Jeremiah 47:7

KJV

How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.

KJV (with Strong's)

How can it be quiet {H8252}, seeing the LORD {H3068} hath given it a charge {H6680} against Ashkelon {H831}, and against the sea {H3220} shore {H2348}? there hath he appointed {H3259} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

But how can you be still? For ADONAI has given it orders against Ashkelon, against the seacoast; he has assigned it its task there.

Berean Standard Bible

How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”

American Standard Version

How canst thou be quiet, seeing Jehovah hath given thee a charge? Against Ashkelon, and against the sea-shore, there hath he appointed it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 47:7 presents a profound rhetorical question that underscores the absolute certainty and divinely ordained nature of God's impending judgment against the Philistine cities, particularly Ashkelon and the entire coastal region. The verse emphatically declares that the destructive force, implicitly identified as God's instrument of judgment, cannot be quieted or restrained because the Lord Himself has issued a precise command and appointed its specific execution against these adversaries, thereby signifying the irresistible and inevitable fulfillment of His sovereign decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's broader collection of prophecies against foreign nations, a significant section spanning [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah's Oracles Against Nations"). More specifically, [Jeremiah 47](/jeremiah/47 "Jeremiah 47 - Prophecy Against the Philistines") focuses entirely on the Philistines, a long-standing historical and theological antagonist of Israel, who inhabited the fertile plains along the Mediterranean coast. The immediate preceding verse, [Jeremiah 47:6](/jeremiah/47-6 "Jeremiah 47:6 - The Lord's Sword Unsheathed"), vividly personifies God's instrument of judgment as a "sword" that is restless and active. Therefore, the pronoun "it" in verse 7 directly refers back to this divinely wielded "sword" or destructive force, emphasizing that its relentless activity is not random but a direct fulfillment of God's explicit command. The rhetorical question in verse 7 serves as a powerful rhetorical climax, highlighting the absolute certainty and irresistibility of the judgment described in the earlier verses of the chapter, particularly the coming devastation from the north.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against the Philistines in [Jeremiah 47](/jeremiah/47 "Jeremiah 47 - Prophecy Against the Philistines") is widely understood to refer to the Babylonian invasion led by Nebuchadnezzar in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Following his decisive victory at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar expanded his empire westward, subjugating various nations, including the Philistines. Ashkelon, one of the five major Philistine cities (alongside Gaza, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron), was a vital port and a strategic stronghold. The Philistines, believed to have originated from the Aegean Sea ("Sea Peoples"), had a long and often contentious history with Israel, dating back to the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their coastal location made them particularly vulnerable to invading armies traversing the Via Maris, the ancient trade route connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia. While the destruction of such cities by foreign powers was a common occurrence in the ancient Near East, Jeremiah's prophecy attributes this specific devastation not to mere geopolitical shifts but to the direct, purposeful intervention of [the Lord](/jeremiah/47-7 "Jeremiah 47:7 - The Lord's Charge").
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 47:7](/jeremiah/47-7 "Jeremiah 47:7 - God's Irresistible Decree") is **Divine Sovereignty and Inevitable Judgment**. The rhetorical question, "How can it be quiet?", profoundly underscores that once God issues a command, it cannot be thwarted, appeased, or delayed. The explicit phrases "the LORD hath given it a charge" and "there hath he appointed it" unequivocally declare God's absolute control over the instruments of judgment and their precise targets. This highlights that historical events, even those involving destructive forces and foreign empires, are not random occurrences but are meticulously orchestrated by God to fulfill His righteous purposes. Another significant theme is the **Consequences of Unrighteousness**, as the Philistines, like other nations prophesied against in Jeremiah, faced judgment due to their idolatry, violence, and persistent opposition to God's people, even if the specifics are not detailed in this single verse. This aligns with the broader prophetic message that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, as vividly illustrated in [Jeremiah 25:15-38](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - The Cup of God's Wrath for All Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **quiet (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** From H8252, meaning to repose, to appease, to be at rest, to settle, or be still. In the context of the rhetorical question "How can it be quiet?", this word emphasizes the utter inability of the destructive force (the "sword" of the Lord) to cease its activity or find any form of cessation or appeasement. Its divine mandate compels it to continue relentlessly until its mission is fully accomplished.
* **charge (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, meaning to constitute, enjoin, appoint, or command. This term underscores that the destructive force is not acting autonomously or by chance, but under a direct, specific, and authoritative divine command. The Lord has given it a precise instruction or commission, making its action an act of absolute obedience to God's sovereign will.
* **appointed (Hebrew, _yâʻad'_):** From H3259, meaning to fix upon by agreement or appointment, to meet at a stated time, or to direct in a certain quarter or position. This word powerfully reinforces the idea of divine intentionality, precision, and predetermination. God has not only commanded the judgment but has also meticulously designated the specific place ("there") and purpose for its execution, leaving no room for deviation, escape, or failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How can it be quiet,"**: This is a potent rhetorical question, not intended to elicit an answer, but rather to emphatically declare that the destructive force (the "sword of the LORD" from [Jeremiah 47:6](/jeremiah/47-6 "Jeremiah 47:6 - The Lord's Sword Unsheathed")) is fundamentally incapable of ceasing its activity or finding rest. It powerfully conveys the inevitability and irresistible nature of the impending divine judgment.
* **"seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon,"**: This clause provides the irrefutable reason for the unstoppable nature of the judgment. The "it" (the destructive force) is operating under a direct, specific, and authoritative command from Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. Ashkelon is explicitly named as a primary target, serving as a representative city for the broader Philistine nation.
* **"and against the sea shore?"**: This expands the geographical scope of the judgment beyond just the city of Ashkelon to encompass the entire Philistine coastal region. This signifies a comprehensive and sweeping devastation that will leave no part of their territory untouched, including their vital maritime connections and trade routes.
* **"there hath he appointed it."**: This concluding clause powerfully reiterates and reinforces both the divine origin and the precise execution of the judgment. God has not only commanded this destructive force but has also meticulously designated the specific location ("there," referring to Ashkelon and the sea shore) for its fulfillment, emphasizing His meticulous and absolute control over the unfolding of historical events.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 47:7 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of inevitable divine judgment. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "How can it be quiet?" This is not a genuine inquiry but a forceful, declarative statement emphasizing that the judgment is absolutely unstoppable and cannot be appeased or restrained by any human effort. It serves to underscore the certainty and divine mandate behind the impending destruction. There is also a clear element of **Personification**, as the "it" (referring to the "sword of the LORD" from the preceding verse) is depicted as an active, restless entity that cannot find peace or cessation until its divinely appointed mission is thoroughly accomplished. This imbues the instrument of judgment with a sense of relentless agency and purposeful determination. Furthermore, the verse relies on the broader **Metaphor** of God's "sword" (implied from [Jeremiah 47:6](/jeremiah/47-6 "Jeremiah 47:6 - The Lord's Sword")) as a powerful symbol for divine judgment, military devastation, and the execution of God's wrath. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Apostrophe**, as Jeremiah directly addresses the unstoppable force, underscoring its divine commission and its inability to deviate from its task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 47:7 profoundly asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, historical events, and even the seemingly chaotic forces of war and conquest. It reveals that these destructive occurrences are not random but are under the direct command and precise appointment of the Lord. This foundational theological truth assures believers that God is actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events, both destructive and redemptive, to fulfill His righteous purposes, which often include bringing judgment upon unrighteousness and ultimately advancing His eternal kingdom. It stands as a powerful reminder that no human power, national strength, or strategic cunning can resist or escape the ultimate decree of the Almighty God.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Unwavering Counsel")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 47:7 serves as a sober yet ultimately comforting reminder of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His justice. In a world often characterized by chaos, conflict, and seemingly random or senseless events, this verse firmly anchors our understanding in the profound truth that God remains sovereign, actively directing the course of history according to His divine will. For the believer, this brings immense comfort and security, fostering a deep trust in a God who is in control, even when circumstances appear overwhelming, unjust, or beyond human comprehension. It encourages us to align our lives with His revealed will, recognizing that His purposes, whether in judgment or blessing, will ultimately prevail. For those who disregard or defy God, it stands as a solemn warning that His judgments are inevitable and cannot be averted by human strength, cunning, or defiance. This should prompt humility, sincere repentance, and a turning towards the One who holds all power and authority, calling us to live with an acute awareness of divine accountability, seeking justice and righteousness in our own lives, communities, and the broader world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "unstoppable charge" challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty in today's complex and often chaotic world?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, find true "quiet" or "rest" in the midst of God's active and often powerful purposes, whether these involve judgment or blessing?**
* **Considering God's meticulous appointment of events, how does this verse encourage you to trust His control, even when you don't fully understand the specific "charge" He has given or the path He is taking?**

