Jeremiah 46:2

KJV

Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Against Egypt {H4714}, against the army {H2428} of Pharaohnecho {H6549} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, which was by the river {H5104} Euphrates {H6578} in Carchemish {H3751}, which Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} smote {H5221} in the fourth {H7243} year {H8141} of Jehoiakim {H3079} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Concerning Egypt, against the army of Pharaoh N'kho, king of Egypt, stationed by the Euphrates River in Kark'mish, which N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel attacked in the fourth year of Y'hoyakim son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah:

Berean Standard Bible

concerning Egypt and the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah:

American Standard Version

Of Egypt: concerning the army of Pharaoh-neco king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:2 serves as a precise historical and chronological anchor for the prophetic oracle against Egypt that follows. It vividly recounts the decisive Battle of Carchemish, a pivotal geopolitical event in 605 BC, where the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar utterly defeated the Egyptian forces led by Pharaoh Necho II. This verse not only establishes the historical context for Jeremiah's prophecies concerning Egypt but also highlights the shift in global power from Egypt to Babylon, a change with profound implications for the kingdom of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introductory statement in [Jeremiah 46:1](/jeremiah/46-1 "Jeremiah 46:1 - The Word of the Lord Concerning the Nations"), which declares it to be "the word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles." Jeremiah 46:2, therefore, acts as the specific historical preface to the first major oracle directed at a foreign nation—Egypt. It sets the stage for the detailed prophecy of Egypt's impending judgment and defeat by Babylon, emphasizing the historical reality upon which the divine pronouncements are based. This oracle is part of a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"), demonstrating God's sovereign rule over all peoples and kingdoms, not just Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th century BC was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in rapid decline, creating a power vacuum. Egypt, under Pharaoh Necho II (610-595 BC), sought to reassert its influence in the Levant, while the Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), was rapidly expanding its dominion. The Battle of Carchemish, fought in 605 BC at a strategic city on the Euphrates River, was the climactic confrontation between these two emerging superpowers. This battle was a crushing defeat for Egypt, effectively ending its aspirations for regional hegemony and solidifying Babylon's position as the preeminent power. The verse's precise dating to "the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah" (605 BC) is crucial, as this was the very year Nebuchadnezzar ascended to the Babylonian throne and began his campaigns that would eventually lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:2 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is God's **sovereignty over nations** and human history. Despite the apparent autonomy of powerful kings like Pharaoh Necho and Nebuchadnezzar, their actions and the outcomes of their conflicts are ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purposes, including judgment upon the wicked and the shaping of His people's destiny. The verse also highlights the theme of **prophetic fulfillment**, as Jeremiah's subsequent prophecies against Egypt (e.g., [Jeremiah 46:13-26](/jeremiah/46-13 "Jeremiah 46:13-26 - Prophecy of Egypt's Defeat by Babylon")) find their historical grounding in this decisive event. Furthermore, it underscores the **precarious position of Judah** caught between these warring empires, foreshadowing its inevitable subjugation to Babylon, as detailed in passages like [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to whirl" or "to be strong," signifies a "force," encompassing not only military might but also wealth, resources, and valor. In this context, it emphasizes the formidable military strength of Pharaoh Necho's forces, which were considered a significant power in the ancient world. The use of _chayil_ here underscores the magnitude of the force that was utterly defeated, highlighting the overwhelming nature of Nebuchadnezzar's victory and, by extension, the divine power behind it.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root verb carries a strong sense of striking, beating, or inflicting a severe blow, often leading to killing or slaughter. Its use here conveys the decisive and devastating nature of Nebuchadnezzar's victory over the Egyptian army. It was not merely a skirmish but a crushing defeat, implying a comprehensive and destructive blow that effectively neutralized Egypt's military power in the region for a significant period. This word communicates the finality and totality of the Babylonian triumph.
* **Carchemish (Hebrew, _Karkᵉmîysh'_):** A city of foreign derivation, Carchemish was strategically located on the west bank of the Euphrates River, at a major ford. Its mention is crucial for historical accuracy, pinpointing the exact geographical location of this momentous battle. As a key trade route and military chokepoint, control of Carchemish was vital for asserting dominance over Mesopotamia and the Levant. The fact that the battle occurred here underscores the geopolitical stakes and the strategic importance of the Egyptian-Babylonian confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary subject of the oracle: Egypt and its military might, specifically under the command of Pharaoh Necho II. The repetition of "against Egypt" emphasizes the direct focus of the divine judgment and the comprehensive nature of the impending defeat. Pharaoh Necho is presented as the reigning monarch, whose forces are the target of the subsequent action.
* **"which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish":** This clause provides the precise geographical setting for the historical event. The Euphrates River was a major artery of the ancient world, and Carchemish, situated on its banks, was a strategically vital city. This detail grounds the prophecy in verifiable historical geography, underscoring the accuracy and specificity of Jeremiah's divine revelation. It sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation.
* **"which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote":** This is the core action of the verse, identifying the victor and the nature of the engagement. Nebuchadrezzar, the powerful king of Babylon, is named as the one who "smote" or utterly defeated the Egyptian army. This clause highlights the ascendancy of Babylon as the new dominant power and introduces the key figure who would profoundly impact Judah's future. The KJV spelling "Nebuchadrezzar" is an older transliteration of Nebuchadnezzar II.
* **"in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah":** This final clause provides the exact chronological marker for the event, dating it to 605 BC. The reference to Jehoiakim, the reigning king of Judah, directly connects this major international event to the timeline of Judah's own history and Jeremiah's ministry. This precision is characteristic of biblical historical accounts, demonstrating the interweaving of divine prophecy with real-world political and dynastic developments.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:2 primarily functions as a **Historical Narrative**, providing a concise yet highly detailed account of a specific, verifiable event. The verse employs **Geographical and Chronological Precision**, meticulously naming the involved parties (Egypt, Pharaoh Necho, Nebuchadnezzar, Jehoiakim, Josiah), the location (Euphrates, Carchemish), and the exact timing ("the fourth year of Jehoiakim"). This level of detail lends significant credibility and authority to the prophetic message that follows, demonstrating that God's word is rooted in concrete historical realities. It also serves as a **Prophetic Introduction**, setting the historical stage for the divine oracle against Egypt in the rest of [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The mention of the "smote" highlights a strong **Verbal Action**, emphasizing the decisive and destructive nature of the Babylonian victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations and the course of human history. Even the most powerful earthly rulers, like Pharaoh Necho and Nebuchadnezzar, are ultimately instruments in God's hands, unknowingly fulfilling His divine purposes. The Battle of Carchemish, a seemingly secular geopolitical event, is presented as a divinely ordained turning point that reshaped the ancient world and positioned Babylon as the agent of God's judgment, first upon Egypt and then upon Judah. This demonstrates that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to bring about His will, whether through judgment, the discipline of His people, or the preparation for future redemption.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:2 offers profound reassurance and a call to trust in God's unfailing control, even amidst global turmoil. In an age marked by shifting geopolitical landscapes, conflicts, and the rise and fall of various powers, this verse reminds us that no earthly authority operates outside the sovereign will of God. Just as He orchestrated the defeat of Egypt and the rise of Babylon for His purposes, so too does He guide the course of nations today. This truth should inspire a deep sense of peace, knowing that our ultimate hope and security rest not in political systems, economic stability, or military might, but in the unchanging, all-powerful God who works all things according to the counsel of His will. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and discern God's hand at work in the broader sweep of history, cultivating a perspective rooted in divine providence rather than human anxiety.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical precision of this verse strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what ways do you see God's sovereignty at work in current global events, even when they seem chaotic or unjust?**
* **How does the knowledge that God controls the rise and fall of nations impact your prayers for leaders and governments?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's overarching plan amidst the uncertainties of life?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the Battle of Carchemish?**

