Jeremiah 46:22

KJV

The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.

KJV (with Strong's)

The voice {H6963} thereof shall go {H3212} like a serpent {H5175}; for they shall march {H3212} with an army {H2428}, and come {H935} against her with axes {H7134}, as hewers {H2404} of wood {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Egypt hisses like a snake, as the enemy's army marches ahead, attacking her with their axes like lumbermen chopping trees.

Berean Standard Bible

Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees.

American Standard Version

The sound thereof shall go like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:22 delivers a stark prophetic image of Egypt's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Babylonian army. The verse vividly portrays Egypt's once-proud voice reduced to a low, mournful hiss, akin to a retreating serpent, as its conquerors advance with relentless efficiency, likened to woodcutters systematically felling a forest. This powerful imagery underscores the completeness of Egypt's subjugation and the divine judgment being executed through the instrument of Babylon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:22 is situated within a series of oracles against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51), specifically an extensive prophecy concerning Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1-26). This particular verse follows a detailed description of the Battle of Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2-12), where Egypt suffered a decisive defeat, and precedes further pronouncements of Egypt's downfall and eventual restoration (Jeremiah 46:27-28). The immediate verses (Jeremiah 46:20-21) describe Egypt as a beautiful heifer stung by a gadfly, symbolizing its vulnerability and the swiftness of its demise, setting the stage for the graphic imagery of its voice becoming like a serpent and its land being systematically destroyed by the invading army. The entire chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations, even those as mighty as Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is deeply rooted in the geopolitical landscape of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Following the collapse of the Assyrian Empire, two major powers, Egypt and the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire, vied for dominance in the Near East. Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt sought to expand his influence, but his ambitions were decisively crushed by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC. This battle marked a pivotal shift in regional power, establishing Babylon as the preeminent empire. Jeremiah's prophecies against Egypt, including this verse, reflect the historical reality of Egypt's diminished status and its subsequent invasions by Babylon, which occurred later in Nebuchadnezzar's reign. The imagery of "hewers of wood" speaks to the destructive military tactics of the time, where conquered lands were often systematically plundered and devastated.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment over Nations**. God, through His prophet, declares His ultimate control over the destinies of even the most powerful empires, using one nation (Babylon) as an instrument of judgment against another (Egypt) for its pride and opposition to His will (cf. [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God's Instrument of Judgment")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Humiliation and Defeat of Human Pride**. Egypt, once a formidable power, is stripped of its might and dignity, its "voice" reduced to a whisper, a stark contrast to its former roar. This serves as a cautionary tale against reliance on earthly strength apart from God, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")). Lastly, the imagery of "hewers of wood" emphasizes the **Thoroughness and Relentlessness of God's Judgment**, portraying a systematic and unsparing destruction that leaves nothing standing, much like a forest being clear-cut, signifying complete subjugation and devastation of the land (cf. [Jeremiah 4:7](/jeremiah/4-7 "Jeremiah 4:7 - A Destroyer Comes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** This word signifies a sound, cry, or noise. In this context, it refers to the sound emanating from Egypt, particularly its army or its people. The comparison to a "serpent" suggests a sound that is low, mournful, perhaps a hiss of fear or a whisper of retreat, rather than a roar of defiance or a shout of battle. It encapsulates the utter humiliation and loss of power, as Egypt's once-mighty voice is silenced or reduced to a pathetic sound of defeat.
* **serpent (Hebrew, _nâchâsh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hiss," this term refers to a snake. Here, the imagery of a serpent is not primarily about cunning or evil, but rather about the sound and movement associated with a snake – low to the ground, slithering, perhaps a quiet, fearful retreat, or a hiss of pain. It vividly contrasts with the majestic and powerful imagery typically associated with a great nation, emphasizing Egypt's degraded state and panicked flight.
* **axes (Hebrew, _qardôm'_):** This word denotes an axe, a tool primarily used for cutting down trees or chopping wood. Its inclusion here is crucial to the simile "as hewers of wood." The axe represents a tool of systematic and thorough destruction, not merely for battle, but for dismantling and clearing. It underscores the relentless, unsparing, and complete nature of the Babylonian assault, portraying them not just as warriors, but as agents of utter devastation, systematically dismantling Egypt's strength and resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The voice thereof shall go like a serpent":** This clause paints a vivid auditory and metaphorical picture of Egypt's downfall. "The voice thereof" refers to Egypt, likely its army or the collective cry of its people. Instead of a mighty roar of battle or a confident shout, its sound is compared to that of a "serpent," implying a low, mournful, perhaps panicked hiss of retreat or a slithering, stealthy movement of escape. This imagery powerfully conveys humiliation, fear, and the loss of its former formidable presence.
* **"for they shall march with an army":** This phrase provides the reason for Egypt's reduced "voice." "They" refers to the invading Babylonian forces. The emphasis is on their organized, determined, and overwhelming advance as a cohesive "army." This highlights the relentless and unstoppable nature of the enemy, directly contrasting with Egypt's panicked retreat and setting the stage for the subsequent destructive imagery.
* **"and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood":** This final clause offers a second, equally potent simile to describe the Babylonian invasion. The Babylonians are depicted not merely as soldiers fighting a battle but as "hewers of wood" armed with "axes." This signifies a systematic, thorough, and unsparing destruction. Just as a forest is systematically cut down by woodcutters, Egypt is to be completely dismantled and devastated, its resources and strength systematically destroyed, leaving nothing standing. This imagery conveys the totality of the judgment and the merciless efficiency of the conquerors.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:22 is rich in **Imagery**, presenting striking visual and auditory pictures of Egypt's defeat. The "voice" of Egypt, once mighty, is reduced to the low, mournful sound of a "serpent," evoking a sense of fear, humiliation, and retreat. This is a powerful **Simile**, comparing Egypt's sound to a serpent's hiss, and later, the Babylonian army's actions to "hewers of wood." This second simile is particularly effective, transforming the act of war into a systematic, almost industrial process of destruction, emphasizing the thoroughness of the conquest. The verse also employs a subtle form of **Personification** by attributing a "voice" to Egypt itself, allowing the nation to embody its own humiliation. The contrast between Egypt's former power and its current state of abject defeat is a form of **Irony**, highlighting the transience of earthly might in the face of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:22 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over the nations and the inevitable consequences of national pride and rebellion against His purposes. It underscores that no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand the divine will. The humiliation of Egypt, a nation long considered invincible and a symbol of strength, demonstrates that God uses even seemingly destructive forces, like the Babylonian army, as instruments to execute His righteous judgment and fulfill His overarching plan for humanity. This passage reminds us that God's justice extends to the geopolitical realm, and His counsel will ultimately stand, regardless of human schemes or military might.

