Jeremiah 37:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Thus shall ye say {H559} to the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, that sent {H7971} you unto me to enquire {H1875} of me; Behold, Pharaoh's {H6547} army {H2428}, which is come forth {H3318} to help {H5833} you, shall return {H7725} to Egypt {H4714} into their own land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI the God of Isra'el says to tell the king of Y'hudah, who sent you to me to consult me: 'Pharaoh's army has marched out to assist you; but they will return to Egypt, to their own country.

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:7 delivers a decisive divine oracle to King Zedekiah of Judah, dismantling his misplaced hope in Egyptian military intervention during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the LORD, the God of Israel, unequivocally declares that Pharaoh's army, which had temporarily appeared to offer aid, would inevitably retreat to its homeland, thereby nullifying Judah's reliance on foreign alliances and reaffirming God's sovereign control over the destiny of nations and the unfolding of His judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37 is situated within a critical period of Jerusalem's final siege by Babylon, a narrative arc that spans chapters 34-39, detailing the city's impending fall and the varied responses to Jeremiah's prophetic warnings. Specifically, chapter 37 opens with King Zedekiah's renewed plea to Jeremiah to "[inquire of the LORD](/jeremiah/37-3 "Jeremiah 37:3 - Zedekiah's Inquiry to Jeremiah")" after the Babylonian siege is temporarily lifted due to the advance of Pharaoh Hophra's army. This verse, Jeremiah 37:7, is God's direct, unvarnished response to Zedekiah's inquiry, immediately following the king's request. It shatters any illusion of lasting reprieve or effective foreign aid, setting the stage for the renewed and ultimately successful Babylonian assault that leads to Jerusalem's destruction, as prophesied throughout Jeremiah's ministry and culminating in events like the capture of Zedekiah and the burning of the temple in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). The abrupt withdrawal prophesied here contrasts sharply with the fleeting hope of deliverance, underscoring the certainty of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, Judah found itself precariously positioned between the two dominant regional powers: the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire to the east and the declining but still formidable Egyptian Empire to the southwest. King Zedekiah, installed as a vassal by Babylon after the first deportation in 597 BCE, harbored a strong pro-Egyptian faction within his court. Despite Jeremiah's consistent warnings against rebellion and reliance on Egypt (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:18](/jeremiah/2-18 "Jeremiah 2:18 - Judah's Reliance on Egypt") and [Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36-37 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - The Futility of Egyptian Alliances")), Zedekiah eventually rebelled against Babylon, trusting that Egypt would provide military support. Pharaoh Hophra (Apries) did indeed send an army, causing the Babylonians to temporarily withdraw from Jerusalem to confront the Egyptians. This withdrawal created a brief window of false hope in Jerusalem, which this verse directly addresses, exposing the fragility and ultimate failure of such human-orchestrated alliances against God's determined judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God, not earthly kings or military might, ultimately controls the movements and destinies of nations. The temporary Egyptian intervention and their subsequent retreat are presented as entirely within God's predetermined plan, not as a genuine threat to Babylonian dominance or a true salvation for Judah. This highlights the **Futility of Human Alliances**, a recurring motif where Judah's trust in foreign powers like Egypt or Assyria consistently proves disastrous, contrasting sharply with the call to trust solely in the LORD (e.g., [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man")). Furthermore, the message reinforces the theme of **Inevitable Judgment**, signaling that despite temporary reprieves, God's decree against Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience remains firm. The brief lifting of the siege was not a sign of God relenting, but a strategic pause orchestrated by Him to further expose Judah's misplaced trust and solidify the certainty of their impending desolation, leading to the ultimate fall of [Jerusalem](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enquire (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root signifies more than a casual question; it implies a diligent search, a treading or frequenting, and often carries the connotation of seeking divine counsel or worship. In this context, King Zedekiah's act of sending envoys to Jeremiah to "enquire of me" (God) suggests a desperate, albeit superficial, attempt to seek divine intervention. However, the depth of this "seeking" is immediately challenged by God's response, which reveals Zedekiah's true reliance was on Egypt, not on the God he was supposedly "enquiring" of. The term highlights the contrast between outward religious action and inward trust.
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term refers to a force, whether of men, means, or other resources, encompassing concepts like military might, wealth, or strength. Here, it specifically denotes Pharaoh's formidable military force. The use of "Pharaoh's army" emphasizes the perceived power and reliability of the Egyptian alliance in the eyes of Judah, a source of human strength they hoped would deliver them. However, God's subsequent declaration of its "return" immediately undercuts this perception, revealing that even a powerful "army" is subject to His sovereign command and rendered ineffective against His will.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root means to turn back, retreat, or reverse, often implying a return to a starting point or a reversal of action. In this verse, God's declaration that Pharaoh's army "shall return to Egypt" is a direct prophetic decree. It signifies not merely a tactical withdrawal, but a divinely ordained reversal of their perceived helpful mission. This "return" is a powerful symbol of the futility of Judah's reliance on Egypt, as the very force they hoped would save them is commanded by God to abandon them, leaving them exposed to their enemies and demonstrating His absolute control over the movements of nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This opening establishes the divine authority and specific recipient of the message. The prophetic formula "Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel" immediately signals an authoritative, non-negotiable word from the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His unique relationship with His people and His ultimate sovereignty. The direct address to "the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me" highlights Zedekiah's action of seeking God's word, yet the subsequent message reveals the hypocrisy or superficiality of his inquiry, as his true trust lay elsewhere, making his "enquiry" an act of desperation rather than genuine submission.
* **"Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.":** This is the core prophetic declaration. "Behold" draws immediate attention to the coming revelation, emphasizing its certainty and importance. The description of "Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you" acknowledges the temporary relief and the perceived benefit of the Egyptian intervention from Judah's perspective, validating their immediate experience. However, the definitive "shall return to Egypt into their own land" utterly negates this hope. This is a divine decree, not a prediction based on military analysis. It signifies the complete and inevitable failure of the Egyptian alliance and the abandonment of Judah to its fate, orchestrated by God Himself, demonstrating that no human power can thwart His determined judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:7 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel," which immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message, leaving no doubt that this is God's direct word, not Jeremiah's personal opinion or political analysis. This formula underscores the **Divine Decree** inherent in the pronouncement; the future action of Pharaoh's army is not a mere prediction but a sovereign command from God, highlighting His ultimate control over all earthly powers. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: King Zedekiah sends to "enquire of me" (the LORD) for deliverance, yet the very answer he receives dismantles his human-orchestrated plan of deliverance through Egypt. The expected "help" from Pharaoh's army is divinely transformed into an ordained "return," revealing the futility of human strategies when they contravene God's purposes. The verse also uses **Contrast** between the perceived strength and helpfulness of "Pharaoh's army" and its ultimate, divinely mandated retreat, highlighting the ephemeral nature of worldly power compared to God's enduring and unchallengeable sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 37:7 is a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, particularly in the realm of international politics and military movements. It dismantles the illusion that human alliances or military might can thwart divine judgment or secure true deliverance apart from God's will. The message underscores that even powerful nations like Egypt are mere instruments in God's hands, their actions ultimately serving His purposes, whether in judgment or salvation. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true security and hope reside not in the strength of armies or the wisdom of political maneuvering, but in humble submission to and trust in the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone orchestrates history and whose plans cannot be thwarted by any earthly power.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30-31 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:7 offers a timeless and potent challenge to our human tendency to seek security and solutions in worldly resources and alliances rather than in God. In moments of crisis, it is natural to look for immediate, tangible help, whether it be financial, political, or military. However, this verse reminds us that even when such help appears, its ultimate efficacy and duration are subject to God's sovereign will. It calls us to examine where our deepest trust lies: in human strength and strategies, or in the unfailing power and wisdom of the Almighty God. True peace and deliverance come from aligning our will with His, recognizing that His purposes will prevail regardless of external circumstances or the perceived might of our "Pharaoh's armies." This passage encourages a radical dependence on God, fostering a faith that trusts in His plan even when it seems contrary to our immediate desires or human logic, knowing that His ultimate design for our good and His glory will always come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to place my trust in "Pharaoh's armies" (human resources, connections, or strategies) rather than in God's sovereign provision?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute control over nations and events impact my prayers and my sense of security in uncertain times?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's wisdom and guidance, especially when faced with difficult decisions or crises?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Zedekiah send to "enquire of me" (the LORD) if he was relying on Egypt?**

