Jeremiah 46:20

Egypt [is like] a very fair heifer, [but] destruction cometh; it cometh out of the north.

Egypt {H4714} is like a very fair {H3304} heifer {H5697}, but destruction {H7171} cometh {H935}; it cometh out {H935} of the north {H6828}.

Egypt is a beautiful female calf; but a horsefly from the north has come to attack her.

Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly from the north is coming against her.

Egypt is a very fair heifer; but destruction out of the north is come, it is come.

Commentary on Jeremiah 46:20 (KJV)

Jeremiah 46:20 portrays a vivid prophetic image of Egypt, a powerful nation in the ancient world, facing inevitable doom. This verse is part of a larger collection of prophecies by Jeremiah against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all earthly powers.

Context

Chapter 46 of Jeremiah is specifically dedicated to prophecies concerning Egypt, particularly focusing on their defeat by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This event, known as the Battle of Carchemish (circa 605 BC), marked a significant shift in regional power, diminishing Egypt's influence and establishing Babylon as the dominant force. At the time, Egypt was renowned for its wealth, fertile lands, and military might, often seen as a symbol of strength and self-sufficiency. The prophet Jeremiah delivers God's message, warning of the impending judgment that would dismantle this seemingly invincible nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. Even a mighty empire like Egypt is subject to His will and judgment when its pride and wickedness reach a certain point. This aligns with other prophecies highlighting God's judgment against the proud and wicked nations.
  • Transience of Earthly Power: The imagery underscores that no human kingdom, no matter how strong or prosperous, can withstand God's appointed time for its downfall. Earthly strength and beauty are fleeting.
  • Prophetic Certainty: Jeremiah's prophecy serves as a stark reminder that God's word is true and will be fulfilled. The "destruction cometh" indicates an unavoidable, imminent reality.
  • Vulnerability Despite Strength: The metaphor of the "fair heifer" emphasizes Egypt's perceived beauty, prosperity, and perhaps its pampered, unburdened state, yet immediately juxtaposes this with its impending slaughter.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a very fair heifer" (Hebrew: ‘eglah yefefiyah) paints a picture of a young, beautiful, and well-fed cow. This imagery typically signifies prosperity, strength, and vitality. However, in this prophetic context, it ironically foreshadows Egypt's destiny as a sacrificial animal, ready for slaughter. The beauty and robustness are presented not as enduring qualities, but as attributes that make it ripe for destruction. The repetition "destruction cometh; it cometh" (Hebrew: qedem yavo’, literally "from the north it comes") emphasizes the inevitability and the specific direction of the judgment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 46:20 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that our ultimate trust should not be placed in human power, wealth, or any earthly institution, no matter how strong or secure it may seem. God alone is sovereign, and His justice will ultimately prevail. Just as Egypt's strength was no match for divine judgment, so too are all earthly powers subject to God's authority. The "destruction from the north" points to the rising power of Babylon, whom God used as His instrument of wrath. This highlights that God can use unexpected or even hostile forces to accomplish His purposes. For individuals, this verse encourages humility and reliance on God, knowing that true security is found only in Him.

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.

  • Hosea 10:11

    And Ephraim [is as] an heifer [that is] taught, [and] loveth to tread out [the corn]; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, [and] Jacob shall break his clods.

  • Jeremiah 47:2

    Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 1:14

    Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

  • Jeremiah 46:10

    For this [is] the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

  • Jeremiah 50:11

    Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;

  • Jeremiah 46:24

    The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.

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