Answer: The Battle of Carchemish, fought in 605 BC, was a profoundly significant event that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. It marked the decisive defeat of the Egyptian army under Pharaoh Necho II by the rising Neo-Babylonian forces led by Nebuchadnezzar II. This victory effectively ended Egypt's attempts to reassert its dominance in the Levant and firmly established Babylon as the new preeminent superpower in the region. For Judah, this battle was a critical turning point, signifying the shift from Egyptian influence to inevitable Babylonian control, directly leading to events like the first deportation to Babylon (as mentioned in [Daniel 1:1-2](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel 1:1-2 - Daniel and His Friends Taken to Babylon")) and ultimately the destruction of Jerusalem.

**Who was Pharaoh Necho II and Nebuchadnezzar II?**

Answer: **Pharaoh Necho II** was an Egyptian pharaoh of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty (reigned 610-595 BC). He was a powerful ruler who sought to expand Egypt's influence into the Levant following the decline of the Assyrian Empire. He is also known for his earlier defeat of King Josiah of Judah at Megiddo ([2 Kings 23:29](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29 - Josiah's Death at Megiddo")). **Nebuchadnezzar II** was the most powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, reigning from 605-562 BC. He was the architect of Babylon's imperial expansion, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the deportation of the Jews to Babylon. He is a central figure in the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, representing God's instrument of judgment against Judah and other nations.

**Why is the "fourth year of Jehoiakim" important?**

Answer: The "fourth year of Jehoiakim" (605 BC) is a crucial chronological marker for several reasons. Firstly, it precisely dates the Battle of Carchemish, grounding Jeremiah's prophecy in a verifiable historical event. Secondly, it was the year Nebuchadnezzar ascended to the Babylonian throne, initiating his long and impactful reign. Thirdly, and most significantly for Judah, this was the very year Jeremiah delivered his sweeping prophecy of seventy years of desolation under Babylon, as recorded in [Jeremiah 25:1-11](/jeremiah/25-1 "Jeremiah 25:1-11 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity"). This synchronization of historical events with divine prophecy underscores the Bible's accuracy and the intricate way God's plan unfolds within human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:2 describes a specific historical battle between earthly kings, it points to a profound Christ-centered truth: the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign King over all opposing powers. Just as Nebuchadnezzar, an instrument of God's will, "smote" the army of Pharaoh Necho, so too does Christ, the true King of kings, decisively defeat all spiritual and temporal enemies. The rise and fall of earthly empires, as seen in the shift from Egyptian to Babylonian dominance, foreshadow the ultimate establishment of an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed, a kingdom inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The earthly battles and judgments described in Jeremiah serve as a prelude to the spiritual warfare waged by Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, "disarmed the powers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")) and "destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Ultimately, all earthly kingdoms will bow before the reign of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb Will Conquer"), whose victory is absolute and whose kingdom is everlasting ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

2 Kings 23:29

In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.

Ezekiel 29:1

¶ In the tenth year, in the tenth [month], in the twelfth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 29:21

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 46:14

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

Jeremiah 25:19

Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people;

Jeremiah 25:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that [was] the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;

Isaiah 10:9

[Is] not Calno as Carchemish? [is] not Hamath as Arpad? [is] not Samaria as Damascus?