Jeremiah 46:6

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

Let not the swift {H7031} flee away {H5127}, nor the mighty man {H1368} escape {H4422}; they shall stumble {H3782}, and fall {H5307} toward the north {H6828} by {H3027} the river {H5104} Euphrates {H6578}.

"The swift cannot flee, nor the heroes escape. In the north, by the Euphrates River, they have stumbled and fallen."

“The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall.

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; in the north by the river Euphrates have they stumbled and fallen.

Jeremiah 46:6 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the impending defeat of the Egyptian army. It vividly portrays a scene of military disaster where even the most capable soldiers are unable to escape the divine judgment.

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse is part of a larger oracle against Egypt, found in Jeremiah chapter 46. The prophet Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of God, foretells the devastating defeat of the Egyptian army by the rising power of Babylon. The specific mention of the "river Euphrates" strongly points to the historical Battle of Carchemish (around 605 BC). In this pivotal confrontation, Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces decisively crushed Pharaoh Necho II's Egyptian army, marking a significant shift in regional power and fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy.

Key Themes & Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that no human strength, speed, or military might can withstand God's decreed judgment. Even the "swift" and "mighty" are powerless when God's hand is against them. This echoes the biblical truth that "no king is saved by the multitude of an host" (Psalm 33:16).
  • Futility of Human Pride: Egypt, a dominant power of its time, is brought low despite its perceived invincibility. This serves as a stark warning against reliance on human strength and a reminder that pride goes before destruction.
  • God's Control Over Nations: The prophecy demonstrates God's ultimate authority over the rise and fall of empires, orchestrating historical events to fulfill His purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "swift" (קַל, qal, meaning light, quick) and "mighty man" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor, meaning strong one, warrior) vividly portray the elite elements of the Egyptian army. The phrase "stumble, and fall" (כָּשַׁל וְנָפַל, kashal v'nafal) conveys a chaotic, irreversible collapse, indicating not just a retreat but a complete rout of the forces.

Practical Application

This prophecy reminds believers that God's plans and judgments are inevitable, regardless of human opposition. It encourages humility and reliance on God rather than on our own abilities or worldly power. It offers comfort in knowing that God is ultimately in control of history and nations, and that His justice will prevail. Just as He brought down the mighty Egyptian army, He is capable of overcoming any obstacle or enemy that stands against His righteous will. This truth can instill confidence, reminding us that if God is for us, who can be against us?

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 11:19

    Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

  • Jeremiah 46:12

    ¶ 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.

  • Amos 2:14

    Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

  • Amos 2:15

    Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

  • Jeremiah 4:6

    Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

  • Jeremiah 20:11

    But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

  • Jeremiah 50:32

    And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

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