Jeremiah 46:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come up {H5927}, ye horses {H5483}; and rage {H1984}, ye chariots {H7393}; and let the mighty men {H1368} come forth {H3318}; the Ethiopians {H3568} and the Libyans {H6316}, that handle {H8610} the shield {H4043}; and the Lydians {H3866}, that handle {H8610} and bend {H1869} the bow {H7198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Charge, horses! Full speed ahead, chariots! Let the warriors attack! - Kush and Put, bearing their shields, and the Ludim, strung bows in hand.

Berean Standard Bible

Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth— Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.

American Standard Version

Go up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men go forth: Cush and Put, that handle the shield; and the Ludim, that handle and bend the bow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:9 presents a vivid and dramatic summons to the formidable military forces of Egypt, including its diverse mercenary contingents, as they prepare for a decisive confrontation. This verse is intricately woven into a broader prophetic oracle detailing God's impending judgment against Egypt, specifically foreshadowing their catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Carchemish. It powerfully illustrates the immense, yet ultimately futile, human and military resources assembled, underscoring the overarching biblical truth of divine sovereignty over all earthly powers and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:9 is strategically positioned within the first major oracle against a foreign nation in the book of Jeremiah, specifically targeting Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1-26). Within this oracle, verses 2-12 focus explicitly on the Battle of Carchemish. The preceding verses (vv. 3-8) describe the chaotic and ultimately ineffectual preparations of the Egyptian army, employing a series of rhetorical questions that highlight their inability to withstand the coming onslaught. Verse 9 then shifts dramatically to an imperative, almost taunting, summons to the various components of Egypt's military machine—horses, chariots, and diverse mercenary units—to "come up" and "rage." This climactic depiction of their assembled might serves as a powerful setup for the detailed account of their subsequent rout and ignominious flight described in verses 10-12, emphasizing that their impressive mobilization will lead only to utter defeat.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 46 is the pivotal Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC. At this critical juncture, Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt sought to bolster the remnants of the crumbling Assyrian Empire and contain the burgeoning power of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. The confrontation occurred at Carchemish, a strategically vital city on the Euphrates River. Egypt's military at this time was renowned for its strength but also heavily reliant on foreign mercenaries, a common practice among major ancient Near Eastern powers. The specific mention of "Ethiopians" (Cushites), "Libyans" (Put), and "Lydians" (Ludim) in this verse is historically precise. Cushites were esteemed for their infantry, Libyans for their shield-bearing prowess, and Lydians for their exceptional archery. Jeremiah's prophecy, delivered either shortly before or immediately after this battle, demonstrates profound divine insight into the specific composition and predetermined fate of this powerful, yet divinely doomed, coalition.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 46:9 profoundly contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the **futility of human strength and alliances** when juxtaposed with the sovereign will of God. Despite assembling a formidable and ethnically diverse army, Egypt's military might proved utterly insufficient to avert God's predetermined judgment, echoing the timeless truth articulated in [Psalm 33:16-17, "No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength."](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - Trust in God, Not Armies"). Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores **divine sovereignty over nations**. God is depicted as the ultimate orchestrator of history, meticulously overseeing the rise and fall of empires, often employing one nation (Babylon) as an instrument of judgment against another (Egypt). This demonstrates His absolute control over human history and political powers, a theme also prominently articulated in [Isaiah 10:5, where Assyria is designated as the "rod of my anger" in God's hand](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God's Use of Assyria"). Finally, the precise detail within the prophecy, including the specific mercenary groups and their roles, highlights **the veracity and divine origin of prophetic foretelling**, thereby validating Jeremiah's authenticity as a true prophet of the Lord and God's omniscience in the affairs of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term (H1368) denotes someone of great power, a warrior, or a champion. In this context, it refers to the elite, formidable soldiers within the Egyptian army, encompassing both native troops and highly valued foreign mercenaries. The use of "mighty men" emphasizes the presumed high caliber and prowess of the forces being summoned, making their eventual, decisive defeat by God's decree all the more striking and indicative of divine power.
* **Rage (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** The verb (H1984) used here, while often translated as "praise" or "boast," carries a potent sense of clamorous, tumultuous action, even madness or folly. In the context of chariots, "rage" vividly describes their thundering, destructive charge, conveying the chaotic, aggressive, and perhaps even boastful energy of a military advance. It suggests a wild, unrestrained, and terrifying onset of battle, reflecting the perceived invincibility of the Egyptian war machine.
* **Bend (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** This primitive root (H1869) fundamentally means "to tread" or "to walk," but specifically in relation to a bow, it signifies "to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)." This precise action highlights the Lydians' exceptional skill and readiness as archers, emphasizing their expertise in preparing and wielding their primary weapon for battle. It paints a detailed picture of intense, specialized preparation for combat, underscoring the professional nature of these mercenary forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots;":** This opening command is a dramatic, almost personified, summons to the core elements of the Egyptian military's offensive power. "Come up" suggests not merely a physical ascent but a full mobilization for battle, a rising to the challenge. The imperative "rage" imbues the chariots, typically the most fearsome and impactful unit in ancient warfare, with a sense of furious, unrestrained power, ready to unleash destruction upon the enemy. This sets a tone of intense, impending conflict and the perceived overwhelming might of Egypt.
