Jeremiah 46:15

KJV

Why are thy valiant [men] swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why are thy valiant {H47} men swept away {H5502}? they stood {H5975} not, because the LORD {H3068} did drive {H1920} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why has your strong one been overthrown? He failed to stand because ADONAI pushed him down.

Berean Standard Bible

Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down.

American Standard Version

Why are thy strong ones swept away? they stood not, because Jehovah did drive them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:15 presents a rhetorical question and its immediate divine answer, vividly portraying the decisive defeat of Egypt's formidable military. The verse underscores that the downfall of their "valiant men" was not due to human weakness or enemy superiority, but directly to the sovereign intervention of the LORD, who actively "swept them away" and "did drive them." This declaration serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations and the futility of human strength when it opposes His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically found in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). This chapter opens a larger section of Jeremiah's book ([Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations")) dedicated to prophecies against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty beyond Israel. [Jeremiah 46:15](/jeremiah/46-15 "Jeremiah 46:15 - The Rout of Egypt") immediately follows a vivid description of Egypt's preparations for battle and their subsequent rout, particularly referencing the Battle of Carchemish ([Jeremiah 46:2](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2 - Battle of Carchemish")), where Pharaoh Neco's army was decisively defeated by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The rhetorical question "Why are thy valiant men swept away?" sets up the direct, unequivocal answer that follows, emphasizing divine agency as the sole cause of their collapse. The broader narrative flow of Jeremiah consistently highlights the consequences of national pride and rebellion against God's purposes, often using powerful nations like Egypt as object lessons.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt") specifically targets Egypt, a dominant regional power in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Egypt was renowned for its military prowess, particularly its chariots and vast armies, often seen as a reliable, albeit ultimately deceptive, ally by Judah ([Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). The Battle of Carchemish, occurring around 605 BC, was a pivotal event that marked the decline of Egyptian influence in the Levant and the ascendancy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Pharaoh Neco II, a powerful Egyptian king, led his forces against Babylon, only to suffer a crushing defeat. Culturally, the Egyptians placed great confidence in their gods and their military might, believing themselves invincible. Jeremiah's prophecy directly challenges this cultural hubris, revealing that even the mightiest human empires are subject to the will of the one true God, the LORD of Hosts. The geographical setting, the Euphrates River near Carchemish, was a strategic crossroads, making the battle's outcome profoundly impactful on geopolitical dynamics.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Jeremiah 46:15](/jeremiah/46-15 "Jeremiah 46:15 - The Rout of Egypt") is **Divine Sovereignty**. The verse unequivocally attributes Egypt's defeat to the LORD's direct intervention, stating "the LORD did drive them." This reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations, raising up and casting down kingdoms according to His sovereign plan ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Closely related is the **Futility of Human Strength** when it opposes divine purpose. Egypt's "valiant men," their pride and military might, are rendered utterly impotent, "swept away" and unable to stand. This theme is echoed throughout scripture, reminding humanity that true power resides not in human armies or ingenuity, but in God alone ([Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")). Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment**. The defeat of Egypt is not random but an act of God's judgment, likely a consequence of their pride, idolatry, and their interference with God's plans for Judah and the region. This serves as a stark warning that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength, is immune to divine accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **valiant (Hebrew, _ʼabbîyr'_):** H47, meaning "mighty (spoken of God)," "strong (one)," or "chiefest." Here, it describes the elite, powerful soldiers of Egypt, emphasizing their perceived strength and prowess. The rhetorical question highlights the shock and incomprehension that such mighty warriors could be so easily overcome.
* **swept away (Hebrew, _çâchaph'_):** H5502, a primitive root meaning "to scrape off" or "sweep (away)." This word conveys a sense of being carried off or washed away by an irresistible force, like debris in a flood. It emphasizes the completeness and suddenness of Egypt's defeat, suggesting utter helplessness and disarray.
* **stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** H5975, a primitive root meaning "to stand," "abide," "endure," or "be present." In this context, "they stood not" signifies their inability to hold their ground, to resist, or to maintain their position in battle. It underscores their complete rout and failure to withstand the divine assault.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, from the verb "to be," referring to "the self-Existent or Eternal," the Jewish national name of God, Jehovah. This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, active, and sovereign involvement. The use of "LORD" here unequivocally identifies the source of Egypt's downfall as the God of Israel, not merely a superior human army.
* **drive (Hebrew, _hâdaph'_):** H1920, a primitive root meaning "to push away or down," "cast away (out)," "expel," or "thrust (away)." This word powerfully describes God's active, forceful, and intentional role in scattering and routing the Egyptian forces. It portrays God as the one who directly pushes them back and causes their flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why are thy valiant [men] swept away?"**: This is a rhetorical question posed by the prophet, expressing astonishment and inviting reflection on the unexpected and devastating defeat of Egypt's renowned military. It implies that, from a human perspective, such a powerful army should not have been so easily vanquished.
* **"they stood not,"**: This clause provides the immediate, stark answer to the rhetorical question. It describes the complete failure of the Egyptian soldiers to maintain their position, to resist the enemy, or to hold their ground in battle. Their inability to "stand" signifies a total rout and collapse of their military formation and morale.
* **"because the LORD did drive them."**: This is the definitive and divinely authoritative explanation for Egypt's defeat. It attributes their collapse directly and solely to the active intervention of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The LORD Himself was the one who pushed them away, scattered them, and caused their flight, leaving no doubt about the ultimate source of their overwhelming defeat.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Why are thy valiant [men] swept away?"), which serves not to solicit information but to emphasize the shocking and inexplicable nature of Egypt's defeat from a human perspective, thereby setting up the divine answer. The imagery of being "swept away" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Hyperbole**, suggesting a force so overwhelming that it carries everything before it, like a flood or a strong current, emphasizing the completeness and suddenness of the rout. This also implies the **Futility of Human Strength** against divine power. The most crucial device is **Divine Agency**, where the LORD is explicitly named as the one who "did drive them." This direct attribution of action to God underscores His absolute **Sovereignty** and active involvement in historical events, transforming a military defeat into a clear act of divine judgment. The **Contrast** between the "valiant men" and their inability to "stand" highlights the inadequacy of human might when confronted with God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:15 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the course of human history. It serves as a stark reminder that no earthly power, however formidable or "valiant," can withstand the will of the Almighty. This principle is foundational to biblical theology, asserting that God is not merely a deity of Israel but the supreme ruler of the cosmos, actively involved in the rise and fall of empires. The defeat of Egypt, a symbol of human strength and pride, demonstrates that God's purposes will prevail, and those who oppose Him, whether directly or indirectly, will ultimately fall. This verse also foreshadows the eschatological reality that all earthly kingdoms will eventually give way to God's eternal kingdom.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD Brings the Counsel of the Nations to Nothing")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - He Brings Princes to Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:15 offers a timeless and profound challenge to our human tendency to place ultimate trust in visible strengths—be it military might, economic prowess, political influence, or even personal abilities. The "valiant men" of Egypt, symbols of human pride and self-reliance, were utterly "swept away" because the LORD Himself was against them. This truth compels us to examine where our true security and confidence lie. For individuals and nations alike, it serves as a powerful call to humility, recognizing that all human achievements and strengths are transient and ultimately subservient to the omnipotence of the Creator. In a world often driven by power dynamics and the pursuit of dominance, this verse anchors us in the reality of God's unwavering control, providing both a warning against hubris and a deep comfort that His ultimate purposes will prevail, even amidst chaos. It encourages us to align our lives and aspirations with His will, understanding that genuine and lasting victory is found only in His sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in society do I tend to place my ultimate trust in "valiant men" or human strength, rather than in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the concept of God "sweeping away" and "driving" nations challenge my understanding of historical events and current global affairs?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's power and wisdom, rather than on my own abilities or external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "valiant men" referred to in this verse?**
Answer: The "valiant men" refer to the elite, powerful, and courageous soldiers of the Egyptian army, known for their military prowess and strength. At the time of this prophecy, Egypt was a dominant regional power, and its army, particularly its chariots and infantry, was considered formidable. The verse highlights that even these highly skilled and brave warriors were no match for the divine will.

