Jeremiah 46:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:16 vividly portrays the chaotic and demoralizing defeat of the Egyptian army, prophesied by Jeremiah as part of God's judgment. The verse depicts a scene of utter panic and disarray where soldiers are tripping over each other in their desperate flight, overwhelmed by the relentless assault of their enemies. Their desperate cry to abandon the battlefield and return to their homeland underscores the profound terror and decisive defeat they experienced, highlighting the sovereign hand of God in orchestrating the rise and fall of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:16 is situated within a significant prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically detailing the impending defeat of Pharaoh Neco II's army by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This chapter initiates a larger section of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations (chapters 46-51), serving as a stark demonstration of Yahweh's universal sovereignty. The verses immediately preceding Jeremiah 46:16 describe the Egyptian army preparing for battle, boasting of their strength, only for the prophecy to immediately pivot to their inevitable rout and flight. The subsequent verses continue to describe Egypt's humiliation and the extent of Babylon's victory, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment against a proud nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the pivotal Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where the rising Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, decisively crushed the Egyptian forces. This battle was a watershed moment, marking the decline of Egyptian influence and the ascent of Babylon as the dominant power in the ancient Near East. Egypt, a long-standing regional power, often relied on its military might and alliances. The cultural context involves the ancient world's understanding of military defeat as a sign of a nation's god(s) being weaker than the conquering god(s). Jeremiah's prophecy subverts this by declaring that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is orchestrating this defeat, using Babylon as His instrument, thereby demonstrating His supremacy over all nations and their deities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment**, showing God actively bringing about the downfall of a proud nation that had opposed His purposes, as seen in His declaration of judgment against Egypt in [Jeremiah 46:25](/jeremiah/46-25 "Jeremiah 46:25 - God's Judgment on Egypt"). The scene of soldiers falling over each other underscores the theme of **Chaos and Disintegration**, highlighting the complete collapse of military order and morale. The desperate plea to return home speaks to the universal human desire for **Safety and Refuge** in the face of overwhelming threat. Furthermore, the "oppressing sword" symbolizes God's use of **Instruments of Wrath**, demonstrating that even powerful empires like Babylon are mere tools in His sovereign hand to execute His divine will, a concept echoed in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fall (Hebrew, _kâshal'_ H3782):** From a primitive root meaning "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall." In this context, it vividly describes the physical collapse and disarray of the Egyptian soldiers, not merely being struck down, but losing their footing and stability in a panicked retreat, emphasizing their utter loss of control and military cohesion.
* **oppressing (Hebrew, _yânâh'_ H3238):** A primitive root meaning "to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat." This term describes the nature of the sword, not just as a weapon, but as an instrument of overwhelming violence, tyranny, and severe distress. It conveys the relentless, crushing pressure exerted by the Babylonian forces, which was so severe it caused the Egyptians to break ranks and flee in terror.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_ H2719):** From a root meaning "drought"; also "a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement." Here, "sword" is a metonym for the entire attacking Babylonian army and its destructive power. The emphasis is on its "destructive effect," which aligns with the "oppressing" nature described by _yânâh_, signifying a force that brings desolation and rout.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another":** This phrase powerfully depicts the initial impact of the Babylonian assault and the ensuing chaos within the Egyptian ranks. The "He" implicitly refers to God, the ultimate orchestrator of this defeat. "Many to fall" suggests widespread casualties and a breakdown of military formation, while "one fell upon another" paints a chaotic picture of soldiers tripping over their comrades in a desperate, disorganized flight, highlighting the complete loss of discipline and morale.
* **"and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity":** This clause reveals the utter despair and surrender of the Egyptian soldiers. Their collective cry is not to regroup or fight back, but to abandon the battle entirely and flee back to the safety and familiarity of their homeland. "Land of our nativity" emphasizes a profound longing for the security and comfort of home, a primal human instinct in the face of overwhelming terror and defeat.
* **"from the oppressing sword":** This final phrase identifies the immediate cause of their panic and flight. The "oppressing sword" represents the relentless, violent, and overwhelming force of the Babylonian army. It is not merely a weapon, but a symbol of the crushing, tyrannical power that has completely demoralized and routed the once-proud Egyptian forces.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of the Egyptian defeat. **Imagery** is vividly used to paint a picture of chaos, particularly in "one fell upon another," which evokes a scene of soldiers stumbling over each other in disarray. The phrase "oppressing sword" also creates a strong visual and emotional image of relentless, suffocating violence. **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** might be perceived in the description of "many to fall" and the complete breakdown, emphasizing the overwhelming scale of the rout rather than a literal count. The verse also features **Direct Speech** or **Dialogue**, as the desperate cry of the soldiers is quoted verbatim, giving an immediate and raw insight into their fear and longing for escape. Finally, **Metonymy** is present, where "the oppressing sword" stands in for the entire Babylonian army and its devastating power, making the weapon a symbol of the conquering force itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:16 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the destinies of nations. The defeat of Egypt, a formidable world power, is not attributed to mere military strategy or human strength but to God's active hand in "making many to fall." This underscores the biblical truth that no earthly kingdom, no matter how mighty or proud, can stand against the divine will. God raises up and casts down nations according to His righteous purposes, often using one nation as an instrument of judgment against another. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly power is ultimately subservient to the King of Kings, who orchestrates world events to fulfill His overarching plan for humanity and His covenant people.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Authority from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:16 offers profound truths for contemporary reflection and application. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, military conflicts, and the rise and fall of global powers, this verse reminds us that God remains on His throne, sovereign over all. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate chaos and human machinations to discern the divine hand at work. For individuals, it encourages a posture of trust and reliance on God, rather than placing ultimate hope in earthly institutions or leaders, which are inherently fallible and temporary. It also serves as a sobering reminder that nations, like individuals, are accountable to God for their actions and pride. We are called to pray for our leaders and nations, seeking righteousness and justice, knowing that true security and flourishing come from aligning with God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as depicted in this verse, impact your view of current global events?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to place your ultimate trust in human strength or institutions rather than in God's sovereign control?**
* **What does the desperate cry of the Egyptian soldiers to return home reveal about the human condition in the face of overwhelming fear and defeat?**
* **How might understanding God's judgment on proud nations shape your prayers for your own country and its leaders?**

