Jeremiah 46:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The daughter {H1323} of Egypt {H4714} shall be confounded {H3001}; she shall be delivered {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the people {H5971} of the north {H6828}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The daughter of Egypt is put to shame, handed over to the people from the north."

Berean Standard Bible

The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame; she will be delivered into the hands of the people of the north.”

American Standard Version

The daughter of Egypt shall be put to shame; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:24 serves as a potent prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment upon Egypt, foretelling its humiliation and defeat at the hands of a northern power. This verse encapsulates the divine sovereignty over nations, revealing that even mighty empires are subject to the Lord's decrees and are instruments or objects of His righteous justice, demonstrating His ultimate control over the course of human history and the destinies of kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:24 is situated within a larger section of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations, specifically chapter 46, which is entirely dedicated to the pronouncements against Egypt. This chapter begins with a detailed prophecy concerning the defeat of Pharaoh Neco's army by Nebuchadnezzar at the Battle of Carchemish (around 605 BC), as recounted in [Jeremiah 46:2-12](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2-12 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh Neco"). Following this, the prophecy shifts to a broader declaration of Egypt's impending invasion and devastation by the "people of the north," identified as the Babylonians, culminating in a promise of restoration for Israel amidst these global judgments (e.g., [Jeremiah 46:27-28](/jeremiah/46-27 "Jeremiah 46:27-28 - Israel's Restoration Amidst Judgment")). This verse, therefore, acts as a concise summary of the fate awaiting Egypt, emphasizing its inevitable downfall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BC), Egypt was a dominant regional power, often vying with Assyria and later Babylon for control of the Levant. Judah, situated precariously between these empires, frequently sought alliances with Egypt for protection against northern threats, a strategy often condemned by Jeremiah as a reliance on human strength rather than divine providence (e.g., [Jeremiah 37:5-10](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5-10 - Pharaoh's Army Retreats")). The "people of the north" unequivocally refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, which was rapidly expanding its dominion. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar did invade Egypt in 568/567 BC, fulfilling this prophecy, though the extent of the conquest is debated among historians. The cultural understanding of national pride and military might in ancient Near Eastern empires makes Egypt's prophesied "confounding" and "delivery into the hand" of another power a profound humiliation and loss of status.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment on Nations**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against nations for their pride, idolatry, and oppression, not just against Israel. This highlights that God's authority extends beyond His covenant people to encompass all of creation, as seen in the broader collection of oracles against foreign nations in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Another crucial theme is **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over human history and geopolitical events. No earthly power, however formidable, can thwart His purposes or escape His ultimate control. He raises up and casts down empires according to His divine plan, often using one nation as an instrument of judgment against another, as He did with Babylon against Judah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God Uses Babylon as His Servant")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Reliability and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeremiah's specific prediction of Egypt's defeat by a northern power came to pass, reinforcing the trustworthiness of God's word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, this term is used in a wide sense, literally and figuratively. In this context, "daughter of Egypt" is a common poetic personification, representing the nation of Egypt collectively, its people, and its entire identity. It emphasizes the vulnerability and impending subjugation of the nation as a whole, much like "daughter of Zion" refers to Jerusalem or its inhabitants.
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** From H3001, this primitive root means "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up or wither." Here, it signifies a profound state of humiliation, disgrace, and utter defeat. Egypt's military might and national pride will be shattered, leading to a public and deeply felt sense of shame and loss of prestige. It implies an internal collapse of confidence alongside external defeat.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, or direction. When one nation is "delivered into the hand" of another, it signifies complete subjugation, control, and authority. It denotes that Egypt will lose its independence and be entirely at the mercy and under the dominion of the conquering "people of the north," stripped of its own power and agency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded":** This opening clause immediately sets the tone of impending doom and humiliation for the powerful nation of Egypt. "The daughter of Egypt" is a poetic personification for the entire nation, emphasizing its collective identity and fate. The verb "shall be confounded" (Hebrew: _yâbêsh_) conveys a deep sense of shame, disgrace, and utter defeat. It suggests that Egypt's pride, military strength, and perceived invincibility will be shattered, leading to a profound public humiliation and a loss of its esteemed position among nations.
* **"she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north":** This second clause specifies the agent and nature of Egypt's downfall. "She shall be delivered" indicates a divine act of handing over, underscoring God's active role in orchestrating this judgment. The phrase "into the hand of" signifies complete control, power, and subjugation. The "people of the north" is a clear prophetic reference to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar, which was geographically located to the north of Egypt and Judah. This part of the verse explicitly names the instrument God will use to execute His judgment, ensuring Egypt's complete subjugation and loss of sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Personification** by referring to Egypt as "the daughter of Egypt." This poetic device gives the nation human qualities, allowing for a more vivid portrayal of its impending shame and defeat. It transforms an abstract political entity into a relatable figure experiencing humiliation. Furthermore, the phrase "delivered into the hand" is a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "hand" represents the power, control, and authority of the conquering nation. This emphasizes the complete subjugation and loss of autonomy Egypt will experience. The entire verse functions as a concise **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct declaration of future events spoken by divine inspiration, characterized by its declarative and authoritative tone, leaving no doubt about the certainty of the outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:24 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and human history. It reveals that no earthly power, however mighty or proud, stands outside the purview of His divine judgment and overarching plan. God orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, using even pagan nations as instruments of His justice or objects of His wrath, demonstrating that His kingdom is supreme and eternal. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true security and hope are found not in human alliances or military strength, but in the unfailing power and righteous character of the Almighty God, who holds the destiny of all creation in His hands.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Isaiah 19:1-4](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1-4 - Prophecy Against Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:24 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all global events, even amidst geopolitical turmoil and the shifting sands of power. In a world often characterized by anxiety over national security, economic instability, and the rise of formidable powers, this verse calls us to place our ultimate trust not in human governments, military might, or international alliances, but in the unchanging, all-powerful God. It encourages us to recognize that He is actively involved in history, executing His purposes and holding all nations accountable for their actions. This should inspire both a humble reliance on Him and a fervent prayer for justice and righteousness among the nations, knowing that His word will always come to pass, and His ultimate victory is assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as depicted in Jeremiah 46:24, impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **In what ways might a nation, or even an individual, be "confounded" today, and what does this verse teach us about the dangers of pride and self-reliance?**
* **How can knowing that God uses various "instruments" to accomplish His will (even those seemingly hostile) strengthen your faith and trust in His plan?**

