Jeremiah 46:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:23 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from the LORD, foretelling the overwhelming and inescapable judgment awaiting Egypt. It paints a vivid picture of an immense, seemingly countless invading army, likened to a devastating swarm of locusts, poised to utterly dismantle Egypt's formidable defenses and abundant resources. This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the certain, unstoppable nature of His divine decrees.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:23 is strategically positioned within the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Jeremiah 46-51), a distinct prophetic unit that shifts the focus from Judah's internal struggles and impending judgment to God's sovereign dealings with surrounding foreign powers. Specifically, [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt's Defeat") is dedicated to Egypt, detailing its significant defeat by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, at the Battle of Carchemish (circa 605 BC) and the subsequent Babylonian invasion of Egyptian territory. This particular verse, therefore, contributes to a larger prophetic narrative demonstrating God's universal authority, revealing His capacity to use one nation (Babylon) as a divinely appointed instrument of judgment against another (Egypt). It follows earlier descriptions of Egypt's formidable military might and its inherent pride, setting the stage for its dramatic and inevitable downfall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of Jeremiah's ministry, Egypt stood as a dominant regional power, frequently engaging in geopolitical rivalries with the rising Babylonian Empire. Judah, often caught between these colossal powers, frequently sought military alliances with Egypt against encroaching threats, a reliance that Jeremiah consistently and vehemently warned against (e.g., [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Egypt's Futile Help to Judah")). The "forest" in this verse is not to be interpreted literally, as Egypt was not characterized by vast forests. Instead, it functions as a potent metaphor, representing Egypt's dense military formations, its seemingly inexhaustible resources, its large population, or its formidable fortified cities and strongholds, all of which were perceived as impenetrable. The comparison to "grasshoppers" (locusts) would have resonated deeply and terrifyingly with an ancient Near Eastern audience, who intimately understood the catastrophic destructive power of locust swarms that could strip entire landscapes bare, leaving utter desolation in their wake. This vivid imagery conveys not only the overwhelming numerical superiority of the invading force but also its relentless, all-consuming, and utterly devastating nature.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that Egypt's impending downfall is not merely a geopolitical or military outcome but a direct, sovereign act of the LORD. The repeated phrase "saith the LORD" underscores God's active involvement, ultimate authority, and the certainty of His decree. Secondly, it showcases the **Overwhelming Power of God's Instruments**, using vivid and terrifying imagery to describe the sheer, unstoppable multitude of the Babylonian army. This force, though human, is depicted as an irresistible flood or swarm, demonstrating that no nation, however mighty, can withstand God's decreed judgment. Thirdly, it speaks profoundly to the **Futility of Human Strength and Pride** when set against the divine will. Egypt, once a formidable symbol of power and security, is shown to be utterly vulnerable and destined for destruction, serving as a stark warning against placing trust in earthly might or human alliances over the LORD. This theme is powerfully echoed in passages like [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"), which warns against reliance on Egypt's chariots and horsemen.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forest (Hebrew, _yaʻar'_):** Derived from an unused root likely meaning "to thicken with verdure," this term refers to a copse of bushes or a dense growth of trees. In Jeremiah 46:23, its use is entirely metaphorical. It does not signify a literal forest in Egypt, but rather symbolizes Egypt's perceived strength, its abundant resources, its dense population, or its formidable military defenses and fortified strongholds. The act of "cutting down" this "forest" therefore signifies the complete dismantling, destruction, and utter depletion of Egypt's power and security.
* **searched (Hebrew, _châqar'_):** This is a primitive root meaning, properly, "to penetrate," and by extension, "to examine intimately," "find out," or "sound." When used in the negative, as here ("cannot be searched"), it implies that something is unfathomable, inscrutable, or so vast and dense that it cannot be fully explored, comprehended, or penetrated. In this specific context, it emphasizes the immense, unquantifiable nature of Egypt's metaphorical "forest"—its vastness, density, or impenetrability—which, despite its perceived invincibility, will nevertheless be utterly overcome by the invading force.
* **grasshoppers (Hebrew, _ʼarbeh'_):** This term specifically denotes a locust, stemming from a root meaning "to increase rapidly." Locusts were a common and terrifying plague in the ancient world, renowned for their overwhelming numbers and their ability to devour all vegetation, leaving behind utter desolation. The comparison of the invading Babylonian army to "grasshoppers" (locusts) powerfully conveys not only the sheer, uncountable multitude of the forces but also their destructive, relentless, and all-consuming nature, ensuring that nothing will be left standing in their wake.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall cut down her forest":** This initial clause introduces the destructive action. "They" refers to the invading Babylonian army, which is acting as God's instrument of judgment. "Her forest" is a potent metaphor for Egypt's perceived strength, its population, its vast resources, or its formidable military might and defenses, all of which are about to be utterly destroyed, diminished, and laid waste.
