Jeremiah 46:13

KJV

The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come [and] smite the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} to Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}, how Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} should come {H935} and smite {H5221} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This word ADONAI spoke to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning how N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel would come and attack the land of Egypt:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:

American Standard Version

The word that Jehovah spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:13 introduces a specific divine oracle delivered to the prophet Jeremiah, detailing a future invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadrezzar, the king of Babylon. This prophetic word underscores the LORD's absolute sovereignty over nations and historical events, revealing His intention to use the Babylonian empire as an instrument of judgment against Egypt, a powerful nation that often served as a false hope and rival to God's people. The verse serves as a precise declaration of an impending military conquest, demonstrating the reliability of God's prophetic word and His ultimate control over the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:13 marks a significant shift in the book of Jeremiah, initiating a series of prophecies against foreign nations that extends through chapter 51. Prior to this, Jeremiah's focus was primarily on Judah's impending judgment due to its covenant unfaithfulness. This new section broadens the scope of God's divine justice, demonstrating that His sovereignty extends beyond His covenant people to encompass all gentile powers. Specifically, this verse follows an earlier oracle against Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1-12) which described the defeat of Pharaoh Neco's army by Nebuchadrezzar at the Battle of Carchemish. Verse 13 introduces a distinct and more direct prophecy concerning Nebuchadrezzar's subsequent invasion and subjugation of Egypt itself, highlighting a deeper, more devastating judgment than the previous military engagement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, the ancient Near East was dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadrezzar II. Following the collapse of Assyria, Babylon and Egypt emerged as the primary contenders for regional supremacy. Egypt, though a formidable and ancient civilization, had been weakened by its defeat at Carchemish in 605 BCE. Judah, caught between these two superpowers, often looked to Egypt for military and political alliances against the encroaching Babylonian threat, a reliance that Jeremiah consistently condemned as a betrayal of trust in the LORD (e.g., Jeremiah's stern warning in [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Jeremiah's Warning Against Trusting Egypt")). This prophecy, therefore, served not only as a declaration of Egypt's fate but also as a stark message to Judah: no worldly power, not even mighty Egypt, could withstand the sovereign purposes of God, who was orchestrating the rise of Babylon as His instrument of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the "word" originates directly from "the LORD," thereby asserting God's absolute authority over the affairs of nations. He is the one who "raises up and brings down kings," as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Second, it highlights **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as the precise naming of "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon" points to a specific historical figure and event, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of God's revealed word. The detailed nature of the prophecy lends credibility to Jeremiah's ministry and God's foreknowledge. Third, it illustrates **God's Judgment on Nations**, revealing that even powerful gentile nations like Egypt, which had historically oppressed Israel and later served as a deceptive source of hope for Judah, are not exempt from divine justice. This theme reinforces the universal scope of God's moral governance, reminding all nations that they are accountable to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1696 (dâbar), this noun (H1697) signifies not merely a spoken utterance but also a matter, thing, or affair. In this context, it denotes a divine message or decree, carrying the weight of God's authoritative pronouncement. It implies a concrete reality that will come to pass, emphasizing the certainty of the prophecy.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It speaks to God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant faithfulness. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes that the prophecy is not a human conjecture but a direct revelation from the sovereign God who controls all history and fulfills His promises and threats.
* **smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root (H5221) carries a wide range of meanings from striking lightly to severely, including beating, slaying, or conquering. In the context of a king coming to a land, it unequivocally signifies a decisive and destructive military conquest, implying a thorough defeat, subjugation, and potentially significant devastation of Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It is not Jeremiah's own opinion or political analysis, but a direct revelation from God Himself, communicated through His chosen messenger. This emphasizes the certainty and infallibility of the prophecy that follows.
* **"how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come":** This identifies the specific human agent through whom God's judgment will be executed. Nebuchadrezzar, the powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, is explicitly named as the instrument of divine will. The verb "should come" indicates a future, certain, and divinely ordained arrival for a specific purpose.
* **"[and] smite the land of Egypt.":** This final clause declares the precise action and its target. Nebuchadrezzar's coming is not for a minor skirmish but for a definitive "smite," signifying a military conquest, subjugation, and possibly devastation of the entire land of Egypt. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Jeremiah 46:13 is **Prophecy**, specifically a **Predictive Prophecy**. The verse directly foretells a future historical event—Nebuchadrezzar's invasion of Egypt—with remarkable specificity, including the agent (Nebuchadrezzar), the target (Egypt), and the action (smite/conquer). This serves to demonstrate God's omniscience and His active involvement in human history, asserting His control over the rise and fall of empires. The phrase "The word that the LORD spake" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, signaling that the subsequent content is a direct revelation from God, imbuing the message with ultimate authority and certainty. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this specific prophecy against Egypt contributes to the broader narrative of God's judgment against all nations that oppose His will or His people, setting the stage for the ultimate display of His universal sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:13 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over all of human history and the affairs of nations. It is a powerful reminder that no earthly power, however mighty or self-sufficient, operates outside the purview of the Almighty. God raises up and brings down kingdoms, using even pagan rulers like Nebuchadrezzar as instruments of His divine will, whether for judgment or for the fulfillment of His broader redemptive purposes. This truth offers both a warning against national pride and a deep comfort to believers, assuring them that God is meticulously working out His plan, even amidst geopolitical turmoil and seemingly chaotic events. The reliability of this specific prophecy, later fulfilled, undergirds the trustworthiness of all of God's promises and warnings.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD's Counsel Stands Forever"): "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
* [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward for Egypt"): "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall carry off her wealth and seize her spoil and take her plunder; and it shall be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he labored, because they worked for me, declares the Lord GOD."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This prophecy serves as a profound anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by political instability, shifting alliances, and the rise and fall of global powers. It reminds us that our ultimate security and hope must not be placed in human leaders, national strength, or economic might, but solely in the unchanging, sovereign God. When we witness the turmoil of nations, Jeremiah 46:13 calls us to remember that the LORD is still on His throne, orchestrating events according to His eternal purpose. This truth should inspire both humility in the face of God's power and immense comfort, knowing that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him, even through the actions of seemingly hostile forces. Our trust in God's word and His providential hand should lead us to live with greater peace, confidence, and unwavering devotion, regardless of worldly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 46:13 challenge our natural inclination to place our trust in worldly powers or political solutions rather than in God alone?**
* **What comfort can we draw from the fact that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His sovereign will?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or in the current global climate do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust?**

