Jeremiah 46:7

KJV

Who [is] this [that] cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is this that cometh up {H5927} as a flood {H2975}, whose waters {H4325} are moved {H1607} as the rivers {H5104}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is this, rising up like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge out in flood?

Berean Standard Bible

Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters churn?

American Standard Version

Who is this that riseth up like the Nile, whose waters toss themselves like the rivers?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:7 poses a dramatic rhetorical question, introducing a powerful prophetic image of an overwhelming, irresistible force. This verse serves as a vivid prelude to God's pronouncement of judgment against Egypt, specifically foretelling the devastating defeat of Pharaoh Necho's army by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon at the pivotal Battle of Carchemish. Through the metaphor of a surging flood and agitated rivers, the prophet conveys the unstoppable nature of the divinely orchestrated judgment, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the futility of human might when it opposes His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46 marks a significant shift in the book, moving from prophecies primarily concerning Judah and Jerusalem to a series of oracles against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). Within this chapter, verses 1-12 specifically target Egypt. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 46:3-6) vividly depict the Egyptian army preparing for battle, with calls for shields, spears, and chariots, yet they are immediately followed by a sense of panic and flight. This sets the stage for the rhetorical question in verse 7, which dramatically introduces the overwhelming force that will scatter them, creating a stark contrast between Egypt's initial bravado and its impending collapse. The question itself builds suspense, preparing the audience for the identification of this force in subsequent verses, particularly in [Jeremiah 46:8](/jeremiah/46-8 "Jeremiah 46:8 - Egypt's Flood of Defeat").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is deeply rooted in the geopolitical landscape of the late 7th century BC, specifically around 605 BC. At this time, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was rapidly ascending as the dominant power, challenging the established influence of Egypt. The immediate historical backdrop is the [Battle of Carchemish](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2 - The Battle of Carchemish"), a decisive confrontation where Babylon utterly routed the Egyptian forces. For an Egyptian audience, the imagery of "a flood" and "rivers" held profound cultural significance. The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, its annual inundation bringing fertility but also, at times, destructive power. Comparing an invading army to an uncontrollable, surging Nile would evoke immediate understanding of an overwhelming, destructive, and inescapable force, deeply resonant with their lived experience.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:7 contributes powerfully to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The "flood" is not a random natural disaster but an instrument of God's judgment, demonstrating His absolute control over nations and their destinies, even powerful empires like Egypt (cf. [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")). This verse also emphasizes the **Overwhelming Force of God's Instruments**. Just as an overflowing river cannot be contained, so too is the divinely appointed Babylonian army an irresistible power against Egypt. Finally, it underscores the **Futility of Human Strength and Pride** when it stands against God's purposes. Despite Egypt's military might and preparations detailed in the preceding verses, their efforts are rendered useless against this divinely orchestrated "flood," highlighting the transient nature of earthly power (see [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cometh up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From H5927, a primitive root meaning to ascend, to be high, or to mount. It implies a rising, often with force or prominence. In this context, it vividly portrays the invading army as a rising, swelling force, much like a river cresting its banks, emphasizing its increasing power and the inevitability of its advance.
* **flood (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** From H2975, a word of Egyptian origin, specifically referring to a channel, often the Nile River, including its collateral trenches. This choice of word is highly significant for the Egyptian context, immediately bringing to mind the immense and often overwhelming power of the Nile's annual inundation, whether for sustenance or destruction. It paints a picture of an unstoppable, all-consuming deluge.
* **moved (Hebrew, _gâʻash'_):** From H1607, a primitive root meaning to agitate violently, to shake, toss, or trouble. This word intensifies the imagery of the "waters" (the invading army), suggesting not just a steady flow but a turbulent, chaotic, and forceful movement. It conveys the immense disturbance and destructive energy of the approaching host, like raging, tempestuous waters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is this that cometh up as a flood,"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately grabs the listener's attention, creating a sense of awe and mystery. The "who" refers to the unidentified, yet clearly formidable, force. The comparison "as a flood" (specifically, the Nile) introduces the central metaphor, portraying this force as an overwhelming, rising inundation, unstoppable and all-consuming in its advance.
* **"whose waters are moved as the rivers?"**: This second clause amplifies the imagery of the first. The "waters" represent the vast multitude of the invading army, and their being "moved as the rivers" (plural, possibly referring to the Nile's branches or other great rivers) emphasizes their turbulent, agitated, and irresistible motion. The verb "moved" (gâʻash) suggests violent agitation, conveying the chaotic and destructive power of this divinely appointed force.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:7 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?" This question is not meant to be answered directly by the audience but serves to build suspense, emphasize the awe-inspiring nature of the approaching force, and highlight its mysterious, almost supernatural origin as an instrument of divine will. The verse also employs powerful **Simile**, comparing the unidentified force to "a flood" and its "waters" to "the rivers." This comparison leverages the well-understood power and destructive potential of natural phenomena, particularly the Nile, to convey the overwhelming might and irresistible momentum of the Babylonian army. Furthermore, the verse is replete with vivid **Imagery**, evoking a mental picture of a vast, surging body of water, turbulent and unstoppable, effectively communicating the scale and destructive power of the impending judgment against Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:7 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over world events and the rise and fall of nations. The seemingly unstoppable "flood" of the Babylonian army is not a random historical occurrence but a divinely appointed instrument of judgment against Egypt's pride and its opposition to God's purposes. This passage underscores the theological truth that all earthly powers, no matter how mighty, are ultimately subject to the will of the Almighty. It serves as a stark reminder that God uses even pagan empires to accomplish His righteous decrees, bringing justice and fulfilling His prophetic word. The imagery of an overwhelming force also points to the futility of human resistance when God's judgment is set in motion, emphasizing that true security lies not in military might but in alignment with God's divine plan.