* **"saith the LORD":** This crucial phrase immediately follows, serving as a divine oracle formula. It identifies the ultimate source and supreme authority behind the impending destruction. This is not merely a human prediction or a political outcome but a direct, sovereign decree from God, affirming His absolute control over the nations and their destinies.
* **"though it cannot be searched":** This parenthetical clause serves to heighten the dramatic impact by emphasizing the perceived invincibility or immense scale of Egypt's metaphorical "forest." Despite its vastness, density, or impenetrability—so great that it cannot be fully explored or comprehended by human means—it will still be cut down. This highlights the absolute superiority of divine judgment over any human strength or perceived security.
* **"because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable":** This final clause provides both the reason for the assured destruction and the vivid imagery describing the instrument of judgment. "They" refers once again to the invading army, whose numbers are hyperbolically compared to an overwhelming swarm of locusts. The combined terms "more than the grasshoppers" and "innumerable" underscore the sheer, unstoppable multitude of the Babylonian forces, guaranteeing the complete and utter devastation of Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:23 is rich with literary devices that powerfully amplify its prophetic message and convey the certainty and severity of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Egypt's strength, resources, and defenses are likened to a "forest" that will be "cut down." This evokes a vivid image of systematic and complete destruction, where something seemingly robust, expansive, and deeply rooted is methodically dismantled and brought to ruin. Closely related is the potent **Simile** comparing the invading army to "grasshoppers," which, in the ancient Near East, specifically referred to devastating swarms of locusts. This simile is incredibly effective, conveying not just the sheer **Hyperbole** of the army's "innumerable" numbers, but also their destructive, all-consuming, and unstoppable nature, leaving nothing in their wake. The phrase "though it cannot be searched" also employs **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the immense scale and perceived impregnability of Egypt's defenses, only to dramatically highlight that even such vastness is utterly no match for God's decreed judgment. Finally, the repeated declaration "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority, certainty, and divine origin to the prophecy, affirming that this is not a human prediction but a direct, infallible word from God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:23 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His righteous judgment against human pride, self-reliance, and idolatry. It reveals that no earthly power, however mighty, vast, or seemingly impenetrable, stands outside the purview of the Almighty. Egypt, a symbol of formidable strength and a frequent, though ultimately deceptive, refuge for Judah, is shown to be utterly vulnerable and subject to God's divine purposes. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God sovereignly uses nations, even pagan ones like Babylon, as instruments to execute His will and to bring about His justice, often against those who have opposed His people or boasted excessively in their own strength. It underscores the profound biblical truth that true security, lasting peace, and ultimate victory lie not in military might, abundant resources, or human alliances, but in humble submission to and unwavering dependence upon the LORD alone.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Kingdoms")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:23 offers profound and enduring truths that resonate deeply with believers across all generations. It calls us to recognize God's unwavering and comprehensive sovereignty over all of history, the rise and fall of nations, and the intricate details of individual lives. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, economic instability, and the shifting landscape of global powers, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that God remains firmly on His throne, orchestrating all events according to His perfect and divine plan. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and security: Is it in human institutions, financial stability, military might, or the latest technological advancements, or is it in the unfailing power, wisdom, and faithfulness of the LORD? The dramatic judgment against Egypt, a nation supremely confident in its own strength, serves as a timeless warning against the perils of pride and self-reliance, urging us instead towards humility and absolute dependence on God alone. Furthermore, it encourages us to find profound comfort in the certainty of God's word; just as His prophecies of judgment came to pass with absolute precision, so too will His glorious promises of salvation, restoration, and ultimate triumph be fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in the world do I observe individuals, communities, or nations placing their trust in their own "forests" of strength, wealth, or influence rather than in the sovereign God?**
* **How does the imagery of an "innumerable" and unstoppable invading force, beyond human comprehension or resistance, profoundly shape my understanding of God's limitless power and authority?**
* **What specific areas of my own life, perhaps those I consider impenetrable or essential to my security, might God be calling me to "cut down" or surrender more fully to His sovereign will?**
* **How can the certainty of God's righteous judgment on nations, as demonstrated in this passage, inform and deepen my prayers and actions regarding current global events and geopolitical tensions?**