### FAQ
**What was the "oppressing sword" mentioned in Jeremiah 46:16?**
Answer: The "oppressing sword" refers to the formidable and overwhelming military force of the Babylonian army, led by Nebuchadnezzar. This phrase is a vivid metonymy for the instrument of God's judgment against Egypt. The Babylonians were a rising power at this time, known for their military prowess and ruthless efficiency, which caused significant terror and disarray among their enemies, as seen in their decisive victory over Egypt at the [Battle of Carchemish](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2 - Prophecy of Carchemish").

**Does this verse imply that God directly causes people to fall in battle?**
Answer: While the KJV states, "He made many to fall," the primary intent is to emphasize God's ultimate sovereignty and orchestration of events, rather than a literal, direct physical act of tripping soldiers. God is depicted as the one who permits, directs, and uses nations and their armies as instruments to fulfill His prophetic word and execute His divine judgment. The chaos and defeat of the Egyptian army were part of God's overarching plan, demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of empires, a theme consistent with passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:16 speaks of God's judgment on a pagan nation through an earthly empire, it ultimately points to the greater victory and ultimate sovereignty of God realized in Christ. The "oppressing sword" of Babylon, a tool of divine wrath, foreshadows the spiritual oppression of sin and death that held humanity captive. Just as the Egyptian soldiers longed to return to the "land of our nativity" for safety, humanity, alienated from God by sin, yearns for true refuge and restoration. This longing is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, thereby disarming the spiritual "oppressing sword" of condemnation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, offering a true "return" to our spiritual "nativity" in God's family, a new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the ultimate refuge and the one who delivers us from the oppression of spiritual enemies, leading us to our eternal home ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Better Country")).

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

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.