Jeremiah 46:19

Translation
King James Version
O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
O thou daughter H1323 dwelling H3427 in Egypt H4714, furnish H6213 thyself to go into captivity H3627 H1473: for Noph H5297 shall be waste H8047 and desolate H3341 without an inhabitant H3427.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
"Daughter living in Egypt, prepare what you need for exile; for Nof will become a ruin, laid waste, without inhabitant.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited.
Ask
American Standard Version
O thou daughter that dwellest in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity; for Memphis shall become a desolation, and shall be burnt up, without inhabitant.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
You daughter who dwells in Egypt, furnish yourself to go into captivity; for Memphis shall become a desolation, and shall be burnt up, without inhabitant.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, make thee geare to goe into captiuitie: for Noph shall be waste and desolate, without an inhabitant.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
Goods for removal make for thee, O inhabitant, daughter of Egypt, For Noph becometh a desolation, And hath been burnt up, without inhabitant.
Ask
See also
Isaiah 20:4Jeremiah 48:18Ezekiel 30:13Jeremiah 44:1Jeremiah 26:9Zephaniah 2:5Jeremiah 34:22
See on the biblical-era map
Prophecy Against the Egyptians and Philistines
Prophecy Against the Egyptians and Philistines View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 20,065 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Jeremiah 46:19 delivers a stark and ironic divine decree to Egypt, personified as a "daughter," commanding her to prepare for inevitable captivity. This prophetic word underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even the formidable Egyptian empire, whose perceived invincibility will utterly collapse. The verse specifically highlights the impending desolation of Noph (Memphis), a prominent Egyptian capital, as a tangible and devastating sign of this comprehensive and unavoidable judgment, signaling the complete end of its security and prominence.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Jeremiah 46:19 is strategically placed within the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Jeremiah 46-51), a significant section of the book that powerfully asserts God's universal sovereignty, extending His authority far beyond Judah to encompass all Gentile nations. Specifically, chapter 46 focuses on the divine judgment against Egypt, serving as a crucial counterpoint to Judah's repeated and misguided tendency to seek alliances with Egypt rather than trusting in the Lord. The preceding verses in Jeremiah 46 first recount the historical defeat of Pharaoh Neco's army by Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2-12) and then pivot to a direct prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent invasion and conquest of Egypt itself (Jeremiah 46:13-18). Verse 19, therefore, functions as a direct, imperative declaration of the inevitable and humiliating outcome of this divine judgment, emphasizing the utter futility of resistance for even a nation as powerful as Egypt.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Egypt was, for millennia, a formidable power, renowned for its enduring civilization, immense wealth, advanced culture, and significant military might. It frequently acted as a regional hegemon, often interacting with, and at times dominating, smaller nations like Judah. At the time of this prophecy (likely late 7th to early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a major geopolitical player, actively vying with the ascendant Babylonian Empire for control of the Near East. Noph, or Memphis, was one of Egypt's most ancient and strategically vital cities, serving for much of its history as a political, religious, and economic capital. Situated at the apex of the Nile Delta, it was a profound symbol of Egyptian strength, stability, and enduring civilization. The prophecy of its utter destruction and depopulation would have been a shocking and potent declaration, signaling the complete collapse of Egyptian power and the end of its perceived security, an event that would ultimately find its fulfillment through Nebuchadnezzar's invasion, as further alluded to in Ezekiel 29:19.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores Divine Sovereignty and Inevitable Judgment, demonstrating that God's absolute control extends over all nations and their ultimate destinies. The deeply ironic command for Egypt to "furnish thyself to go into captivity" highlights the absolute certainty of its downfall, regardless of its perceived strength or military prowess. Secondly, it vividly illustrates the Consequences of Pride and False Security. Egypt, relying on its formidable military, vast wealth, and deeply entrenched idolatrous practices, is shown to be utterly vulnerable before God's decree. The prophesied destruction of Noph, a quintessential symbol of Egyptian power and self-reliance, emphasizes that no human stronghold or self-sufficient ideology can ultimately stand against divine purpose, a theme powerfully echoed in other prophecies against proud nations like Babylon in Jeremiah 50:31-32. Thirdly, the passage reveals God's strategic use of Foreign Powers as Instruments of Judgment, as Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire are depicted not merely as political rivals but as divinely appointed agents of God's righteous wrath against Egypt's arrogance and idolatry, a concept also clearly articulated in Isaiah 10:5-6.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • daughter (Hebrew, bath', H1323): From בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. In this context, "daughter" is a term of personification, directly addressing the nation of Egypt as a collective entity. This intimate form of address, common in prophetic literature for cities or nations, here carries a poignant, almost lamenting tone for Egypt's impending fate, despite its immense pride. It humanizes the nation, making the pronouncement of judgment more direct and impactful.
  • furnish (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213): A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. The phrase "furnish thyself" (a translation of the H6213 verb in the imperative, combined with H3627 kᵉlîy meaning "something prepared" or "utensil/stuff") carries a deeply ironic and sarcastic tone. It is a divine command to prepare, not for defense or continued prosperity, but for the ignominy of forced relocation and exile, implying the utter helplessness of Egypt before God's sovereign decree.
  • waste (Hebrew, shammâh', H8047): From שָׁמֵם; ruin; by implication, consternation; astonishment, desolate(-ion), waste, wonderful thing. This word, used in conjunction with "desolate" (H3341 yâtsath), powerfully conveys the absolute extent of the destruction. It speaks not merely of physical ruin but also of the resulting horror, shock, and utter emptiness that will grip the land. The land and its key city, Noph, will be reduced to a state of uninhabited desolation, serving as a stark and enduring testament to the severity of divine judgment.