### FAQ

**What is the "forest" mentioned in Jeremiah 46:23?**

Answer: The "forest" in Jeremiah 46:23 is a powerful and evocative metaphor for Egypt's perceived strength, its vast resources, its dense population, or its formidable military defenses and fortified cities. It does not refer to a literal forest, as ancient Egypt was not known for extensive forested regions. Instead, it symbolizes something seemingly impenetrable, abundant, and deeply rooted that would nevertheless be completely cut down or destroyed by the invading Babylonian army, signifying the utter dismantling of Egypt's national power, security, and prosperity.

**Who are "they" who shall cut down the forest and are "more than the grasshoppers"?**

Answer: "They" refers to the invading army that God would supernaturally empower and use to bring His righteous judgment upon Egypt. Historically, this army is unequivocally identified as the formidable Babylonian forces led by King Nebuchadnezzar. The prophet Jeremiah consistently warned Judah and the surrounding nations about the rising power of Babylon and its divinely appointed role as God's instrument of judgment against various nations, including Egypt, as explicitly stated in passages like [Jeremiah 46:13](/jeremiah/46-13 "Jeremiah 46:13 - Nebuchadnezzar to Strike Egypt"). The vivid imagery of being "more than the grasshoppers" (locusts) emphasizes their overwhelming numbers, their relentless advance, and their utterly destructive capacity, ensuring nothing would be left untouched.

**Why was Egypt being judged by God?**

Answer: Egypt was being judged by God for a confluence of reasons, primarily its pervasive pride, its widespread idolatry, and its consistent opposition to God's divine purposes for His covenant people, Israel. Egypt frequently served as a deceptive and unreliable ally to Judah, leading God's people to trust in human military strength and political alliances rather than in the Lord Himself (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children Who Trust in Egypt")). Furthermore, Egypt's own hubris and self-sufficiency, exemplified by its Pharaoh's boastful pronouncements (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Pride and the Nile")), drew God's righteous wrath. God's judgment on Egypt, as on other nations, powerfully demonstrated His universal sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:23, while a specific prophecy of judgment against ancient Egypt, ultimately points to the comprehensive and absolute sovereignty of God, a sovereignty fully embodied, perfectly exercised, and ultimately manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "innumerable" invading army, depicted as an unstoppable instrument of divine judgment, foreshadows the ultimate and irresistible triumph of God's eternal kingdom, established and brought to fruition by Christ. No earthly "forest" of human power, national pride, or spiritual rebellion can ultimately withstand the righteous judgment of God, which finds its ultimate expression, resolution, and redemptive purpose in the work of Christ. Jesus, the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings"), possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). He is the one who will ultimately "cut down" every opposing force, not merely foreign nations, but the spiritual strongholds of sin, death, and the powers of darkness (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Victory Over Powers")). The final, decisive victory over all enemies, vividly described in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Victory"), demonstrates that just as God used an overwhelming, innumerable force to execute judgment on Egypt, He will ultimately bring all things under the dominion of His Son, establishing a kingdom that is truly "innumerable" in its redeemed subjects and eternal in its duration, a kingdom that cannot be searched out, overthrown, or overcome by any earthly power or spiritual adversary.

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

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.