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Commentary on Jeremiah 46 verses 1–12
1 ¶ The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;
2 Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.
3 Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.
4 Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, and put on the brigandines.
5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.
6 Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.
7 Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?
8 Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.
9 Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow.
10 For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
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.
12 ¶ The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, and they are fallen both together.
The first verse is the title of that part of this book, which relates to the neighbouring nations, and follows here. It is the word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah against the Gentiles; for God is King and Judge of nations, knows and will call to an account those who know him not nor take any notice of him. Both Isaiah and Ezekiel prophesied against these nations that Jeremiah here has a separate saying to, and with reference to the same events. In the Old Testament we have the word of the Lord against the Gentiles; in the New Testament we have the word of the Lord for the Gentiles, that those who were afar off are made nigh.
He begins with Egypt, because they were of old Israel's oppressors and of late their deceivers, when they put confidence in them. In these verses he foretells the overthrow of the army of Pharaoh-necho, by Nebuchadnezzar, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, which was so complete a victory to the king of Babylon that thereby he recovered from the river of Egypt to the river Euphrates, all that pertained to the king of Egypt, and so weakened him that he came not again any more out of his land (as we find, Kg2 24:7), and so made him pay dearly for his expedition against the king of Assyria four years before, in which he slew Josiah, Kg2 23:29. This is the event that is here foretold in lofty expressions of triumph over Egypt thus foiled, which Jeremiah would speak of with a particular pleasure, because the death of Josiah, which he had lamented, was now avenged on Pharaoh-necho. Now here,
I. The Egyptians are upbraided with the mighty preparations they made for this expedition, in which the prophet calls to them to do their utmost, for so they would: "Come then, order the buckler, let the weapons of war be got ready," Jer 46:3. Egypt was famous for horses - let them be harnessed and the cavalry well mounted: Get up, you horsemen, and stand forth, etc., Jer 46:4. See what preparations the children of men make, with abundance of care and trouble and at a vast expense, to kill one another, as if they did not die fast enough of themselves. He compares their marching out upon this expedition to the rising of their river Nile (Jer 46:7, Jer 46:8): Egypt now rises up like a flood, scorning to keep within its own banks and threatening to overflow all the neighbouring lands. It is a very formidable army that the Egyptians bring into the field upon this occasion. The prophet summons them (Jer 46:9): Come up, you horses; rage, you chariots. He challenges them to bring all their confederate troops together, the Ethiopians, that descended from the same stock with the Egyptians (Gen 10:6), and were their neighbours and allies, the Libyans and Lydians, both seated in Africa, to the west of Egypt, and from them the Egyptians fetched their auxiliary forces. Let them strengthen themselves with all the art and interest they have, yet it shall be all in vain; they shall be shamefully defeated notwithstanding, for God will fight against them, and against him there is no wisdom nor counsel, Pro 21:30, Pro 21:31. It concerns those that go forth to war not only to order the buckler, and harness the horses, but to repent of their sins, and pray to God for his presence with them, and that they may have it to keep themselves from every wicked thing.
II. They are upbraided with the great expectations they had from this expedition, which were quite contrary to what God intended in bringing them together. They knew their own thoughts, and God knew them, and sat in heaven and laughed at them,; but they knew not the thoughts of the Lord, for he gathers them as sheaves into the floor, Mic 4:11, Mic 4:12. Egypt saith (Jer 46:8): I will go up; I will cover the earth, and none shall hinder me; I will destroy the city, whatever city it is that stands in my way. Like Pharaoh of old, I will pursue, I will overtake. The Egyptians say that they shall have a day of it, but God saith that it shall be his day: The is the day of the Lord God of hosts (Jer 46:10), the day in which he will be exalted in the overthrow of the Egyptians. They meant one thing, but God meant another; they designed it for the advancement of their dignity and the enlargement of their dominion, but God designed it for the great abasement and weakening of their kingdom. It is a day of vengeance for Josiah's death; it is a day of sacrifice to divine justice, to which multitudes of the sinners of Egypt shall fall as victims. Note, When men think to magnify themselves by pushing on unrighteous enterprises, let them expect that God will glorify himself by blasting them and cutting them off.