**Why did the LORD "drive" or "sweep away" the Egyptian army?**
Answer: The LORD "drove" or "swept away" the Egyptian army as an act of divine judgment and to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all nations. Egypt had often acted against God's purposes, particularly in relation to Judah, and its pride and idolatry were significant. The specific historical context is the Battle of Carchemish ([Jeremiah 46:2](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2 - Battle of Carchemish")), where Pharaoh Neco's forces were decisively defeated by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This defeat was not merely a military outcome but a divinely orchestrated event to fulfill God's prophetic word and to establish Babylon as His instrument of judgment against various nations, including Egypt. It underscores that God is actively involved in the rise and fall of empires ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:15, with its declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over the mightiest earthly kingdoms, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "valiant men" of Egypt, swept away by the LORD, foreshadow the ultimate futility of all human and demonic powers that stand against God's Anointed One. Just as the LORD "drove" Egypt, so too does Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), exercise supreme authority over all creation. His victory on the cross disarmed the principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")), sweeping away their dominion and demonstrating that no spiritual or earthly foe can stand against His kingdom. The defeat of Egypt's army points forward to the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), and His kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). Thus, the divine judgment on Egypt serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ's final triumph over all opposition and the establishment of His eternal, unshakable reign ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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

Isaiah 66:15

¶ For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

Isaiah 66:16

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

Psalms 68:2

As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Jeremiah 46:5

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: [for] fear [was] round about, saith the LORD.

Psalms 18:39

For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

Psalms 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.