Jeremiah 46:23

They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and [are] innumerable.

They shall cut down {H3772} her forest {H3293}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, though it cannot be searched {H2713}; because they are more {H7231} than the grasshoppers {H697}, and are innumerable {H369}{H4557}.

They cut down her forest," says ADONAI, "for they cannot be numbered; yes, there are more of them than locusts, far too many to count.

They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.

They shall cut down her forest, saith Jehovah, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.

Jeremiah 46:23 is a stark prophetic declaration concerning the impending judgment upon Egypt, delivered by the prophet Jeremiah. It vividly portrays the overwhelming force that God would bring against a nation once considered mighty and secure.

Context of Jeremiah 46:23

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations. Specifically, Jeremiah 46 focuses on Egypt, predicting its defeat by Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. At this time, Egypt was a significant regional power, often seen as a potential ally or threat by Judah. However, God declares that even Egypt, with its vast resources and military strength, would fall. The "forest" here is a metaphor for Egypt's dense, seemingly impenetrable defenses, its numerous warriors, or even its rich resources and strongholds.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores that this impending destruction is not merely a political or military outcome but a direct act of God's judgment against Egypt. This judgment was a consequence of Egypt's pride, idolatry, and its role in international affairs that often opposed God's purposes for Israel.
  • Overwhelming Force: The invading army, identified elsewhere as the Babylonians, is described as "more than the grasshoppers, and [are] innumerable." This powerful simile conveys the sheer, unstoppable multitude and destructive capacity of the attacking force. Just as a swarm of locusts devours everything in its path, so too would Babylon devastate Egypt, cutting down its "forest" of defenses and resources.
  • Sovereignty of God: This prophecy highlights God's absolute control over all nations and their destinies. Even mighty empires like Egypt and Babylon are mere instruments in His hand to fulfill His divine will. As Daniel 4:17 affirms, "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "grasshoppers," which in this context (and many others in the Bible) refers to locusts. The Hebrew word is arbeh (אַרְבֶּה), which specifically denotes a large swarm of locusts. This imagery is highly potent, as ancient peoples were acutely aware of the devastating power of locust plagues, which could strip entire lands bare. Comparing the Babylonian army to an "innumerable" swarm of locusts emphasizes not just their numbers but also their inevitable, destructive impact, leaving nothing behind.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 46:23 serves as a timeless reminder of several truths:

  • God's Authority: No nation, however powerful or self-sufficient, is beyond God's reach or accountability. He holds ultimate authority over the rise and fall of kingdoms.
  • Consequences of Pride: Egypt's pride and self-reliance were significant factors in its downfall. The verse implicitly warns against trusting in human strength or resources over divine wisdom and guidance.
  • Trust in God's Word: The certainty of "saith the LORD" assures us that God's prophecies are unfailing. This can provide comfort and confidence for believers today, knowing that God's word will always come to pass, whether in judgment or blessing. As Isaiah 55:11 declares, His word "shall not return unto me void."

This verse ultimately points to God's unwavering control over history and His commitment to executing His righteous purposes on earth.

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.

  • Judges 7:12

    And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels [were] without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.

  • Judges 6:5

    For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; [for] both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

  • Joel 2:25

    And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

  • Isaiah 10:18

    And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.

  • Ezekiel 20:46

    Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

  • Revelation 9:2

    And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

  • Revelation 9:10

    And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months.

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