III. They are upbraided with their cowardice and inglorious flight when they come to an engagement (Jer 46:5, Jer 46:6): "Wherefore have I seen them, notwithstanding all these mighty and vast preparations and all these expressions of bravery and resolution, when the Chaldean army faces them, dismayed, turned back, quite disheartened, and no spirit left in them." 1. They make a shameful retreat. Even their mighty ones, who, one would think, should have stood their ground, flee a flight, flee by consent, make the best of their way, flee in confusion and with the utmost precipitation; they have neither time nor heart to look back, but fear is round about them, for they apprehend it so. And yet, 2. They cannot make their escape. They have the shame of flying, and yet not the satisfaction of saving themselves by flight; they might as well have stood their ground and died upon the spot; for even the swift shall not flee away. The lightness of their heels shall fail them when it comes to the trial, as well as the stoutness of their hearts; the mighty shall not escape, nay, they are beaten down and broken to pieces. They shall stumble in their flight, and fall towards the north, towards their enemy's country; for such confusion were they in when they took to their feet that instead of making homeward, as men usually do in that case, they made forward. Note, The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Valiant men are not always victorious.
IV. They are upbraided with their utter inability ever to recover this blow, which should be fatal to their nation, Jer 46:11, Jer 46:12. The damsel, the daughter of Egypt, that lived in great pomp and state, is sorely wounded by this defeat. Let her now seek for balm in Gilead and physicians there; let her use all the medicines her wise men can prescribe for the healing of this hurt, and the repairing of the loss sustained by this defeat; but all in vain; no cure shall be to them; they shall never be able to bring such a powerful army as this into the field again. "The nations that rang of thy glory and strength have now heard of thy shame, how shamefully thou wast routed and how thou are weakened by it." It needs not be spread by the triumphs of the conquerors, the shrieks and outcries of the conquered will proclaim it: Thy cry hath filled the country about. For, when they fled several ways, one mighty man stumbled upon another and dashed against another, such confusion were they in, so that both together became a pray to the pursuers, an easy prey. A thousand such dreadful accidents there should be, which should fill the country with the cry of those that were overcome. Let not the mighty man therefore glory in his might, for the time may come when it will stand him in no stead.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–12. Public domain.
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Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 41
Therefore as the prophet Jeremiah has said, Take up arms and shields. Especially as the right hand of God our Savior is invincible in the battle, and as most wise Paul has said, he does not permit people to be tried more than they can bear, but with the trial he will make also the way out, that they may be able to endure patiently.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
ON JEREMIAH 9:46
After completing his prophecies concerning the people of Israel, he foretells what will happen to the other nations, teaching that he is Creator, God and Lord of all. First, he recounts those things that pertain to Egypt and teaches the time of this prophecy. The prediction was fulfilled after the death of the pharaoh Neco. Neco killed Josiah by the Euphrates River and was himself killed by the king of the Babylonians.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:3 delivers a powerfully ironic divine command to the Egyptian army, urging them to meticulously prepare their defensive armaments and advance into battle. Far from a genuine call to victory, this prophetic utterance serves as a stark pronouncement of God's impending judgment, highlighting the absolute futility of human military might when it stands in opposition to His sovereign will. The verse vividly sets the stage for Egypt's inevitable and decisive defeat at the hands of Babylon, underscoring the certainty of divine judgment despite extensive human preparation and formidable military assembly.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:3 is profoundly enriched by several literary devices that amplify its prophetic message and theological impact. The most striking device is Irony, where the divine command to "Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle" is not a genuine rallying cry for Egyptian victory but a sarcastic, divinely inspired pronouncement of their inevitable and utter defeat. The meticulous preparation described stands in stark, tragic contrast to the predetermined outcome, powerfully highlighting the futility of human effort when arrayed against God's sovereign will. The pervasive use of the Imperative Mood ("Order ye," "draw near") creates a sense of directness, urgency, and military authority, making the ironic command even more potent by mimicking the very language of a genuine battle order. Furthermore, the verse employs Vivid Imagery through the explicit mention of "buckler and shield" and the dynamic action of "drawing near to battle." This imagery paints a clear, immediate mental picture of a well-equipped and advancing army on the verge of engagement, making the subsequent prophetic pronouncements of their downfall all the more impactful and poignant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of God over all human affairs, particularly in the realm of international power, military might, and geopolitical conflict. It powerfully