Jeremiah 46:16

He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.

He made many {H7235} to fall {H3782}, yea, one {H376} fell {H5307} upon another {H7453}: and they said {H559}, Arise {H6965}, and let us go again {H7725} to our own people {H5971}, and to the land {H776} of our nativity {H4138}, from {H6440} the oppressing {H3238} sword {H2719}.

He caused many to trip; yes, they fell all over each other.'" Then they said, "Let's get up, let's return to our own people, back to the land where we were born, away from the sword that destroys."

They continue to stumble; indeed, they have fallen over one another. They say, ‘Get up! Let us return to our people and to the land of our birth, away from the sword of the oppressor.’

He made many to stumble, yea, they fell one upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.

Jeremiah 46:16 vividly portrays the chaotic collapse of the Egyptian army, prophesied by Jeremiah. It describes a scene of utter panic and disarray where soldiers are falling over each other, overwhelmed by the "oppressing sword" of their enemies. Their desperate cry to return to their homeland underscores the terror and defeat they experienced, highlighting God's sovereign hand in the rise and fall of nations.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations. Specifically, Jeremiah 46 focuses on Egypt, foretelling its devastating defeat by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The historical backdrop is the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, a pivotal event where the Babylonian forces decisively routed the Egyptian army under Pharaoh Neco II. This prophecy demonstrates God's control over world events and His use of nations, even pagan ones like Babylon, as instruments of His judgment, as seen with Nebuchadnezzar being called God's servant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The phrase "He made many to fall" points to God's active role in bringing about the defeat of Egypt. It signifies that the military disaster was not merely a result of human conflict but a divine judgment against a proud nation that had stood against God's purposes.
  • Chaos and Panic: "One fell upon another" powerfully depicts the complete breakdown of order and the overwhelming fear within the Egyptian ranks. It illustrates a full-scale rout where soldiers are tripping over each other in their desperate flight.
  • The Desire for Safety and Home: The soldiers' cry, "Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity," highlights the universal human instinct to seek refuge and comfort in times of extreme danger, longing for the familiarity and safety of home.
  • The Instrument of Wrath: The "oppressing sword" refers to the Babylonian army, which God used as His instrument to execute judgment. This emphasizes that even powerful human forces are ultimately under God's sovereign control.

Linguistic Insights

The term "oppressing sword" in the KJV conveys the terror and overwhelming power of the attacking force. It's not just any sword, but one that brings severe distress, tyranny, and irresistible pressure, causing great anguish and forcing surrender or flight. This phrase effectively captures the psychological impact of the Babylonian victory on the Egyptian soldiers.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 46:16 reminds us of God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and historical outcomes. It teaches that no kingdom or power, no matter how mighty, can stand against God's will. For believers, this offers comfort and assurance that God is in control, even amidst global turmoil and conflict. It also serves as a warning that nations, like individuals, are accountable to God for their actions. The verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when human events seem chaotic or overwhelming, knowing that He works all things according to His purpose.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 26:36

    And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

  • Leviticus 26:37

    And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

  • Jeremiah 51:9

    We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 50:16

    Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

  • 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.

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