Jeremiah 46:15

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Jeremiah 46:15 is a rhetorical question and its immediate answer, found within a prophecy concerning Egypt. It vividly describes the swift and decisive defeat of Egypt's military might, attributing their downfall not to mere human weakness or superior enemy tactics, but directly to the intervention of the Almighty God. The verse highlights God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations. Specifically, Jeremiah 46 targets Egypt, particularly foretelling the devastating defeat of Pharaoh Neco's army by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon at the Battle of Carchemish around 605 BC. Egypt, a prominent regional power known for its military prowess, is depicted as utterly helpless before the divine decree. The prophet's message consistently underscores that even mighty empires are subject to God's sovereign will, serving as instruments or objects of His judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The most prominent theme is God's absolute control over world events and the destinies of nations. Even the most "valiant men" cannot stand when the LORD Himself is against them. This echoes the broader biblical truth that God "removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21).
  • Futility of Human Strength: The verse powerfully illustrates the inadequacy of human strength and military might when confronted with divine purpose. Egypt's formidable army, their pride and confidence, were "swept away" because they could not stand against God's active opposition.
  • Divine Judgment: The defeat is presented as a direct act of God's judgment upon Egypt, likely due to their pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's plans concerning Judah. This serves as a warning that no nation is immune to divine accountability.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "swept away" (ื ึดืกึฐื—ึทืฃ - nishchaf) suggests being carried away, like by a flood or strong current, emphasizing the overwhelming and complete nature of the defeat. It conveys a sense of being utterly helpless and unable to resist. The phrase "did drive them" (ื”ึดื“ึดึผืคึธึผื - hiddifam) further underscores God's active role, portraying Him as the one who pushes, thrusts, or scatters their forces, leaving no doubt about the source of their rout.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 46:15 serves as a timeless reminder that true security and lasting power do not lie in military might, economic prowess, or human ingenuity, but in acknowledging and submitting to the sovereignty of God. For believers, it reinforces the call to trust in the LORD rather than in chariots or horses (Psalm 20:7). It also encourages humility, recognizing that all human achievements and strengths are fleeting when compared to the omnipotence of the Creator. Understanding God's hand in historical events, even those seemingly chaotic, can bring comfort and perspective, knowing that His ultimate purposes will prevail.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 66:15 (4 votes)

    ยถ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 18:14 (3 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 46:21 (2 votes)

    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.