Verse Breakdown

  • "O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt": This initial phrase employs personification, directly addressing the nation of Egypt as a "daughter." This intimate form of address, frequently used for cities or nations in biblical prophecy (e.g., "daughter of Zion"), here adds a layer of poignant irony. It speaks to a nation that had long felt secure and sovereign in its own ancient land, now being commanded and judged by a higher, irresistible authority. The descriptor "dwelling in Egypt" emphasizes its established presence, deep roots, and perceived stability, all of which are about to be irrevocably shattered.
  • "furnish thyself to go into captivity": This clause delivers a powerful, cutting, and deeply sarcastic imperative. Instead of preparing for battle, defense, or continued prosperity, Egypt is commanded by God to prepare for its own forced removal and exile. "Furnish thyself" implies gathering one's belongings for a journey, but here it is for a journey into a state of utter powerlessness, humiliation, and foreign subjugation. This command highlights the absolute certainty and inevitability of the divine judgment; resistance is futile, and the only "preparation" possible is for the decreed punishment.
  • "for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant": This final clause provides the explicit reason and the concrete, devastating manifestation of Egypt's judgment. Noph, the ancient and profoundly significant city of Memphis, is singled out for utter destruction. The combined phrase "waste and desolate" (Hebrew: shammâh and yâtsath) emphasizes complete ruin, depopulation, and abandonment. The emphatic addition "without an inhabitant" leaves no doubt about the totality of the devastation, signifying that a once-thriving and powerful capital will become a barren, uninhabited wasteland, a stark and enduring monument to the severity of divine judgment.

