Jeremiah 46:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore have I seen {H7200} them dismayed {H2844} and turned {H5472} away back {H268}? and their mighty ones {H1368} are beaten down {H3807}, and are fled {H5127} apace {H4498}, and look not back {H6437}: for fear {H4032} was round about {H5439}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Why do I see them retreating in panic, their heroes routed, fleeing headlong, not looking back, terror all around?" asks ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Wherefore have I seen it? they are dismayed and are turned backward; and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: terror is on every side, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:5 vividly portrays the chaotic and ignominious defeat of the Egyptian army at the Battle of Carchemish, a pivotal historical event where Babylon decisively crushed Egypt's military might. Through a rhetorical question, the Lord highlights His direct observation and orchestration of their dismay and retreat, emphasizing that their collapse was not mere misfortune but a divinely ordained judgment. The verse underscores the futility of human strength against God's sovereign will, revealing that the mighty warriors of Egypt were overwhelmed by a pervasive, divinely-instilled fear that compelled their headlong flight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:5 is situated within a series of oracles against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51), specifically the prophecy concerning Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1-26). This particular oracle begins by setting the scene for the Battle of Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2-4), detailing Egypt's preparations for war, only to immediately pivot in verse 5 to the shocking reality of their defeat. The rhetorical question, "Wherefore have I seen them dismayed...?", directly from the Lord, positions this military catastrophe as a divinely observed and orchestrated event, not merely a human conflict. This section serves to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, using them as instruments or objects of His judgment, a recurring theme throughout the book of Jeremiah, as seen in His pronouncements against Judah and other surrounding peoples in [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Nations").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 46:5 is the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC. This battle was a decisive confrontation between the resurgent Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar, and the Egyptian forces under Pharaoh Necho II, who had previously defeated Judah at Megiddo. Carchemish, located on the Euphrates River, was a strategic city controlling trade routes. Egypt, a long-standing regional power, had a formidable military, renowned for its chariots and archers. Their defeat at Carchemish marked a significant geopolitical shift, signaling the end of Egyptian dominance in the Near East and the ascendance of Babylon as the preeminent power. For the Egyptians, this defeat would have been a profound humiliation, shattering their pride and military reputation, confirming Jeremiah's prophecy of their downfall (cf. [Jeremiah 46:13-26](/jeremiah/46-13 "Jeremiah 46:13-26 - Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion of Egypt")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key theological and narrative themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, capable of raising and bringing down nations according to His will. The defeat of a seemingly invincible army like Egypt's proves that no human power can withstand God's decree. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Strength and Pride**. Despite their military might and strategic preparations, Egypt's "mighty ones" are utterly routed, emphasizing the vanity of trusting in chariots and horses rather than the Lord (cf. [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses")). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Inescapable Judgment**. The pervasive "fear" that grips the Egyptian army is explicitly attributed to the Lord, indicating that their panic was not accidental but a divinely instilled psychological weapon, ensuring their complete discomfiture and fulfilling the prophetic word. This divine instigation of terror is a hallmark of God's judgment, as seen in other accounts of His intervention in battles (e.g., [Joshua 10:10](/joshua/10-10 "Joshua 10:10 - The Lord Threw Them into Confusion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dismayed (Hebrew, _chath'_):** From H2844, this word conveys a sense of being shattered, terrified, or utterly broken. It goes beyond simple fear, indicating a complete loss of courage, morale, and the will to resist. The Egyptian army was not merely afraid but psychologically crushed, leading to their desperate flight.
* **mighty ones (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this term refers to powerful warriors, champions, or elite soldiers. In this context, it highlights the irony of Egypt's most formidable fighting men being utterly defeated and fleeing. It underscores the idea that even the strongest human might is powerless before God's judgment.
* **fear (Hebrew, _mâgôwr'_):** From H4032, this word denotes a fright, terror, or dread, whether objective (something causing fear) or subjective (the feeling of fear). When combined with "round about" (H5439, _çâbîyb_), it creates the powerful phrase "terror on every side" or "fear from every direction," indicating an inescapable and pervasive dread that completely enveloped the Egyptian forces, paralyzing their ability to fight or retreat orderly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back?"**: This is a rhetorical question posed by the Lord Himself, emphasizing His direct observation and involvement in the Egyptian army's collapse. It implies that their defeat was not random but a divinely orchestrated event, and God is calling attention to the sudden, inexplicable panic and retreat of a once-proud army. The phrase "turned away back" highlights their complete and disorderly rout.
* **"and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back:"**: This clause graphically describes the utter disarray and destruction of Egypt's elite warriors. "Beaten down" suggests a crushing defeat, not just a retreat. "Fled apace" (Hebrew, _mânôwç_) implies a desperate, headlong flight, while "look not back" vividly paints a picture of complete panic, where survival is the only thought, with no regard for strategy, comrades, or dignity.
* **"[for] fear [was] round about, saith the LORD."**: This final declaration provides the divine explanation for the Egyptian army's rout. The pervasive terror that enveloped them was not a natural consequence of battle but a supernatural instillation by the Lord Himself. The phrase "fear was round about" (Hebrew, _mâgôwr çâbîyb_) signifies an inescapable, all-encompassing dread that broke their spirit and led to their unthinking flight, confirming God's absolute control over the hearts and minds of men and nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Wherefore have I seen them dismayed...?"), which serves to draw the reader's attention to the shocking sight of Egypt's defeat and to underscore the Lord's direct observation and implied agency in the event. This is followed by intensely **Vivid Imagery** and a rapid succession of **Action Verbs** ("dismayed," "turned away back," "beaten down," "fled apace," "look not back"). These verbs create a dynamic, chaotic scene, effectively painting a picture of a once-proud army reduced to a terrified, disorganized mob. The phrase "fled apace, and look not back" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute nature of their rout, suggesting a panic so profound that all military discipline and self-preservation were abandoned. Finally, the statement "fear [was] round about, saith the LORD" employs a form of **Personification** where "fear" is presented as an almost tangible force, an encircling presence that paralyzes the army. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," functions as a **Divine Declaration**, stamping the entire prophecy with undeniable authority and attributing the cause of Egypt's downfall directly to God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over the affairs of nations and the ultimate futility of human power when it opposes His will. It reveals that the rise and fall of empires are not merely products of geopolitical forces or military might, but are orchestrated by the Almighty according to His divine purposes. The defeat of Egypt's formidable army, despite its historical prowess, serves as a stark reminder that no human institution, no matter how strong or proud, can stand against the decree of the Lord. This truth should humble humanity, redirecting our trust from temporary earthly securities to the eternal, unshakeable power of God. The divine instillation of fear demonstrates God's ability to dismantle even the most organized and powerful forces through psychological means, proving that true strength lies not in numbers or weaponry, but in alignment with the divine will.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God Puts Dread on Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:5 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that all human power, military might, and national pride are ultimately fleeting and subject to God's supreme authority. In a world often characterized by political instability, economic uncertainty, and the rise and fall of global powers, this verse encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in earthly institutions, political systems, or even our own abilities, but solely in the sovereign God who controls the destiny of nations and individuals. It calls for a posture of humility, recognizing that true security and strength come only from Him. When faced with overwhelming personal or societal challenges, this passage reminds us that the Lord can instill fear and confusion in the hearts of adversaries, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled, and that our ultimate reliance should always be on Him, rather than succumbing to fear or despair over human circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security – in human systems, personal abilities, or God's sovereign power?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute control over nations and history impact my prayers and perspective on global events and political shifts?**
* **In what areas of my life am I relying on my own "mighty ones" (e.g., intellect, resources, connections) rather than yielding to God's power and plan?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the Battle of Carchemish for the ancient world?**

