Jeremiah 46:10

KJV

For this [is] the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this is the day {H3117} of the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635}, a day {H3117} of vengeance {H5360}, that he may avenge {H5358} him of his adversaries {H6862}: and the sword {H2719} shall devour {H398}, and it shall be satiate {H7646} and made drunk {H7301} with their blood {H1818}: for the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635} hath a sacrifice {H2077} in the north {H6828} country {H776} by the river {H5104} Euphrates {H6578}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For on that day Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot will have a day of vengeance for avenging himself on his enemies. The sword will destroy, have its fill, be made drunk on their blood. Yes, Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot decrees slaughter in the land to the north by the Euphrates River.

Berean Standard Bible

For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.

American Standard Version

For that day is a day of the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour and be satiate, and shall drink its fill of their blood; for the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:10 presents a vivid and chilling portrayal of divine judgment, specifically foretelling the decisive defeat of the Egyptian army by Babylon at the Battle of Carchemish. This pivotal event is dramatically declared "the day of the Lord GOD of hosts," a divinely appointed time of vengeance where the sword will consume and be utterly sated with blood. The immense slaughter is grimly likened to a "sacrifice" offered to the Lord in the "north country by the river Euphrates," underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to executing justice through devastating acts of war.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:10 is strategically placed within a major prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically [Jeremiah chapter 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). This chapter serves as the opening segment of a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46-51 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"). The inclusion of these oracles underscores Yahweh's universal dominion, demonstrating that His authority extends far beyond Judah to encompass all the powerful empires of the ancient world. The verses immediately preceding verse 10 ([Jeremiah 46:1-9](/jeremiah/46-1-9 "Jeremiah 46:1-9 - Egypt's Preparations for Battle")) vividly depict the Egyptian military's impressive preparations for battle—their chariots, horses, and mighty warriors—only to declare their inevitable and humiliating flight. Verse 10, therefore, functions as the theological interpretation of this military disaster, framing it not merely as a geopolitical outcome but as a divinely ordained act of judgment, a specific "day of the Lord." The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on Egypt's humiliation and the Lord's active role in orchestrating their downfall, ultimately leading to a prophecy of Egypt's future restoration under different, divinely determined terms.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 46:10 is the momentous Battle of Carchemish, which took place in 605 BC. This confrontation, explicitly located "in the north country by the river Euphrates," was a decisive clash between the ascendant Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar and the Egyptian forces led by Pharaoh Necho II. Necho had previously defeated Josiah of Judah at Megiddo and was attempting to support the remnants of the Assyrian Empire against the rapidly expanding Babylonian power. The overwhelming Babylonian victory at Carchemish effectively ended Egypt's long-standing dominance in the Near East and firmly established Babylon as the undisputed regional hegemon. This shift in power had profound and immediate implications for Judah, bringing them directly under Babylonian suzerainty, which ultimately culminated in the Babylonian exile. Culturally, the concept of a "day of the Lord" was a deeply ingrained prophetic motif in ancient Israel, understood as a specific time of God's decisive intervention in history, often bringing severe judgment upon His enemies and vindication for His people. However, it could also signify judgment upon Israel itself for its unfaithfulness, as powerfully articulated in [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - The Day of the Lord as Darkness"). The imagery of a "sacrifice" (Hebrew: *zebach*) in this context is a grim and ironic inversion of typical cultic offerings, transforming the battlefield into a sacrificial altar and the slain soldiers into victims offered to satisfy God's righteous justice.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Vengeance**. God is not a passive observer of human affairs but actively intervenes in history to execute His righteous judgment against nations that defy His will or oppress His people. The explicit declaration of "a day of vengeance" underscores God's attribute as a just judge who personally avenges Himself against His adversaries. Secondly, the phrase "[the day of the Lord GOD of hosts](/joel/1-15 "Joel 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near")" is a crucial prophetic motif, signifying a specific, momentous time of God's decisive intervention, often characterized by significant historical upheaval. Here, it is a day of intense divine wrath specifically directed at Egypt. Thirdly, the verse profoundly emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**. Despite the visible human actors—the Egyptian and Babylonian armies—the ultimate orchestrator of this devastating defeat is "the Lord GOD of hosts." He uses nations, even pagan empires like Babylon, as instruments to fulfill His divine purposes, demonstrating His absolute control over the destinies of all peoples, a truth powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument"). Finally, the chilling **Metaphor of Sacrifice** for the slain soldiers underscores the totality and severity of God's wrath, portraying the immense slaughter as a divinely ordained act of justice, a gruesome but potent offering to the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While literally referring to a period of time, in this prophetic context, *yôwm* denotes a specific, divinely appointed occasion. When used in the phrase "the day of the Lord," as it is here, it signifies a momentous time of God's decisive intervention in history, often bringing judgment, but also sometimes deliverance. Here, it specifically indicates a day of intense, hot divine action and reckoning.