### FAQ
**What is the "it" that cannot be quiet in Jeremiah 47:7, and what does this mean for understanding God's judgment?**

Answer: The "it" in Jeremiah 47:7 refers to the instrument of God's judgment, which is implicitly the "sword of the LORD" mentioned in the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 47:6](/jeremiah/47-6 "Jeremiah 47:6 - The Lord's Sword Unsheathed"). This "sword" is a powerful metaphor for the destructive force—most likely the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar—that God has commissioned to execute His judgment against the Philistine cities, particularly Ashkelon and the entire coastal region. The phrase "How can it be quiet" emphatically declares that this divinely appointed force cannot be quieted, appeased, or restrained because it is acting under God's direct, specific, and unalterable command. This highlights the absolute certainty and inevitability of God's judgment once He has decreed it, emphasizing His sovereign control over historical events and the instruments He uses to fulfill His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 47:7 speaks specifically of God's judgment against a particular nation in the Old Testament, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive-judicial work of Jesus Christ, who embodies both the righteous judgment of God and His profound redemptive purpose. The unstoppable "charge" given to the "sword of the LORD" foreshadows the absolute and universal authority of Christ, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Just as God meticulously appointed the instrument of judgment against Ashkelon, so too has He appointed His Son to be the ultimate Judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day of Judgment")). The certainty of judgment against unrighteousness, so clearly articulated in this Old Testament verse, points forward to the final and comprehensive judgment that Christ will execute at the end of the age, when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Yet, Christ's role as Judge is inextricably linked to His redemptive work; He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. Thus, the unstoppable force of God's sovereign will, once directed towards specific temporal judgments, is now also powerfully directed towards the establishment of His eternal kingdom through Christ, where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or death ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Death")).

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 14:17

Or [if] I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

Micah 6:9

¶ The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and [the man of] wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Ezekiel 25:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.

Zephaniah 2:6

And the sea coast shall be dwellings [and] cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.

Zephaniah 2:7

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;