Jeremiah 47:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Jeremiah 47:4 is part of a series of prophecies in the book of Jeremiah, specifically targeting the Philistines, a long-standing enemy of ancient Israel. This verse vividly describes the impending and complete destruction of Philistia, emphasizing its divine origin and widespread impact.

Context

Chapter 47 of Jeremiah is a prophetic oracle against the Philistines, detailing the coming judgment that would devastate their cities and people. This judgment was largely executed by the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar, acting as God's instrument. The Philistines, who occupied the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, had a history of conflict with Israel, dating back to the time of the Judges and early monarchy. The mention of "Tyrus and Zidon" (Tyre and Sidon) indicates that even powerful Phoenician cities, often allies or trade partners, would be unable to offer assistance, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the coming "day" of judgment. The reference to "Caphtor" identifies the Philistines' origin, believed to be the island of Crete or the broader Aegean region, underscoring their foreign roots and perhaps foreshadowing their ultimate disappearance from the land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse explicitly states, "for the LORD will spoil the Philistines," underscoring that this destruction is not merely a political or military event but a direct act of God's sovereign will. This highlights God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jeremiah's words serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in executing His declared judgments against nations that oppose His purposes or live in wickedness.
  • Interconnectedness of Nations: The phrase "to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth" illustrates how the fate of one nation can impact its allies and neighbors, demonstrating the ripple effect of divine judgment.
  • Historical Identity: The designation "the remnant of the country of Caphtor" serves as a reminder of the Philistines' migratory origins, emphasizing that even long-established peoples are subject to God's plan and can be removed from the land, as they were originally brought out of Caphtor by the Lord.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "spoil" (שדד, shadad) is a strong verb implying 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 awaiting the Philistines.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 47:4 serves as a powerful reminder that God is just and sovereign over all the earth. No nation or power, regardless of its strength or historical prominence, is exempt from His ultimate authority and accountability. For believers, this verse reinforces trust in God's perfect justice and His overarching plan for history. It also cautions against placing ultimate reliance on human alliances or military might, as these can be swiftly "cut off" when God's decree is issued. Ultimately, it points to the need for all peoples to acknowledge God's supremacy and seek His righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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