Literary Devices

Jeremiah 46:19 skillfully employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its message of impending judgment with maximum impact. Personification is prominently featured in the address "O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt," which endows the entire nation with a human identity. This allows the prophet to speak to Egypt's inherent pride and impending humiliation in a more direct, intimate, and emotionally resonant manner. The central command, "furnish thyself to go into captivity," stands out as a striking example of Irony. Rather than preparing for defense, victory, or continued prosperity, Egypt is mockingly instructed to prepare for its own downfall and forced exile. This ironic imperative powerfully underscores the absolute certainty and inevitability of the judgment, highlighting the futility of Egypt's formidable strength against God's decree. Furthermore, the vivid description of Noph as "waste and desolate without an inhabitant" utilizes both Hyperbole and Emphasis. The combined terms for ruin and the explicit declaration of complete depopulation paint an extreme and vivid picture of total devastation, leaving no room for doubt about the severity and comprehensive nature of the divine judgment.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Jeremiah 46:19 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating unequivocally that no empire, regardless of its historical power, ancient pedigree, or perceived invincibility, can ultimately stand against His divine will. It serves as a profound and sobering reminder that all earthly kingdoms are transient and ultimately subject to the righteous judgment of the Almighty. The verse highlights the inevitable consequences of national pride, self-reliance, and idolatry, revealing that what humans perceive as impregnable strength is fragile and fleeting before the Creator of the universe. God's strategic use of Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Egypt underscores His ability to orchestrate geopolitical events and utilize even pagan nations to fulfill His righteous purposes. This prophecy thus calls all peoples to profound humility and a recognition that true security, lasting peace, and enduring prosperity are found not in military might, economic prowess, or material wealth, but in acknowledging and submitting to the one true God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Jeremiah 46:19 serves as a timeless and deeply sobering reminder that all earthly power, wealth, and perceived security are ultimately transient and subject to the sovereign will of God. For nations today, this prophecy calls for profound humility, righteous governance, and a recognition that true prosperity and enduring stability are rooted in justice, compassion, and a reverent fear of the Lord, rather than in military might, economic prowess, or shrewd political maneuvering. When nations or individuals place their ultimate trust in human strength, material possessions, or self-sufficiency, they inevitably set themselves up for a fall, just as ancient Egypt did. For the individual believer, this verse challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate security, hope, and identity. Do we rely on our careers, finances, social status, personal abilities, or worldly achievements? Or do we acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all true security, lasting peace, and eternal significance? It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our lives, like nations, are held firmly in the hand of a sovereign God who judges justly and whose purposes will always prevail. This profound understanding should lead not to fear, but to a deep and abiding trust in His wisdom and power, and an unwavering commitment to live in alignment with His righteous and loving character.

Questions for Reflection

  • Where do I, or my nation, tend to place our ultimate trust and security, and how might this align or conflict with God's sovereignty?
  • How does the inevitable judgment of powerful nations like Egypt deepen my understanding of God's unchanging character and His ultimate control over all of human history?
  • In what ways might I be "furnishing myself for captivity" by relying on fleeting worldly comforts, temporary successes, or self-sufficiency instead of investing in eternal truths and God's kingdom?
  • What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent dependence on God rather than on self or the unstable systems of the world?

FAQ

Who is the "daughter dwelling in Egypt" mentioned in this verse?

Answer: The phrase "daughter dwelling in Egypt" is a poetic and deeply personified reference to the nation of Egypt itself, or more specifically, its collective people. In biblical prophecy, it was common to refer to cities or nations as "daughters" (e.g., "daughter of Zion" for Jerusalem or "daughter of Babylon"). This personification lends a sense of direct address and perhaps a touch of lament or ironic empathy to the divine judgment being pronounced upon the entire land and its inhabitants, emphasizing that no part of Egypt, from its capital to its populace, would escape the coming, comprehensive judgment.

What was Noph (Memphis) and why was its destruction significant?

Answer: Noph is the Hebrew name for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. It was one of Egypt's oldest and most historically important cities, serving as a political, religious, and economic capital for much of its long history, particularly during the Old Kingdom. Its prophesied destruction was highly significant because Memphis was a quintessential symbol of Egyptian power, stability, and cultural identity. It housed major temples, royal palaces, and administrative centers, embodying the nation's strength. Its prophesied desolation, "waste and desolate without an inhabitant," signified a complete and utter collapse of Egyptian might and the irreversible nature of God's judgment, demonstrating that even the most formidable human strongholds are vulnerable to divine decree, as vividly seen in other prophecies against mighty cities like Tyre in Ezekiel 26:19-21.

Why did God judge Egypt, and how was this judgment fulfilled?