* [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26 "Isaiah 14:26-27 - God's Universal Purpose")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:22 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it calls us to a deeper trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, shifting powers, and human ambition, this verse reminds us that God remains on the throne, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His divine purpose. Our ultimate security and hope must rest in Him, not in fleeting earthly powers or human institutions. Secondly, the humiliation of Egypt serves as a powerful warning against pride, whether individual or national. When we rely on our own strength, resources, or wisdom apart from God, we set ourselves up for a fall. True strength and lasting stability come only from humble submission to God's will. Finally, the imagery of systematic destruction reminds us of the thoroughness of divine judgment, which, while severe, is always just. This should lead us to repentance, a desire for righteousness, and a recognition that God's ways are higher than our ways, even when they involve difficult circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Egypt's "voice" becoming like a "serpent" challenge our understanding of power and prestige in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to place our trust in earthly "armies" or "axes" (i.e., human strength, wealth, or strategies) rather than in God's sovereign plan?**
* **What specific areas of our lives or our nation's life might benefit from a humble recognition of God's ultimate authority, as demonstrated in this prophecy against Egypt?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "serpent" imagery in Jeremiah 46:22?**

Answer: The "serpent" imagery in this verse is primarily used to convey the utter humiliation and defeat of Egypt. Unlike the serpent in the Garden of Eden, which symbolizes cunning and deception ([Genesis 3:1](/genesis/3-1 "3:1 - The Serpent's Deception")), here it refers to the sound and movement of a snake. Egypt's once-mighty "voice" is reduced to a low, mournful hiss or a quiet, panicked slithering sound of retreat. This contrasts sharply with the roar of a powerful nation or army, emphasizing its loss of dignity, strength, and confidence in the face of the Babylonian invasion. It signifies a complete reversal of its former formidable status.

**Why are the Babylonians described as "hewers of wood" with "axes"?**

Answer: This powerful simile emphasizes the systematic, thorough, and unsparing nature of the Babylonian conquest. "Hewers of wood" with "axes" are not just engaged in a battle; they are engaged in an act of complete demolition. Just as a forest is systematically clear-cut, leaving nothing standing, the Babylonian army is depicted as meticulously dismantling Egypt's strength, resources, and very existence as a dominant power. This imagery conveys the totality of the judgment and the relentless efficiency of the conquerors, suggesting that Egypt's defeat would be absolute and devastating, leaving no aspect of its former might untouched.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:22 speaks directly to the judgment of an earthly nation, it participates in a broader biblical narrative that ultimately points to Christ. The transient nature of earthly empires, so vividly portrayed in Egypt's downfall, foreshadows the eternal and unshakable kingdom established by Jesus Christ. All human powers, no matter how mighty or destructive, are ultimately instruments or subjects of God's sovereign plan, a plan that culminates in the reign of His Son. The "voice" of earthly powers may rise and fall, but the voice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") will echo through eternity. Christ is the ultimate Victor, who has disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The systematic "hewing" and judgment described here, while executed by Babylon, prefigure the final and perfect judgment that Christ will administer at His return, when He will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords to execute righteous judgment on all nations ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Victorious King")). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it built on earthly might, but on divine truth and righteousness, a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). Thus, the fall of Egypt reminds us that all earthly power bows before the supreme authority of Christ, the true and eternal King.

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

Isaiah 29:4

And thou shalt be brought down, [and] shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.

Isaiah 14:8

Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, [and] the cedars of Lebanon, [saying], Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

Micah 1:8

¶ Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.

Isaiah 10:33

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

Isaiah 10:34

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

Zechariah 11:2

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

Isaiah 37:24

By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the forest of his Carmel.