Jeremiah 47:1

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Jeremiah 47:1 serves as an introductory verse to a specific prophetic oracle, setting the stage for God's judgment against the Philistines. It highlights Jeremiah's role as God's messenger and the divine origin of the message.

Context

This verse introduces the first of several prophecies in the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) that are directed against foreign nations. After delivering extensive messages to Judah and Jerusalem, God turns Jeremiah's focus outward, demonstrating His sovereignty over all peoples. The Philistines were a long-standing enemy of Israel, occupying the coastal plain southwest of Judah. Their history is marked by frequent conflict with the Israelites, from the time of the Judges (e.g., Samson) through the monarchy (e.g., Goliath). The specific historical marker, "before that Pharaoh smote Gaza," likely refers to the campaign of Pharaoh Necho II, who passed through Philistine territory on his way to confront Babylon around 609-605 BC, or perhaps a later campaign. This detail provides a precise historical anchor for the timing of this prophecy, indicating its relevance to contemporary geopolitical events.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that the "word of the LORD" came to Jeremiah, underscoring God's absolute control over all nations and historical events, even those involving powerful pagan rulers like Pharaoh. God's judgment extends beyond Israel to the entire world.
  • Prophetic Authority: Jeremiah is explicitly identified as "the prophet," reinforcing his divinely appointed role as the mouthpiece for God's messages, whether of warning or judgment.
  • Imminent Judgment: The prophecy against the Philistines signals impending doom for a nation that had historically oppressed God's people. This serves as a reminder that no nation is immune to God's justice.
  • Historical Fulfillment: The mention of Pharaoh's action against Gaza provides a historical context for the prophecy's fulfillment, demonstrating God's word is not mere speculation but a declaration of future certainties.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: davar YHWH) is a recurring and significant expression throughout prophetic literature. It signifies that the message originates directly from God Himself, carrying divine authority and ensuring its truth and eventual fulfillment. This is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or political analysis, but a direct revelation from the Almighty.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 47:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and that His justice is universal. Even seemingly powerful nations or individuals are subject to His ultimate authority and judgment. For believers, this verse reinforces the call to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He oversees all of history and will ultimately bring about His purposes. It also serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, encouraging humility and a recognition of God's supreme power over all earthly kingdoms, as seen in other prophecies against nations like those detailed in Jeremiah 46.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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