Answer: King Zedekiah's inquiry to Jeremiah was likely a desperate, last-ditch effort to gain divine approval or a favorable prophecy, even while his primary strategy remained a reliance on the Egyptian alliance. This action reveals a common human failing: seeking God's blessing on pre-determined plans rather than seeking God's will to inform those plans. It highlights a superficial religiosity, where God is consulted as a cosmic consultant rather than obeyed as the sovereign Lord. The king hoped for a message of deliverance that would validate his choices, but instead, he received a message that exposed the futility of his misplaced trust in [Pharaoh's army](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Pharaoh's Army Shall Return"). His inquiry was more about seeking validation for his own plans than genuine repentance and submission to God's will.

**Did Pharaoh's army actually help Judah at all?**

Answer: Yes, Pharaoh Hophra's army did provide a *temporary* reprieve. Their advance caused the Babylonian army to lift the siege of Jerusalem to confront the Egyptians (as mentioned in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Babylonians Withdraw from Jerusalem")). This created a brief period of false hope in Jerusalem, leading Zedekiah and the people to believe their alliance had worked. However, [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Pharaoh's Army Returns") makes it clear that this "help" was fleeting and ultimately ineffective in altering God's determined judgment. The Egyptian army soon "returned to Egypt," leaving Judah exposed to the renewed and ultimately successful Babylonian assault, demonstrating that their intervention was merely a pause, not a true deliverance from God's decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:7, with its stark declaration of the futility of human alliances and the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah sought deliverance from physical enemies through worldly strength, the New Testament reveals that humanity's true enemy is sin and death, from which no earthly army or political maneuver can save. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not come to lead an army against Rome or any worldly power, but to conquer sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection. His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet He exercises ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and powers, just as God declared His sovereignty over Pharaoh's army. The misplaced trust of Zedekiah in Egypt foreshadows humanity's inherent tendency to trust in anything but God for salvation. Christ alone is the ["strong tower" to which the righteous run](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"), the one true deliverer whose "help" is eternal and unfailing, unlike the temporary and ultimately futile aid offered by human forces. In Him, God's sovereignty is not merely declared but perfectly embodied, offering a salvation that transcends all earthly limitations and failures, culminating in His ultimate victory over all powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

Lamentations 4:17

As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation [that] could not save [us].

Ezekiel 17:17

Neither shall Pharaoh with [his] mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

Isaiah 31:1

¶ 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!

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Jeremiah 37:3

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.

Jeremiah 21:2

Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

2 Kings 22:18

But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [As touching] the words which thou hast heard;