* **vengeance (Hebrew, _nᵉqâmâh'_):** Derived from the root *nâqam*, meaning "to grudge" or "to avenge," *nᵉqâmâh* denotes the act or passion of avengement. In this verse, it is not presented as human retribution but as divine justice, the righteous outpouring of God's wrath against those who have opposed Him or His purposes. It signifies the Lord's active and personal role in punishing His adversaries.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** Properly meaning "a slaughter" or "the flesh of an animal," *zebach* typically refers to a sacrificial offering made to God. In Jeremiah 46:10, it is used metaphorically and ironically. Instead of animals, the slaughtered Egyptian soldiers become the "sacrifice," highlighting the immense scale of the bloodshed and portraying the battle as a divinely ordained act of judgment, a gruesome offering to satisfy God's justice and vengeance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this [is] the day of the Lord GOD of hosts":** This declarative opening clause immediately establishes the divine perspective on the impending battle. It is not merely a human conflict but a specific, appointed time—"the day"—orchestrated and overseen by "the Lord GOD of hosts." This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power as the commander of heavenly armies and all earthly forces, indicating that He is the ultimate, sovereign agent behind the events unfolding.
* **"a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries":** This phrase clarifies the precise purpose and nature of "the day." It is a day specifically dedicated to divine retribution. God, referred to as "he," will personally execute vengeance against "his adversaries," which in this immediate context refers to the Egyptian forces who have opposed His will or His people, Judah. This highlights God's active, personal, and righteous involvement in history to uphold justice.
* **"and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood":** This vivid and gruesome imagery describes the brutal reality and overwhelming scale of the battle. The "sword" is personified as an insatiable entity, consuming and becoming "satiate" (filled to satisfaction) and "made drunk" with the blood of the slain. This emphasizes the totality and ferocity of the slaughter, portraying it as an overwhelming, unsparing, and divinely sanctioned act of destruction.
* **"for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates":** This final clause provides the profound theological explanation for the preceding imagery. The immense bloodshed and devastation are chillingly likened to a "sacrifice" offered to the Lord. The specific location, "the north country by the river Euphrates," explicitly points to the historical Battle of Carchemish. By framing the slaughter as a sacrifice, the verse underscores that this is not random violence but a divinely ordained act, a grim offering of judgment that fulfills God's righteous purposes and satisfies His holy wrath against His enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:10 is profoundly rich in powerful literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment and sovereignty. The most striking is the **Metaphor** of "sacrifice." By calling the slaughter of the Egyptian army a "sacrifice" to the Lord, the text transforms a horrific battlefield into a grim altar, and the dying soldiers into sacrificial victims. This is a profound form of **Irony**, as a sacrifice is typically an act of worship, propitiation, or covenant-making, but here it signifies divine wrath and the execution of judgment. The **Personification** of the "sword" is also prominent; it is depicted as actively "devouring," becoming "satiate," and "made drunk with their blood." This imbues the instrument of war with a terrifying, almost sentient quality, emphasizing the unstoppable and consuming nature of God's judgment. The overall language also employs **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming scale and intensity of the devastation, painting a picture of total annihilation that serves to underscore the absolute power and unwavering justice of the "Lord GOD of hosts."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:10 powerfully articulates the Old Testament understanding of God's active and decisive involvement in human history, particularly His role as a righteous judge over all nations. The concept of "the day of the Lord" is a recurring prophetic theme, signifying a specific time when God decisively intervenes to execute His will, often bringing judgment upon the wicked and vindication for His people. This verse demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends far beyond the confines of Israel to encompass the rise and fall of empires, using even pagan nations as instruments of His justice. The grim imagery of a "sacrifice" highlights the severity of divine wrath, underscoring that rebellion against God's purposes will ultimately face His consuming judgment. This serves as a stark reminder that all earthly powers are accountable to the Almighty and that His justice will ultimately prevail, ensuring that no human empire can ultimately thwart the divine will.

