Jeremiah 46:25

KJV

The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and [all] them that trust in him:

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, saith {H559}; Behold, I will punish {H6485} the multitude {H527}{H528} of No {H4996}, and Pharaoh {H6547}, and Egypt {H4714}, with their gods {H430}, and their kings {H4428}; even Pharaoh {H6547}, and all them that trust {H982} in him:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: "I will punish Amon from No, Pharaoh, and Egypt with her gods and kings - that is, Pharaoh and those who trust in him;

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh.

American Standard Version

Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, saith: Behold, I will punish Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with her gods, and her kings; even Pharaoh, and them that trust in him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:25 declares the absolute sovereignty of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, over all earthly powers, specifically pronouncing a comprehensive divine judgment against Egypt. This judgment targets not only its formidable capital city, No (Thebes), and its reigning Pharaoh, but also extends to the very core of its national identity: its false gods, its kings, and all those who place their trust in human strength and idolatrous systems rather than in the one true God. The verse powerfully asserts that no human authority or spiritual deception can withstand the righteous wrath and sovereign will of Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:25 is situated within a larger prophetic section of the book of Jeremiah known as the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Jeremiah 46-51). This specific chapter is dedicated entirely to the prophecy concerning Egypt. Following extensive prophecies detailing God's judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, these oracles demonstrate that Yahweh's authority extends far beyond Israel's borders, encompassing all nations and their rulers. The oracle against Egypt begins with a historical reference to the Battle of Carchemish (605 BC), where Babylon decisively defeated Egypt, a pivotal event that reshaped the geopolitical landscape. Verse 25, therefore, is not merely a general pronouncement but a specific, detailed declaration of judgment against the very heart of Egyptian power, reinforcing the preceding warnings and setting the stage for further declarations of divine control over world history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, Egypt was a dominant regional power, often a tempting, albeit unreliable, ally for Judah in its struggles against the rising Babylonian Empire. Pharaoh Neco II, mentioned implicitly, had recently suffered a significant defeat at Carchemish, undermining Egypt's perceived invincibility. The city of "No" (Hebrew: Nôʼ, Greek: Thebes) was the ancient capital of Upper Egypt and a preeminent religious and political center, renowned for its immense wealth, grand temples, and the worship of the god Amon-Ra. By explicitly naming No, Pharaoh, and Egypt's gods and kings, the prophecy directly confronts the sources of Egyptian pride and perceived security. Culturally, ancient Egypt was polytheistic, with an elaborate pantheon of deities believed to control various aspects of life and the cosmos. The judgment against "their gods" directly challenges the efficacy and power of these idols, asserting the singular supremacy of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereign Judgment** over all nations. The declaration, "The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish," emphatically asserts Yahweh's absolute authority, demonstrating that no empire, no king, and no deity can stand against His divine decree. This theme resonates with the truth that [the Most High rules in the kingdom of mankind](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Futility of Idolatry and Trust in Human Power**. The explicit targeting of Egypt's "gods" and "all them that trust in him" (Pharaoh) reveals the spiritual danger of placing confidence in anything other than the Lord. It exposes the impotence of false deities and the ultimate weakness of human strength when confronted by divine power. This serves as a stark warning against reliance on alliances or material might, echoing the wisdom found in [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes"). Finally, the judgment serves to **Vindicate God's Name and Covenant Faithfulness**. By executing judgment on such a formidable power, the Lord of hosts demonstrates His unique power and vindicates His name as the true "God of Israel," proving His covenant loyalty to His people by showing His control over their enemies and the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This majestic divine title, combining H3068 (Jehovah, the self-existent or eternal God) and H6635 (hosts, referring to armies, organized masses, or heavenly bodies), emphasizes God's absolute power and authority. It portrays Him as the commander of all creation, including celestial armies and earthly powers, underscoring His irresistible might and ability to execute His will over nations like Egypt.
* **punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** From H6485, this primitive root means "to visit" with either friendly or hostile intent. In this context, it carries the strong connotation of a hostile visitation, implying accountability, judgment, and the meting out of consequences. It signifies God's active intervention to oversee, inspect, and ultimately bring retribution upon those who defy Him, highlighting His role as a righteous judge.
* **trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this root means "to hide for refuge," and figuratively, "to be confident or sure." In Jeremiah 46:25, it points to the misplaced confidence and reliance of the Egyptians (and by extension, Judah) in human power (Pharaoh) and false gods. The judgment is specifically directed at those whose security and hope are rooted in created things rather than the Creator, emphasizing the spiritual danger of such misplaced faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and source of the prophecy. The double title, "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), emphasizes God's omnipotence and control over all creation and armies, while "the God of Israel" highlights His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. The declaration "saith" (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_), a common prophetic formula, underscores that this is a direct, authoritative word from God Himself, not merely a human observation or political prediction.
* **"Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings;":** This is the core declaration of judgment, detailing its comprehensive scope. "Behold" draws immediate attention to the gravity of the pronouncement. "I will punish" asserts God's personal and active involvement. "The multitude of No" refers to Thebes, Egypt's powerful and populous capital, symbolizing its wealth, military strength, and religious significance. The judgment extends to "Pharaoh" (the reigning king), "Egypt" (the entire nation), "their gods" (the entire pantheon of Egyptian deities), and "their kings" (all rulers past, present, and future). This all-encompassing list signifies that no aspect of Egyptian power—political, military, economic, or religious—is beyond God's reach or immune to His judgment.
* **"even Pharaoh, and [all] them that trust in him:":** This concluding phrase reiterates and intensifies the judgment, specifically targeting Pharaoh again for emphasis and, crucially, including "all them that trust in him." This highlights the spiritual dimension of the judgment: it is not just against a nation or its leaders, but against the misplaced confidence and idolatrous reliance on human power and false deities. It underscores that those who put their faith in anything other than the true God will share in the consequences of that misplaced trust.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, explicitly stated by the phrase "The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and supernatural origin of the prophecy. This is not a human prediction but a direct pronouncement from the Almighty. The verse also utilizes **Merism** or **Totality**, listing various components of Egyptian power ("multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings") to indicate a complete and exhaustive judgment. By targeting the capital, the ruler, the nation, its deities, and its political structure, the prophecy asserts that no element of Egypt's strength or identity will escape God's wrath. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Repetition** by mentioning "Pharaoh" twice, which serves to emphasize his central role as the embodiment of Egyptian power and the primary object of this specific judgment, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the divine reckoning against him and his sphere of influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:25 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can stand against His divine will. It reveals the futility of idolatry and the grave danger of placing trust in human strength, political alliances, or false gods. The judgment against Egypt's gods specifically underscores that the God of Israel is the only true and living God, before whom all other deities are powerless and vain. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that ultimate security and salvation are found only in Yahweh, not in worldly systems or human achievements. It challenges believers to examine the objects of their trust and to recognize that God alone holds the reins of history and destiny.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols"): This psalm vividly describes the impotence of idols, which "have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not," directly contrasting with the living God who actively judges and acts.
* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon"): This chapter provides another powerful example of God's sovereign judgment against a mighty world empire, Babylon, demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of nations.
* [Psalm 146:3-5](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-5 - Trust in God, Not Princes"): This passage explicitly warns against trusting in "princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help," instead urging reliance on "the God of Jacob, who made heaven and earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:25 serves as a profound and enduring reminder for believers today: all human power, military might, economic prowess, and even cherished ideologies are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of the Almighty God. In a world that often places its confidence in political leaders, financial security, technological advancements, or personal achievements, this verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of where our ultimate trust lies. It challenges us to identify any "Pharaohs" or "gods" in our own lives – anything we elevate above God, whether it be career, possessions, relationships, or self-reliance – and to recognize their ultimate powerlessness before the divine authority. True security, peace, and salvation are found only in placing our unwavering faith in the living God, who alone is worthy of our complete trust and worship. This passage encourages humility, discernment, and a renewed commitment to seeking God's kingdom first, knowing that He is the ultimate ruler over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Pharaohs" or "gods" do I tend to trust in more than the LORD in my daily life?**
* **How does God's sovereign judgment over nations like Egypt inform my perspective on current global events and political leaders?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to relinquish control and place my full confidence in the "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel"?**