Answer: God judged Egypt primarily for its pervasive pride, widespread idolatry, and its historical role as an unreliable and often oppressive power that frequently stood in opposition to God's people, Israel. Egypt often presented itself as a source of false security for Judah, tempting them away from trusting in the Lord alone. The judgment foretold in Jeremiah 46, including the specific desolation of Noph, was primarily fulfilled through the invasion and conquest by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Historical records and other biblical prophecies (e.g., Jeremiah 43:10-13 and Ezekiel 29:19-20) confirm that Nebuchadnezzar did indeed invade Egypt. The extent of its "waste and desolate" state in Jeremiah 46:19 likely refers to a severe and prolonged period of decline, foreign domination, and significant depopulation rather than complete, permanent abandonment, signifying a profound loss of its former glory and autonomy.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Jeremiah 46:19 speaks of a specific historical judgment upon ancient Egypt, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound and enduring theological truths it reveals about God's absolute sovereignty, His righteous judgment, and the ultimate futility of human strength and pride apart from Him. Christ is the ultimate King whose kingdom is emphatically not of this world, and unlike the transient empires of Egypt or Babylon, His dominion is eternal, unshakeable, and destined to fill the whole earth, as powerfully prophesied in Daniel 2:44. The judgment pronounced upon Egypt foreshadows the ultimate and final judgment that will fall upon all who reject God's gracious rule, a judgment that Christ Himself, as the Son of Man, is appointed to execute with perfect righteousness (John 5:22). Furthermore, the "captivity" Egypt was commanded to prepare for finds its spiritual parallel in the universal human condition of being enslaved by sin and death. Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, offers divine liberation from this ultimate spiritual captivity, delivering those who trust in Him from the dominion of darkness and bringing them into the glorious freedom of His eternal kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). Thus, while Egypt faced physical ruin and desolation, Christ offers spiritual refuge, an eternal dwelling place, and an unshakeable security for all who believe, a security infinitely greater and more enduring than any earthly capital or human strength could ever provide (John 14:2-3).

Copy as

Commentary on Jeremiah 46 verses 13–28

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

In these verses we have,

I. Confusion and terror spoken to Egypt. The accomplishment of the prediction in the former part of the chapter disabled the Egyptians from making any attempts upon other nations; for what could they do when their army was routed? But still they remained strong at home, and none of their neighbours durst make any attempts upon them. Though the kings of Egypt came no more out of their land (Kg2 24:7), yet they kept safe and easy in their land; and what would they desire more than peaceably to enjoy their own? One would think all men should be content to do this, and not covet to invade their neighbours. But the measure of Egypt's iniquity is full, and now they shall not long enjoy their own; those that encroached on others shall not be themselves encroached on. The scope of the prophecy here is to show how the king of Babylon should shortly come and smite the land of Egypt, and bring the war into their own bosoms which they had formerly carried into his borders, Jer 46:13. This was fulfilled by the same hand with the former, even Nebuchadnezzar's, but many years after, twenty at least, and probably the prediction of it was long after the former prediction, and perhaps much about the same time with that other prediction of the same event which we had Jer 43:10.

1.Here is the alarm of war sounded in Egypt, to their great amazement (Jer 46:14), notice given to the country that the enemy is approaching, the sword is devouring round about in the neighbouring countries, and therefore it is time for the Egyptians to put themselves in a posture of defence, to prepare for war, that they may give the enemy a warm reception. This must be proclaimed in all parts of Egypt, particularly in Migdol, Noph, and Tahpanhes, because in these places especially the Jewish refugees, or fugitives rather, had planted themselves, in contempt of God's command (Jer 44:1), and let them hear what a sorry shelter Egypt is likely to be to them.