underscores the biblical truth that no amount of human strength, strategic planning, or formidable military prowess can ever thwart the predetermined purposes of the Almighty. The deeply ironic command to prepare for battle, delivered with the full divine knowledge of the inevitable outcome, vividly illustrates that God's decrees are absolute. Even the most formidable nations and their meticulously prepared armies are ultimately mere instruments or objects of His overarching will. This passage challenges any humanistic reliance on self-sufficiency, nationalistic pride, or military superiority, consistently redirecting focus to the ultimate authority residing solely in the Creator and orchestrator of history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:3 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that while diligence, preparation, and responsible stewardship of resources are commendable, our ultimate trust and reliance must always rest in God's sovereign power, not in our own capabilities, strategic plans, or accumulated resources. In a world that often exalts self-reliance, technological advancement, and strategic advantage, this verse calls us to a posture of profound humility, acknowledging that every human endeavor, no matter how meticulously planned or powerfully executed, is ultimately subject to the divine will. It encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment, seeking to understand and align with God's purposes in our individual lives and in the broader sweep of global events, recognizing that His plans will always prevail, even amidst chaos, uncertainty, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This truth provides both a sobering perspective on human limitations and immense comfort in God's unwavering and omnipotent control, urging us to align our lives with His eternal purposes rather than striving against them in vain.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why would God command Egypt to prepare for battle if He had already decreed their defeat?
Answer: The command in Jeremiah 46:3 is deeply ironic and serves a profound prophetic purpose rather than a literal instruction for military success. God is not genuinely urging Egypt to prepare for victory. Instead, the command dramatically highlights the absolute futility of their extensive preparations in the face of His predetermined and unchangeable judgment. It underscores that despite all their military might, their meticulous readiness, and their formidable power, their efforts would be utterly useless against God's sovereign plan. This dramatic irony emphasizes God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating unequivocally that no human power, no matter how great, can thwart His divine will. It sets the stage for the resounding defeat at the Battle of Carchemish, proving that God's word, spoken through His prophet Jeremiah, would come to pass regardless of Egypt's formidable strength.
What was the historical significance of the Battle of Carchemish mentioned in the context of this prophecy?
Answer: The Battle of Carchemish, which occurred around 605 BC, was a pivotal and transformative event in ancient Near Eastern history, marking a significant and decisive shift in regional power dynamics. It represented a climactic confrontation between the declining Egyptian forces, led by Pharaoh Necho II, and the rapidly ascending Babylonian empire under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar. Egypt had previously supported the Assyrians, and after Assyria's fall, sought to maintain its long-standing influence and control over the Levant. However, Babylon's overwhelming victory at Carchemish effectively ended Egypt's dominance in the region and solidified Babylon's position as the new, undisputed major superpower. For the kingdom of Judah, this battle was profoundly crucial because it meant the definitive end of Egyptian influence and the beginning of Babylonian hegemony, leading directly to the first deportation of Jews to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel, as vividly described in Daniel 1:1-6. Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 46 accurately and powerfully foretold this momentous historical outcome.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:3, with its ironic depiction of human military preparations leading to inevitable defeat, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's sovereign plan through Jesus Christ. The futility of Egypt's earthly might against divine decree powerfully foreshadows the greater spiritual truth that all human efforts, systems, and powers—whether political, military, or spiritual—are ultimately powerless against the eternal Kingdom of God established in Christ. While nations throughout history continue to "order their bucklers and shields" in their various earthly and spiritual battles, the true and decisive victory belongs to the Lamb of God who conquered sin, death, and the forces of evil not by conventional earthly might or military prowess, but by His self-sacrificial love on the cross and His glorious resurrection power. Christ's triumph on the cross disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them (as profoundly declared in Colossians 2:15). He is the true Commander who leads His people not into futile earthly conflicts but into spiritual triumph, equipping them with the "whole armor of God" (as meticulously described in Ephesians 6:10-18) to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ultimately, the judgment pronounced upon Egypt in Jeremiah points forward to the final eschatological judgment where Christ will return as the victorious King, the Word of God, to execute God's righteous rule and bring all things definitively under His feet, fulfilling every divine purpose and establishing His eternal reign.