### FAQ

**What is "No" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "No" (Hebrew: Nôʼ) refers to the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, which was the capital of Upper Egypt and a prominent religious and political center during the time of Jeremiah. It was renowned for its immense wealth, grand temples dedicated to the god Amon-Ra, and its significant population. By specifically naming "No," the prophecy targets the very heart of Egyptian power and religious devotion, signifying the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against the entire nation and its sources of pride.

**Why is God punishing Egypt in this prophecy?**

Answer: God punishes Egypt for several reasons, as revealed throughout the book of Jeremiah and other prophetic texts. Primarily, it is an act of divine judgment against Egypt's idolatry, its pride, and its role as a deceptive and unreliable ally for Judah. Egypt's trust in its own military might and its pantheon of false gods directly defied the sovereignty of the LORD. Furthermore, God uses the judgment of nations like Egypt to demonstrate His universal dominion over all of creation and to vindicate His name as the one true God, proving that He alone controls the destinies of empires and peoples. This judgment also served as a warning to Judah against placing their trust in human alliances rather than in God, a theme seen throughout [Jeremiah chapter 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt").

**What does "the LORD of hosts" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful and majestic title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and omnipotence. "LORD" (Yahweh) refers to God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence and faithfulness. "Hosts" (Sabaoth) refers to armies, whether human or angelic, or even the celestial bodies. In this context, it underscores God's role as the supreme commander of all creation, including all earthly powers and spiritual forces. It highlights His irresistible might and His ability to muster and command all things to accomplish His purposes, even to bring judgment upon a mighty nation like Egypt. This title reinforces that the judgment declared in [Jeremiah 46:25](/jeremiah/46-25 "Jeremiah 46:25 - God's Judgment on Egypt") is not merely a political event but a divine act executed by the sovereign ruler of the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:25, with its declaration of divine judgment against the earthly powers and false gods of Egypt, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament passage speaks of God's temporal judgment on a specific nation, it foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual and earthly powers that set themselves against God. Just as Yahweh demonstrated His sovereignty over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, so Christ, by His death and resurrection, triumphed over the spiritual "Pharaohs" of sin, death, and the devil. The New Testament declares that [He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers").

Furthermore, the futility of trusting in human strength and false gods, so clearly depicted in Jeremiah, is fully revealed in Christ. He is the ultimate object of trust, the only one who can truly deliver and save. Unlike earthly kings and their fleeting kingdoms, [Jesus' kingdom is not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), guaranteeing its eternal nature and supreme authority. The judgment pronounced on Egypt's gods points to the final overthrow of all idolatry and false worship through Christ, who alone is worthy of all praise and adoration. His return will see Him [judge the nations with righteousness and equity](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ as Judge of Nations"), fulfilling the prophetic declarations of God's universal dominion. Thus, Jeremiah 46:25 ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the true King, whose reign is eternal and whose victory over all opposing powers is absolute, offering true refuge and salvation to all who trust in Him.

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

Zephaniah 2:11

The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

Isaiah 20:5

And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

Isaiah 20:6

And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such [is] our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 43:12

And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

Jeremiah 42:14

Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell: