Jeremiah 47:4

KJV

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because of the day {H3117} that cometh {H935} to spoil {H7703} all the Philistines {H6430}, and to cut off {H3772} from Tyrus {H6865} and Zidon {H6721} every helper {H5826} that remaineth {H8300}: for the LORD {H3068} will spoil {H7703} the Philistines {H6430}, the remnant {H7611} of the country {H339} of Caphtor {H3731}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because the day has come for destroying all the P'lishtim, for cutting off from Tzor and Tzidon the last of their allies; for ADONAI is destroying the P'lishtim, the remnant from the island of Kaftor.

Berean Standard Bible

For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.

American Standard Version

because of the day that cometh to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper that remaineth: for Jehovah will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 47:4 pronounces a definitive judgment against the Philistines, detailing the impending and comprehensive devastation that will befall their land. This prophetic oracle highlights the divine origin of this destruction, emphasizing that it is "the day that cometh" from the LORD Himself. The verse also underscores the futility of external aid, as even powerful Phoenician cities like Tyre and Sidon will be unable to offer assistance, and traces the Philistines' lineage back to Caphtor, serving as a reminder of their foreign origins and ultimate vulnerability before God's sovereign decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 47 is part of a larger section within the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing oracles against foreign nations. These prophecies serve to demonstrate God's sovereignty not only over Israel and Judah but also over the entire world. Specifically, chapter 47 focuses on the Philistines, a long-standing adversary of Israel, and immediately follows an oracle against Egypt. This placement emphasizes that no nation, regardless of its strength or historical relationship with Israel, is exempt from God's judgment. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 47:1-3) describe the approach of the destructive force "from the north," likely referring to the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, which serves as God's instrument of judgment. This verse, Jeremiah 47:4, elaborates on the nature and scope of that impending devastation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful seafaring people who settled on the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, establishing a confederation of five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. They were perennial enemies of Israel, frequently engaging in conflict from the period of the Judges through the monarchy. Their origin, as mentioned in the verse, is linked to "Caphtor," widely identified with the island of Crete or the broader Aegean region, indicating their migration to Canaan. By Jeremiah's time (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), the Philistines had endured various conquests, but their cities remained significant. The mention of Tyre and Sidon, prominent Phoenician city-states to the north, highlights the regional political landscape. These cities were major maritime trade centers and often formed alliances. The prophecy's assertion that even these powerful neighbors would offer no help underscores the overwhelming nature of the Babylonian onslaught, which would sweep through the Levant, impacting all nations in its path, as seen in other prophecies like [Jeremiah 25:15-26](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-26 - The Cup of God's Wrath").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, asserting that the destruction of the Philistines is not merely a geopolitical event but a direct act of the LORD's sovereign will. The phrase "for the LORD will spoil the Philistines" leaves no doubt about the ultimate source of this calamity. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that He is the ultimate ruler who raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His purposes, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Thirdly, the mention of Tyre and Sidon's inability to help underscores the **Futility of Human Alliances** when faced with divine decree; earthly power and connections are ultimately insufficient. Finally, the reference to "the remnant of the country of Caphtor" speaks to **Historical Identity and Accountability**, reminding the Philistines of their migratory origins and implying that even long-established peoples are not permanently rooted in a land if they oppose God's will, as God Himself brought them out of Caphtor according to [Amos 9:7](/amos/9-7 "Amos 9:7 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** (H3117) While literally referring to a period of daylight, in prophetic contexts, "day" often signifies a specific, often momentous, period of divine intervention or judgment. Here, "the day that cometh" is a powerful idiom for the appointed time of God's judgment, implying an inescapable, divinely ordained event rather than a mere chronological marker. It carries a sense of inevitability and finality.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** (H7703) This primitive root means "to be burly," but figuratively, it implies powerful devastation, plunder, and violent destruction. It conveys the idea of laying waste to a land or people, emphasizing the thoroughness and severity of the judgment. The repetition of this verb ("to spoil" and "will spoil") intensifies the certainty and totality of the Philistines' ruin.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant faithfulness. Its use here explicitly attributes the impending destruction to God Himself, not merely to the Babylonian army. This highlights that the judgment is not random or purely geopolitical but a deliberate act of the sovereign God of Israel, who holds all nations accountable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines,"**: This opening clause establishes the reason and the agent of the impending catastrophe. The "day that cometh" is a prophetic idiom for a divinely appointed time of judgment, signaling its inevitability and origin in God's plan. The purpose of this day is explicitly stated: "to spoil all the Philistines," indicating a comprehensive and devastating destruction that will affect the entire Philistine nation.
* **"and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth:"**: This segment expands on the scope and severity of the judgment. It highlights that the destruction will be so overwhelming that even powerful regional allies or trading partners, specifically Tyre and Sidon (Phoenician city-states), will be unable to provide any assistance or refuge. The phrase "every helper that remaineth" underscores the totality of their isolation and the futility of human reliance in the face of divine judgment.
* **"for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor."**: This final clause reiterates and reinforces the divine agency behind the judgment. The conjunction "for" provides the ultimate theological reason: "the LORD will spoil the Philistines." This confirms that the destruction is not merely a consequence of geopolitical shifts but a direct act of Yahweh. The description "the remnant of the country of Caphtor" serves as a historical and cultural identifier, reminding the Philistines of their migratory origins from Caphtor (likely Crete or the Aegean region). This detail subtly emphasizes that even a people long established in the land are ultimately subject to God's will and can be uprooted, just as they were once migrated.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 47:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Prophecy** itself, as the entire verse functions as a divine declaration of future events. **Repetition** is evident in the double use of the verb "spoil" (Hebrew _shâdad_), which powerfully emphasizes the certainty, totality, and violence of the coming destruction. The phrase "the day that cometh" serves as a **Foreshadowing** and a **Metaphor** for a divinely appointed time of reckoning, imbuing the temporal aspect with profound theological significance. The mention of "Tyrus and Zidon" acts as **Synecdoche**, where specific powerful cities represent the broader network of potential allies or regional support, highlighting the comprehensive isolation of the Philistines. Finally, the identification of "the remnant of the country of Caphtor" is a form of **Historical Allusion**, linking the Philistines' present fate to their ancient origins and underscoring God's long-standing knowledge and sovereign control over their history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 47:4 is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that His justice extends beyond Israel to encompass the entire world. The prophecy against the Philistines, a perennial enemy of God's people, serves as a vivid reminder that no nation, regardless of its military might, historical prominence, or perceived security, is exempt from divine accountability. This verse underscores the theme of God as the ultimate arbiter of history, raising up and casting down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. It also highlights the futility of human alliances and self-reliance in the face of God's determined judgment, emphasizing that true security lies only in acknowledging and submitting to His supreme authority. The "day that cometh" for the Philistines foreshadows a universal principle: there will be a day of reckoning for all who oppose God's will or live in unrepentant wickedness.