2.The retreat hereupon of the forces of other nations which the Egyptians had in their pay is here foretold. Some considerable number of those troops, it is probable, were posted upon the frontiers to guard them, where they were beaten off by the invaders and put to flights. Then were the valiant men swept away (Jer 46:15) as with a sweeping rain (it is the word that is used Pro 28:3); they can none of them stand their ground, because the Lord drives them from their respective posts; he drives them by his terrors; he drives them by enabling the Chaldeans to drive them. It is not possible that those should fix whom the wrath of God chases. He it was (Jer 46:16) that made many to fall, yea, when their day shall come to fall, the enemy needs not throw them down, they shall fall one upon another, every man shall be a stumbling-block to his fellow, to his follower; nay, if God please, they shall be made to fall upon one another, they shall be made to fall upon one another, every man's sword shall be against his fellow. Her hired men, the troops Egypt has in he service, are indeed in the midst of her like fatted bullocks, lusty men, able bodied and high spirited, who were likely for action and promised to make their part good against the enemy; but they are turned back; their hearts failed them, and, instead of fighting, they have fled away together. How could they withstand their fate when the day of their calamity had come, the day in which God will visit them in wrath? Some think they are compared to fatted bullocks for their luxury; they had wantoned in pleasures, so that they were very unfit for hardships, and therefore turned back and could not stand. In this consternation, (1.) They all made homeward towards their own country (Jer 46:16): They said, "Arise, and let us go again to our own people, where we may be safe from the oppressing sword of the Chaldeans, that bears down all before it." In times of exigence little confidence is to be put in mercenary troops, that fight purely for pay, and have no interest in theirs whom they fight for. (2.) They exclaimed vehemently against Pharaoh, to whose cowardice or bad management, it is probably, their defeat was owing. When he posted them there upon the borders of his country it is probably that he told them he would within such a time come himself with a gallant army of his own subjects to support them; but he failed them, and, when the enemy advanced, they found they had none to back them, so that they were perfectly abandoned to the fury of the invaders. No marvel then that they quitted their post and deserted the service, crying out, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise (Jer 46:17); he can hector, and talk big of the mighty things he would do, but that is all; he brings nothing to pass. All his promises to those in alliance with him, or that are employed for him, vanish into smoke. He brings not the succours he engaged to bring, or not till it is too late: He has passed the time appointed; he did not keep his word, nor keep his day, and therefore they bid him farewell, they will never serve under him any more. Note, Those that make most noise in any business are frequently but a noise. Great talkers are little doers.

3.The formidable power of the Chaldean army is here described as bearing down all before it. The King of kings, whose name is the Lord of hosts, and before whom the mightiest kings on earth, though gods to us, are but as grasshoppers, he hath said it, he hath sworn it, As I live, saith this king, as Tabor overtops the mountains and Carmel overlooks the sea, so shall the king of Babylon overpower all the force of Egypt, such a command shall he have, such a sway shall he bear, Jer 46:18. He and his army shall come against Egypt with axes, as hewers of wood (Jer 46:22), and the Egyptians shall be no more able to resist them than the tree is to resist the man that comes with an axe to cut it down; so that Egypt shall be felled as a forest is by the hewers of wood, which (if there by many of them, and those well provided with instruments for the purpose) will be done in a little time. Egypt is very populous, full of towns and cities, like a forest, the trees of which cannot be searched or numbered, and very rich, full of hidden treasures, many of which will escape the searching eye of the Chaldean soldiers; but they shall make a great spoil in the country, for they are more than the locusts, that come in vast swarms and overrun a country, devouring every green thing (Joe 1:6, Joe 1:7), so shall the Chaldeans do, for they are innumerable. Note, The Lord of hosts hath numberless hosts at his command.

4.The desolation of Egypt hereby is foretold, and the waste that should be made of that rich country. Egypt is now like a very fair heifer, or calf (Jer 46:20), fat and shining, and not accustomed to the yoke of subjection, wanton as a heifer that is well fed, and very sportful. Some think here is an allusion to Apis, the bull or calf which the Egyptians worshipped, from whom the children of Israel learned to worship the golden calf. Egypt is as fair as a goddess, and adores herself, but destruction comes; cutting up comes (so some read it); it comes out of the north; thence the Chaldean soldiers shall come, as so many butchers or sacrificers, to kill and cut up this fair heifer. (1.) The Egyptians shall be brought down, shall be tamed, and their tune changed: The daughters of Egypt shall be confounded (Jer 46:24), shall be filled with astonishment. Their voice shall go like a serpent, that is, it shall be very low and submissive; they shall not low like a fair heifer, that makes a great noise, but hiss out of their holes like serpents. They shall not dare to make loud complaints of the cruelty of the conquerors, but vent their griefs in silent murmurs. They shall not now, as they used to do, answer roughly, but, with the poor, use entreaties and beg for their lives. (2.) They shall be carried away prisoners into their enemy's land (Jer 46:19): "O thou daughter! dwelling securely and delicately in Egypt, that fruitful pleasant country, do not think this will last always, but furnish thyself to go into captivity; instead of rich clothes, which will but tempt the enemy to strip thee, get plain and warm clothes; instead of fine shoes, provide strong ones; and inure thyself to hardship, that thou mayest bear it the better." Note, It concerns us, among all our preparations, to prepare for trouble. We provide for the entertainment of our friends, let us not neglect to provide for the entertainment of our enemies, nor among all our furniture omit furniture for captivity. The Egyptians must prepare to flee; for their cities shall be evacuated. Noph particularly shall be desolate, without an inhabitant, so general shall the slaughter and the captivity be. There are some penalties which, we say, the king and the multitude are exempted from, but here even these are obnoxious: The multitude of No shall be punished: it is called populous No, Nah 3:8. Though hand join in hand, yet they shall not escape; nor can any think to go off in the crowd. Be they ever so many, they shall find God will be too many for them. Their kings and all their petty princes shall fall; and their gods too (Jer 43:12, Jer 43:13), their idols and their great men. Those which they call their tutelar deities shall be no protection to them. Pharaoh shall be brought down, and all those that trust in him (Jer 46:25), particularly the Jews that came to sojourn in his country, trusting in him rather than in God. All these shall be delivered into the hands of the northern nations (Jer 46:24), into the hand not only of Nebuchadnezzar that mighty potentate, but into the hands of his servants, according to the curse on Ham's posterity, of which the Egyptians were, that they should be the servants of servants. These seek their lives, and into their hands they shall be delivered.

5.An intimation is given that in process of time Egypt shall recover itself again (Jer 46:26): Afterwards it shall be inhabited, shall be peopled again, whereas by this destruction it was almost dispeopled. Ezekiel foretels that this should be at the end of forty years, Eze 29:13. See what changes the nations of the earth are subject to, how they are emptied and increased again; and let not nations that prosper be secure, nor those that for the present are in thraldom despair.

II. Comfort and peace are here spoken to the Israel of God, Jer 46:27, Jer 46:28. Some understand it of those whom the king of Egypt had carried into captivity with Jehoahaz, but we read not of any that were carried away captives with him; it may therefore rather refer to the captives in Babylon, whom God had mercy in store for, or, more generally, to all the people of God, designed for their encouragement in the most difficult times, when the judgments of God are abroad among the nations. We had these words of comfort before, Jer 30:10, Jer 30:11. 1. Let the wicked of the earth tremble, they have cause for it; but fear not thou, O my servant Jacob! and be not dismayed, O Israel! and again, Fear thou not, O Jacob! God would not have his people to be a timorous people. 2. The wicked of the earth shall be put away like dross, not be looked after any more; but God's people, in order to their being saved, shall be found out and gathered though they be far off, shall be redeemed though they be held fast in captivity, and shall return. 3. The wicked is like the troubled sea when it cannot rest; they flee when none pursues. But Jacob, being at home in God, shall be at rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid; for what time he is afraid he has a God to trust to. 4. The wicked God beholds afar off; but, wherever thou art, O Jacob! I am with thee, a very present help. 5. A full end shall be made of the nations that oppressed God's Israel, as Egypt and Babylon; but mercy shall be kept in store for the Israel of God: they shall be corrected, but not cast off; the correction shall be in measure, in respect of degree and continuance. Nations have their periods; the Jewish nation itself has come to an end as a nation; but the gospel church, God's spiritual Israel, still continues, and will to the end of time; in that this promise is to have its full accomplishment, that, though God correct it, he will never make a full end of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–28. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Jeremiah 46:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.