and lasting Deliverer. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), not through military might or political maneuvering, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Where human alliances offer fleeting hope, Christ offers eternal salvation and true peace that transcends all earthly circumstances ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")). He is the one who conquered sin and death, providing a deliverance that is not temporary but eternal ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, Jeremiah 37:5, by illustrating the inadequacy of human saviors, magnifies the absolute sufficiency and enduring power of Christ as the only true hope for humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 17:15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Jeremiah 37:11

¶ And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army,

Jeremiah 34:21

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

2 Kings 24:7

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

Jeremiah 37:7

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.