* [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26 "Isaiah 14:26-27 - God's Universal Plan and Purpose")
* [Nahum 1:1-15](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1 - Prophecy Against Nineveh and God's Vengeance")
* [Amos 9:7](/amos/9-7 "Amos 9:7 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Migrations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 47:4, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, including the rise and fall of nations, economies, and political powers. In a world often characterized by instability and uncertainty, this truth offers profound comfort and calls for unwavering trust in God's overarching plan. We are cautioned against placing our ultimate hope or security in human systems, alliances, or military strength, as these can be swiftly "cut off" when God's decree is issued. Instead, our reliance must be solely on the Lord, who is just in all His ways and faithful to execute His word. This passage also prompts us to consider the implications of divine justice for all peoples, fostering a sense of humility and a recognition of our own need for God's grace and mercy. It encourages us to pray for our nations and leaders, seeking righteousness and justice, knowing that God holds all accountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as depicted in this verse, impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to place your trust in human "helpers" or systems rather than solely in the Lord?**
* **What does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against the Philistines teach us about the seriousness of sin and opposition to God?**

### FAQ
**What was the historical fate of the Philistines mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecy in Jeremiah 47 was largely fulfilled by the Babylonian invasion under Nebuchadnezzar in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Historical records and archaeological evidence confirm that Philistine cities like Ashkelon and Gaza were indeed devastated by the Babylonians. While the Philistines were not immediately annihilated, their power was severely broken, and they gradually faded from historical prominence. Subsequent conquests by other empires (Persian, Greek) further diminished their distinct identity, leading to their eventual assimilation and disappearance as a unique ethnic group by the Hellenistic period, fulfilling the comprehensive "spoiling" and "cutting off" foretold by Jeremiah. This aligns with the broader prophetic theme of nations facing judgment for their actions, as seen in other oracles against foreign nations in Jeremiah and other prophetic books like [Ezekiel 25](/zekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Neighboring Nations").

**Why are Tyre and Sidon mentioned as unable to help the Philistines?**

Answer: Tyre and Sidon were powerful Phoenician city-states to the north of Philistia, renowned for their maritime trade, wealth, and fortified positions. They often had economic and political ties with neighboring regions, including Philistia. Their mention in Jeremiah 47:4 serves to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the coming judgment. It highlights that the destructive force unleashed by the LORD would be so immense and irresistible that even these formidable and potentially allied cities would be rendered powerless to offer any meaningful assistance or refuge to the Philistines. This underscores the futility of human alliances and the absolute supremacy of God's decree, demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart His purposes, a theme also found in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 47:4, with its stark imagery of divine judgment and comprehensive spoiling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "day that cometh" for the Philistines foreshadows the greater "Day of the Lord" that culminates in Christ's return and final judgment. While the Philistines faced a temporal judgment by earthly armies, Christ's coming ushers in an eternal judgment that will "spoil" all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and Satan—and cut off every false helper or reliance. Just as the LORD was the active agent in spoiling the Philistines, so too is Christ the sovereign King who will ultimately subdue all things under His feet, as described in [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign"). The inability of Tyre and Sidon to help the Philistines points to the profound truth that in the face of spiritual judgment, no human alliance, earthly power, or self-effort can provide salvation. Our only "helper" is Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the one who ultimately delivers His people from the "remnant" of their old, sinful nature and brings them into His eternal kingdom, fulfilling God's righteous purposes not through destruction, but through redemptive grace and ultimate victory over all that opposes Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")).

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

Amos 9:7

[Are] ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

Deuteronomy 2:23

And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, [even] unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)

Isaiah 20:6

And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such [is] our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?

Ezekiel 21:25

And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end,

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Ezekiel 7:5

Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

Ezekiel 7:7

The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble [is] near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.