Answer: The Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC was a pivotal moment in ancient Near Eastern history. It marked the definitive end of Egypt's dominance and the complete collapse of the Assyrian Empire's remnants, paving the way for the unchallenged rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. This shift in power had profound implications for Judah, which subsequently fell under Babylonian control, leading to the Babylonian exile as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")).

**Why does God "instill fear" in armies, as described in this verse?**

Answer: God instills fear in armies as a means of divine judgment and to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty. In Jeremiah 46:5, the "fear [was] round about" the Egyptian army, causing their complete rout. This is not merely a psychological tactic but a supernatural intervention that breaks the morale and fighting spirit of even the strongest forces. It serves to show that no human power can stand against God's will and that He can use any means, including internal panic, to achieve His purposes and execute His judgments (cf. [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God Will Send His Terror Before You")).

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and mercy?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 46:5 primarily highlights God's justice and judgment against a proud nation, it implicitly underscores His mercy towards His own people. By dismantling the power of nations that oppressed or threatened Israel, God demonstrated His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This act of judgment on Egypt was part of a larger divine plan that would eventually lead to the discipline of Judah, but also its restoration. God's justice is always perfectly balanced, even when its manifestation is severe, ultimately serving His redemptive purposes for humanity (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Plans for Hope and a Future")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:5, with its depiction of a mighty army collapsing under divinely instilled fear and the futility of human strength, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The very sovereignty of God, which orchestrated the fall of Egypt, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "fear" that enveloped Egypt foreshadows the ultimate terror that will grip those who stand against the Lamb of God on the day of judgment, yet conversely, it highlights the profound peace and security found by those who take refuge in Him (cf. [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Mighty Men Hide from the Lamb")). The "mighty ones" of Egypt, beaten down and fleeing, powerfully illustrate the futility of relying on any human power, wisdom, or strength for salvation or security. Instead, all true power and victory reside in Christ, who disarmed the spiritual "powers and authorities" through His crucifixion and resurrection, triumphing over them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His victory over sin and death is the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereignty, ensuring that no earthly or spiritual foe can stand against His kingdom. In Jesus, God's judgment is perfectly executed, and His redemptive plan for humanity is fully realized, offering refuge from the very "fear" that consumes those outside of His grace (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")).

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 49:29

Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear [is] on every side.

Jeremiah 6:25

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy [and] fear [is] on every side.

Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.

Isaiah 19:16

In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Revelation 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Jeremiah 20:10

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.