### FAQ
**What does "the daughter of Egypt" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The daughter of Egypt" is a common poetic device in biblical literature, known as personification. It refers to the nation of Egypt as a whole, representing its people, its identity, and its collective fate. Similar phrases like "daughter of Zion" (for Jerusalem) or "daughter of Babylon" are used elsewhere in the Bible. In [Jeremiah 46:24](/jeremiah/46-24 "Jeremiah 46:24 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), it emphasizes that the entire nation of Egypt, with all its pride and power, would experience shame and defeat.

**Who are "the people of the north" mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: "The people of the north" is a prophetic designation that consistently refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar. Geographically, Babylon was situated to the north of Judah and Egypt. Throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, the Babylonian Empire is God's chosen instrument to execute judgment on various nations, including Judah itself (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God Calls Nebuchadnezzar His Servant")). This specific prophecy in [Jeremiah 46:24](/jeremiah/46-24 "Jeremiah 46:24 - Prophecy Against Egypt") foretells Babylon's invasion and subjugation of Egypt, which historically occurred in the early 6th century BC.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:24 speaks directly to God's judgment on ancient Egypt through the Babylonians, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereign rule over all kingdoms, culminating in the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. The temporary defeat of earthly powers like Egypt by an instrument like Babylon foreshadows the definitive and final triumph of God's Messiah over all opposing forces. Just as Egypt was "confounded" and "delivered into the hand" of a human empire, so too will all earthly kingdoms and rebellious powers ultimately be subjugated under the reign of Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the true King of kings and Lord of lords, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). His first coming inaugurated His kingdom, and His second coming will see the complete and irreversible defeat of every enemy and the establishment of His righteous rule over all creation, as described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). Thus, the judgment on Egypt in Jeremiah points forward to the universal judgment and ultimate victory of the Lamb of God, who alone holds the power to humble the proud and establish a kingdom that will never be confounded or delivered into another's hand ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")).

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

Jeremiah 1:15

For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 46:11

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; [for] thou shalt not be cured.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Jeremiah 46:19

O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 46:20

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

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.