* **"and let the mighty men come forth;":** This is a general, yet authoritative, call for the elite warriors of Egypt's army to present themselves for battle. "Mighty men" encompasses not just native Egyptian soldiers but also the highly valued foreign contingents. The phrase "come forth" indicates their readiness for deployment, stepping onto the battlefield to engage the enemy, highlighting their preparedness and the expectation of their valor.
* **"the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield;":** This clause specifies two prominent mercenary groups from Africa. The "Ethiopians" (Cushites) and "Libyans" (Put) were renowned for their martial skills and formed a significant part of Egypt's forces. Their identification as those "that handle the shield" points to their primary role as heavy infantry or shock troops, providing defensive cover and engaging in close-quarters combat. Their presence underscores the diverse, formidable, and specialized nature of Pharaoh's army.
* **"and the Lydians, that handle [and] bend the bow.":** This introduces another key mercenary group, the Lydians from Anatolia, who were particularly famous for their exceptional archery skills. The phrase "handle [and] bend the bow" specifically highlights their expertise with this weapon, indicating their role as skilled archers capable of delivering devastating volleys of arrows from a distance. Their inclusion further emphasizes the comprehensive and specialized military might Egypt could muster, creating a complete picture of a well-equipped and diverse fighting force.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:9 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message with dramatic force. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in commands like "Come up," "rage," and "let... come forth." This creates a powerful sense of urgent command and dramatic mobilization, as if the prophet himself is issuing the battle cry, or perhaps God is ironically commanding the assembly for its inevitable destruction. This also functions as a form of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing inanimate objects ("horses," "chariots") and distant peoples as if they are present and capable of responding, thereby heightening the vividness and immediacy of the scene. **Personification** is clearly seen in "rage, ye chariots," attributing human-like fury and destructive intent to the war machines, making them seem alive and menacing. The verse further utilizes **Enumeration** by listing specific foreign contingents (Ethiopians, Libyans, Lydians) and detailing their distinctive military roles. This not only adds to the realism and historical accuracy of the depiction but also emphasizes the vast and diverse resources Egypt could command. This detailed imagery collectively serves to underscore the formidable nature of the army that God is about to decisively defeat, thereby magnifying His unparalleled power and absolute sovereignty over all earthly might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:9, by showcasing the immense but ultimately impotent military might of Egypt, serves as a profound theological statement on the limits of human power and the absolute sovereignty of God. It reinforces the timeless biblical truth that no earthly kingdom, no matter how vast its armies, how skilled its warriors, or how diverse its alliances, can successfully stand against the divine will. This passage powerfully illustrates that God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, using them as instruments of His judgment or blessing, demonstrating that true security and lasting victory are found not in military prowess or strategic alliances, but in humble reliance upon the Lord. The detailed description of Egypt's forces, including its foreign mercenaries, ironically magnifies the power of the God who effortlessly brings them to ruin, proving that "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17:47) and that human strength is but fleeting vapor before His eternal decree.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"): "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"): "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!"
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes Kings"): "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:9 offers a timeless and vital lesson for individuals and nations alike: true security, ultimate victory, and enduring peace are never found in human strength, material resources, or strategic alliances, but solely in the sovereign power and unfailing faithfulness of God. In a world that often places its confidence in military might, economic prowess, technological advancement, or political influence, this verse calls believers to a radical reorientation of trust. It challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate hope truly lies – is it in the "horses and chariots" of our own making, our own capabilities, or in the Lord who holds the destinies of all nations and individuals in His hand? Recognizing God's absolute control over history should inspire both profound humility and deep, abiding peace, knowing that His righteous purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of the formidable obstacles or seemingly overwhelming forces we may face. It encourages us to pray fervently for our leaders and nations, that they might acknowledge God's supreme authority and seek His wisdom and guidance, rather than relying on their own limited strength and fallible strategies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I, or my community, tend to place our ultimate trust for security and success? Is it primarily in human resources, or in the omnipotent God?**
* **How does the vivid portrayal of the futility of Egypt's mighty army challenge my own reliance on personal strength, achievements, or worldly systems and institutions?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can I demonstrate my unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges or uncertainties in my life or the world?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "Ethiopians," "Libyans," and "Lydians" mentioned in this verse, and why were they significant?**

