Jeremiah 47:1

KJV

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} that came to Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} against the Philistines {H6430}, before that Pharaoh {H6547} smote {H5221} Gaza {H5804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning the P'lishtim before Pharaoh attacked 'Azah:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza.

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 47:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, setting the stage for a divine oracle specifically directed against the Philistines. It unequivocally establishes the message's origin as "the word of the LORD" and identifies Jeremiah as the divinely appointed prophet through whom this revelation is delivered. The verse also provides a crucial historical marker, situating the prophecy in time "before that Pharaoh smote Gaza," thereby rooting God's sovereign pronouncement within a specific geopolitical event of the late 7th century BCE, underscoring the immediate relevance and impending nature of the judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 47:1 introduces the first of a series of oracles against foreign nations, found in chapters 46-51 of the Book of Jeremiah. This collection marks a significant shift in the book's focus. Prior to this, Jeremiah's prophecies predominantly addressed Judah and Jerusalem, detailing their impending judgment due to covenant unfaithfulness. By turning to foreign nations, the narrative expands to demonstrate Yahweh's universal sovereignty, asserting His authority not only over His covenant people but over all kingdoms and peoples. Chapter 46, for example, contains a prophecy against Egypt, setting a precedent for the subsequent judgments on other nations like Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Elam, and Babylon. This structural placement emphasizes that God's justice is not confined to Israel but extends to the entire world, holding all nations accountable for their actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a long-standing enemy and neighbor of Israel, occupying the fertile coastal plain southwest of Judah. Their history with Israel was marked by centuries of conflict, dating back to the period of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 13-16](/judges/13 "Judges 13-16 - Samson and the Philistines")) and continuing through the monarchy, notably during the reigns of Saul and David (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). The specific historical reference, "before that Pharaoh smote Gaza," is critical for dating the prophecy. This likely refers to Pharaoh Necho II's campaign, either in 609 BCE when he marched north to aid Assyria against Babylon, passing through Philistine territory, or a later campaign around 605 BCE. Gaza was one of the five major Philistine cities, strategically important due to its location on the Via Maris, a major trade route. The Philistines, known for their military prowess and maritime trade, were often caught between the great powers of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This prophecy, therefore, speaks into a volatile geopolitical landscape where smaller nations like Philistia were vulnerable to the imperial ambitions of their larger neighbors, highlighting God's active involvement in these international affairs.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 47:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that the "word of the LORD" dictates the fate of nations, even those seemingly powerful or historically antagonistic to Israel. God's judgment is universal, demonstrating His control over all human history and geopolitical events, as seen in His pronouncements against other nations in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Secondly, it reinforces **Prophetic Authority**, clearly identifying Jeremiah as "the prophet," a divinely commissioned messenger whose words are not his own but direct revelations from Yahweh. This legitimizes the impending judgment. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Imminent Judgment**, signaling that the Philistines, long-time oppressors of Israel and idolaters, are about to face divine retribution, a common theme in prophetic warnings against nations (e.g., [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against Nations")). Finally, the precise historical marker, "before that Pharaoh smote Gaza," highlights **Historical Fulfillment**, demonstrating that God's prophecies are not abstract pronouncements but concrete declarations of future events that unfold within human history, serving as a testament to His faithfulness and power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree. In the context of "the word of the LORD," _dâbâr_ carries immense weight, denoting an authoritative and effective divine communication that is not merely informative but performative—it brings about what it declares. It implies God's active engagement and intentionality in history.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternality, and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "the word of the LORD" asserts that the prophecy originates from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose power extends over all nations and whose character guarantees the truth and fulfillment of His pronouncements.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** (H5030) This term refers to an inspired person, one who speaks on behalf of God. A _nâbîyʼ_ is not merely a foreteller but primarily a "forth-teller," conveying God's message to His people and the nations. Jeremiah's identification as "the prophet" underscores his divinely appointed role as the authoritative mouthpiece for Yahweh's word, validating the message's divine origin and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet":** This foundational clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or political analysis, but a direct revelation from Yahweh. The phrase "came to" (Hebrew: _hâyâh_ with _ʾel_) signifies a divine encounter and commission, highlighting Jeremiah's role as a recipient and conveyor of God's unadulterated truth, emphasizing the prophetic office as a conduit for divine communication.
* **"against the Philistines":** This phrase identifies the specific target of the divine oracle. After extensive prophecies concerning Judah and Jerusalem, God's focus expands to an external nation, demonstrating His universal sovereignty and judicial authority over all peoples. The Philistines, perennial adversaries of Israel, are singled out for judgment, indicating that their historical actions and idolatry have incurred divine wrath.
* **"before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.":** This precise historical marker provides a crucial chronological anchor for the prophecy. It situates the divine word within a specific geopolitical event, likely referring to Pharaoh Necho II's military campaigns in the late 7th century BCE (circa 609-605 BCE). This detail not only dates the prophecy but also implies that the impending judgment on Philistia is either concurrent with or directly precedes a significant historical upheaval involving a major regional power, lending a sense of immediacy and historical verifiability to God's prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 47:1 primarily employs **Prose Introduction** and **Historical Allusion**. The verse functions as a concise prose introduction to the subsequent poetic oracle against the Philistines, typical of prophetic book structures where a prose heading sets the stage for the divine message. This introductory style immediately establishes the authority (divine origin) and the messenger (Jeremiah). The phrase "the word of the LORD" is a recurring **Formulaic Expression** throughout prophetic literature, serving as an **Attestation of Divine Authority** and ensuring the audience understands the message's infallible source. Furthermore, the mention of "Pharaoh smote Gaza" is a clear **Historical Allusion**, grounding the prophecy in a specific, recognizable contemporary event. This serves to validate the prophecy's relevance and demonstrate God's active involvement in the real-time affairs of nations, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 47:1 serves as a powerful testament to the universal sovereignty of God. It declares that Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is not confined to the affairs of His chosen people but exercises ultimate authority over all nations, including those who have historically opposed His people. The divine word, which came to Jeremiah, is not merely a prediction but a declaration of God's active intervention in human history, holding even powerful pagan empires accountable for their actions. This verse underscores a broader theological understanding that God's justice is impartial and His plan encompasses the entire world, demonstrating that no nation or individual is beyond His purview or immune to His righteous judgment. It reinforces the truth that all earthly powers are ultimately subservient to the will of the Almighty.
* [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - Oracle Against Babylon")
* [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - Oracles Against Damascus")
* [Nahum 1:1](/nahum/1-1 "Nahum 1:1 - Oracle Against Nineveh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 47:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is actively engaged in the world's affairs, even amidst geopolitical turmoil and the rise and fall of nations. Just as He spoke through Jeremiah to declare judgment against the Philistines, so too does His sovereign hand orchestrate events today. This should instill a deep sense of trust and awe, knowing that our God is not distant or disengaged, but intimately involved in history, working all things according to His eternal purpose. For us, this means we can find peace in His ultimate control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It also calls us to consider our own lives and nations in light of God's universal justice. If God holds powerful nations accountable, how much more should we, as individuals, live in humility and obedience to His word? This verse encourages us to pray for our nations, to seek justice, and to live as ambassadors of His kingdom, knowing that all earthly powers are temporary and ultimately subject to the King of Kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah" challenge our assumptions about the source of truth and authority in our lives today?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereignty over nations, as demonstrated in this verse, provide comfort or challenge to your personal faith?**
* **What "Philistines" or opposing forces in our world today might God be actively working against, and how should this inform our prayers and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah 47:1 begin a new section of prophecies against foreign nations?**