### FAQ
**Why is Nebuchadnezzar's name spelled "Nebuchadrezzar" in this verse, while other biblical texts use "Nebuchadnezzar"?**

Answer: The spelling "Nebuchadrezzar" (Hebrew: נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar_) is an alternative, and often considered more accurate, transliteration of the Babylonian king's name (_Nabû-kudurri-uṣur_). While "Nebuchadnezzar" is the more common spelling found in books like Daniel and parts of 2 Kings, "Nebuchadrezzar" appears frequently in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Both spellings refer to the same historical figure, the powerful king of Babylon who destroyed Jerusalem. The variation reflects different Hebrew transliterations of the original Akkadian name, but the identity of the king and the historical events associated with him remain consistent throughout the biblical narrative, underscoring the accuracy of the biblical record in identifying key historical figures, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").

**How does this prophecy against Egypt relate to God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: This prophecy, like others against foreign nations, serves to underscore God's universal sovereignty and His ultimate control over all nations, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant with Israel. While God's primary focus was on Judah's faithfulness, the judgment of Egypt demonstrates that God is not merely a tribal deity but the Lord of all the earth. Historically, Egypt had enslaved Israel (as recounted in [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel's Bondage in Egypt")) and later became a source of false hope and idolatrous alliances for Judah, leading them away from trusting the LORD. By prophesying Egypt's downfall at the hands of Babylon, God was not only executing justice upon a proud nation but also teaching Judah a crucial lesson: reliance on worldly powers would lead to ruin, while true security lay only in Him. This judgment on Egypt was part of God's larger plan to purify His people and demonstrate His unique power, as He did when He brought Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand, as described in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:13, with its declaration of God's sovereign use of a pagan king to execute judgment upon a powerful nation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "word that the LORD spake" to Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate Word, Jesus Christ, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained. Just as Nebuchadrezzar was an instrument in God's hand to "smite the land of Egypt," so too does Christ embody God's ultimate power and authority over all nations and all history. He is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), to whom all earthly powers will ultimately bow. The judgment pronounced upon Egypt by God through Babylon points forward to the final, comprehensive judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness and rebellion at His second coming, as He is appointed to [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead"). Furthermore, the "smiting" of Egypt, a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God, finds its spiritual parallel in Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross. Through His sacrifice, He "smites" the power of sin, disarming the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive, thereby establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed, as prophesied in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy, while historically specific, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the one who perfectly embodies God's sovereign power, righteous judgment, and redemptive purpose for all creation.

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

Jeremiah 44:30

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.

Jeremiah 43:10

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

Isaiah 29:1

¶ Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city [where] David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

Isaiah 29:24

They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

Isaiah 19:1

¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Isaiah 19:25

Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.