Answer: The "Ethiopians" (Hebrew: `Kûwsh`, H3568) refer to the Cushites, people from the region south of Egypt (modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia), who were renowned in the ancient world for their formidable infantry and martial prowess. The "Libyans" (Hebrew: `Pûwṭ`, H6316) likely designate the people from North Africa, often associated with mercenary service as shield-bearers in ancient armies, providing a strong defensive line. The "Lydians" (Hebrew: `Lûwdîy`, H3866) were an Anatolian people from western Asia Minor, highly regarded for their exceptional archery skills. These groups were profoundly significant because they comprised a substantial and elite portion of the Egyptian army, serving as highly sought-after mercenaries who augmented Pharaoh's native forces. Their inclusion in Jeremiah's prophecy highlights the vast and diverse military resources Pharaoh Necho II could muster, yet their presence ultimately underscores the futility of even such a powerful and specialized coalition against God's predetermined judgment. Their specific roles (shield-bearers and archers) indicate the specialized contributions they brought to Egypt's military might, making the prophetic description remarkably precise and historically accurate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:9, depicting the assembled might of Egypt's army, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in human military power, but in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom through the sacrificial work and sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. The futility of Egypt's "horses and chariots" against God's decree foreshadows the ultimate inadequacy of all earthly kingdoms and human strength to resist the King of Kings. While ancient empires relied on physical armies, Christ's kingdom is established through spiritual warfare and the transformative power of the Gospel, as profoundly described in [2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds!"](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - The Weapons of Our Warfare"). The judgment pronounced upon Egypt prefigures the final judgment upon all nations and powers that oppose God, a judgment ultimately executed by Christ at His glorious second coming, when He will "strike down the nations" with the "sharp sword that comes from his mouth" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment on the Nations")). The diverse mercenary forces, gathered under a human king, stand in stark contrast to the unified, Spirit-empowered church, gathered from every tribe, tongue, and nation under Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, the narrative of human empires rising and falling under God's sovereign hand points inexorably to the eternal, unshakable kingdom of Christ, which will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")), where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")).

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

Ezekiel 27:10

They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Nahum 3:9

Ethiopia and Egypt [were] her strength, and [it was] infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

1 Chronicles 1:11

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

Acts 2:10

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Genesis 10:13

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

Nahum 2:3

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men [are] in scarlet: the chariots [shall be] with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.