* [Isaiah 8:7-8](/isaiah/8-7 "Isaiah 8:7-8 - The Flood of Assyria")
* [Psalm 93:3-4](/psalm/93-3 "Psalm 93:3-4 - The Lord is Mightier than the Waters")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:7, while rooted in an ancient historical context, offers timeless spiritual truths for contemporary believers. It calls us to recognize God's absolute sovereignty over all of creation, including the tumultuous affairs of nations and the seemingly overwhelming challenges in our personal lives. Just as God orchestrated the "flood" of Babylon to accomplish His purposes, so too does He remain in control amidst global upheavals, economic uncertainties, or personal crises. This should inspire a deep sense of trust and humility, reminding us that no power or problem is beyond His reach or purpose. It challenges us to surrender our anxieties and fears to the One who "moves the waters" of history, finding peace in His unwavering control and justice. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder that human pride and self-reliance ultimately crumble before the divine will, urging us to humble ourselves before God and seek His wisdom above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of an unstoppable "flood" challenge my perception of control, both in my personal life and in the world around me?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength or earthly powers, rather than trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How can understanding God's use of seemingly negative events (like judgment on nations) to fulfill His purposes deepen my faith and resilience during difficult times?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "this" that comes up as a flood in Jeremiah 46:7?**

Answer: While the verse itself poses a rhetorical question, the immediate context and subsequent verses in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt") make it clear that "this" refers to the formidable Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar. This army is presented as the instrument of God's judgment against Egypt, likened to an overwhelming and unstoppable natural disaster, specifically the surging waters of the Nile or other great rivers, which were both life-giving and potentially destructive forces in the ancient world.

**Why does Jeremiah use the imagery of a "flood" and "rivers" to describe an army?**

Answer: The use of "flood" and "rivers" imagery is highly effective for several reasons. Firstly, for an ancient Near Eastern audience, particularly Egyptians, the Nile River's annual inundation was a powerful symbol of overwhelming force, whether for blessing or destruction. This imagery immediately conveys the idea of an irresistible, all-consuming power. Secondly, it emphasizes the sheer numerical strength and momentum of the invading army, much like a vast body of water that cannot be contained. Lastly, it subtly connects the judgment to the very source of Egypt's life and power, turning their symbol of prosperity into a metaphor for their destruction, underscoring the divine reversal of their fortunes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 46:7 directly prophesies the judgment of Egypt through the Babylonian "flood," it finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereign rule and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. The unstoppable, divinely appointed force foreshadows the irresistible advance of God's purposes through Christ. Just as the "flood" of judgment was unleashed against those who opposed God, so too does Christ represent the ultimate, unstoppable force of God's redemptive and judicial will. His first coming was a quiet but powerful "inundation" of grace and truth, bringing the kingdom of God to earth (cf. [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is Near")). His second coming, however, will be like an overwhelming "flood" of righteous judgment and glorious victory, where every knee will bow and every opposing power will be utterly vanquished (cf. [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow") and [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The imagery of waters being "moved as the rivers" can also be seen in the unstoppable spread of the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit, a spiritual "river of life" that flows from Christ, transforming nations and bringing salvation (cf. [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses")). Ultimately, Jeremiah 46:7 points to the truth that God's plan, culminating in Christ, is an unstoppable, sovereign reality that will bring all things under His benevolent and righteous rule.

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 47:2

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.

Daniel 11:22

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Isaiah 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Song Of Solomon 8:5

¶ Who [is] this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth [that] bare thee.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.