* [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")
* [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - God's Feast for the Birds")
* [Revelation 19:17-18](/rev/19-17-18 "Revelation 19:17-18 - The Great Supper of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:10, though depicting a scene of ancient warfare and divine judgment, offers profound and enduring truths for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but an active, sovereign Lord who orchestrates the affairs of nations and holds all powers accountable. In a world often marked by geopolitical instability, pervasive injustice, and the relentless rise and fall of human empires, this verse provides a crucial anchor of hope and a solemn call to humility. It assures us that ultimately, God's righteous purposes will prevail, and His justice will be served. For those who trust in Him, this brings profound comfort, knowing that evil and oppression will not triumph indefinitely. For those who might be tempted to defy God or rely solely on human strength and wisdom, it serves as a solemn warning: there is indeed a "day of the Lord" for all, a time of ultimate reckoning when every knee will bow. This truth should inspire us to live in reverent awe of God, seeking to align our individual lives and our collective societies with His immutable, righteous standards, rather than presuming upon His patience or attempting to build kingdoms apart from His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "the day of the Lord" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's active involvement in world events today?**
* **What does the imagery of God having a "sacrifice" of His adversaries reveal about the severity and certainty of divine justice, and how does this shape your perspective on God's character?**
* **In what ways can acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty over nations, as depicted here, impact your prayers and your perspective on contemporary global conflicts and political landscapes?**

### FAQ
**Why is the slaughter of the Egyptian army referred to as a "sacrifice" to the Lord?**

Answer: The use of "sacrifice" (Hebrew: *zebach*) in Jeremiah 46:10 is a powerful and grim metaphor, deliberately employed with profound irony. Typically, a sacrifice is a sacred offering made to God, often involving the shedding of blood, to atone for sin, express worship, or seal a covenant. Here, however, the term is used to describe an act of divine judgment. The immense slaughter of the Egyptian soldiers on the battlefield at Carchemish is portrayed as a "sacrifice" to the Lord GOD of hosts, not as an act of propitiation or worship from humanity, but as the fulfillment of His righteous vengeance against His adversaries. It signifies that the bloodshed is divinely ordained and satisfies God's justice and holy wrath. This chilling imagery emphasizes the totality and severity of God's judgment, indicating that the lives of the slain are offered up to God as a demonstration of His absolute sovereignty and power over nations. It underscores that this is not merely a human battle, but a divinely orchestrated event, a "day of the Lord" where God Himself is the one executing judgment, as seen in other prophetic judgments like [Isaiah 34:6](/isaiah/34-6 "Isaiah 34:6 - The Lord's Sword is Sated").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:10, with its stark depiction of divine judgment and a "day of the Lord" marked by vengeance and a gruesome "sacrifice" of adversaries, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While this Old Testament passage speaks of a bloody sacrifice of judgment upon God's enemies, the New Testament reveals a different, yet profoundly connected, sacrifice: the atoning blood of Christ. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose voluntary sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous wrath against sin, not by shedding the blood of adversaries, but by offering His own perfect blood. This ultimate sacrifice provides a path to reconciliation for all who believe, transforming the nature of the "sacrifice" from one of judgment on enemies to one of redemption for humanity. Furthermore, the "day of the Lord" in the Old Testament, often a day of wrath and judgment, is ultimately fulfilled in the eschatological return of Christ. While His first coming was in humility to offer salvation, His second coming will indeed be a "day of the Lord" where He will execute final judgment upon all who have rejected Him and opposed God's kingdom, as powerfully described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/rev/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge"). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy points forward to a God who is both perfectly just and perfectly merciful, fully revealed in the cross and future return of Jesus Christ.

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

Deuteronomy 32:42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Jeremiah 46:2

Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.

Joel 1:15

Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD [is] at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Zephaniah 1:7

¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Zephaniah 1:8

And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.

Jeremiah 46:6

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

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.