Answer: Jeremiah 47:1 initiates a distinct section (chapters 46-51) within the Book of Jeremiah that shifts focus from Judah's judgment to oracles against various foreign nations. This structural arrangement serves a crucial theological purpose: it demonstrates Yahweh's universal sovereignty. After detailing Israel's unfaithfulness and impending exile, God asserts His authority over all peoples and kingdoms, proving that He is not merely a tribal deity but the Lord of all creation. This section underscores that God's justice extends beyond His covenant people, holding all nations accountable for their actions, idolatry, and oppression, thereby reinforcing His ultimate control over human history and the geopolitical landscape, as seen in the subsequent prophecies against nations like Egypt in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt") and Babylon in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecies Against Babylon").

**Who were the Philistines, and why were they a target of God's judgment?**

Answer: The Philistines were a non-Semitic people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan (modern-day Gaza Strip and southern coastal plain) around the 12th century BCE, likely originating from the Aegean region ("Sea Peoples"). They were a long-standing and formidable enemy of ancient Israel, known for their military strength, iron technology, and polytheistic worship (e.g., Dagon). Throughout the periods of the Judges and the United Monarchy, they frequently oppressed Israel (e.g., [Judges 13-16](/judges/13 "Judges 13-16 - Samson and the Philistines"); [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). God's judgment against them, as prophesied in Jeremiah 47, was a consequence of their historical antagonism towards His people, their idolatry, and their general wickedness. This divine judgment aligns with God's broader commitment to justice for all nations, as seen in other prophetic books like [Amos 1:6-8](/amos/1-6 "Amos 1:6-8 - Judgment Against Gaza").

**What is the significance of the phrase "before that Pharaoh smote Gaza"?**

Answer: This phrase provides a vital historical anchor for dating the prophecy. It likely refers to the campaign of Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt, who was active in the Levant in the late 7th century BCE. While the exact campaign is debated among scholars, it most commonly points to either his march north in 609 BCE (leading to the death of Josiah at Megiddo) or a subsequent campaign around 605 BCE. The significance lies in its demonstration of God's precise timing and involvement in real-world events. It shows that God's prophetic word is not abstract but deeply intertwined with contemporary geopolitical realities, proving that His declarations are fulfilled within human history. This detail underscores God's sovereignty over even powerful rulers like Pharaoh and His ability to use them, knowingly or unknowingly, to bring about His divine purposes and judgments, as He did with Cyrus in [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God's Anointed, Cyrus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 47:1 directly concerns God's judgment upon the Philistines, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse establishes the authority of "the word of the LORD" delivered through "the prophet." In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate Word of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the final and greatest Prophet through whom God speaks definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as Jeremiah's prophecy demonstrated God's sovereignty over all nations, Christ's reign extends over all earthly powers and kingdoms ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The judgment pronounced against the Philistines foreshadows the universal judgment that will be executed by Christ, who will judge both the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead")). Furthermore, the historical context of a powerful Pharaoh smiting Gaza, yet ultimately serving God's larger plan, points to Christ's ultimate victory over all opposing forces, including sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). In Christ, the "word of the LORD" is not merely spoken but embodied, bringing both salvation to those who believe and ultimate judgment to those who reject His sovereign rule, fulfilling all prophetic declarations of God's universal dominion.

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 25:20

And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

Genesis 10:19

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

Exodus 25:15

The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.

Exodus 25:17

And thou shalt make a mercy seat [of] pure gold: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

1 Kings 4:24

For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

Zechariah 9:5

Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear; Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Zechariah 9:7

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, [shall be] for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.