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Jeremiah 46:13

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The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come [and] smite the land of Egypt.

The word {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} to Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}, how Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} should come {H935} and smite {H5221} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

This word ADONAI spoke to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning how N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel would come and attack the land of Egypt:

This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:

The word that Jehovah spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 46 initiates a significant section of the book (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations. Unlike earlier chapters focusing on Judah's sins and impending doom, this segment demonstrates God's universal sovereignty, extending His judgment beyond His covenant people to the surrounding gentile powers. Verse 13 specifically introduces a new prophetic word concerning Egypt, following an earlier oracle against Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1-12) which described a battle at Carchemish. This verse sets the stage for a more direct and devastating invasion of Egypt by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadrezzar, highlighting the LORD's control over global events and empires.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that the word comes directly from "the LORD," underscoring God's absolute authority and control over the rise and fall of nations and their leaders. He raises up and brings down kings.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This declaration by Jeremiah foretells an event that would later be fulfilled, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of God's prophetic word. The precise naming of "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon" points to a specific historical reality.
  • God's Judgment on Nations: Egypt, a powerful nation that historically enslaved Israel and often served as a false hope for Judah, is now subjected to God's judgment through Babylon. This illustrates that no nation is beyond the scope of God's justice.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Nebuchadrezzar" is an alternative spelling of Nebuchadnezzar, which is more commonly found in other parts of the Bible. The KJV uses both forms. The Hebrew verb translated "smite" is nakah (נָכָה), which can mean to strike, beat, slay, or conquer. In this context, it signifies a decisive and destructive conquest of the land of Egypt, reflecting a military victory and subjugation.

Historical & Cultural Context

At the time of this prophecy, Babylon under Nebuchadrezzar was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, having already defeated Assyria and Egypt at Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2). Egypt, though weakened, still held significant influence and was a strategic rival to Babylon. Judah often looked to Egypt for alliances against Babylon, a reliance that Jeremiah consistently warned against (e.g., Jeremiah 37:7). This prophecy confirms that even Egypt would fall under the sway of Babylon, as part of God's overarching plan for judgment and the realignment of world powers.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 46:13 reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, guiding the affairs of nations and empires according to His sovereign will. It teaches us the importance of trusting in God alone, rather than relying on worldly powers or alliances that will ultimately fail. The fulfillment of such specific prophecies reinforces the trustworthiness of God's Word and His ultimate control, providing comfort and assurance that He works all things according to His purpose, even through the actions of seemingly unstoppable worldly forces.

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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 44:30 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.

  • Jeremiah 43:10 (3 votes)

    And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

  • Jeremiah 43:13 (3 votes)

    He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

  • Isaiah 29:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city [where] David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

  • Isaiah 29:24 (2 votes)

    They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

  • Isaiah 19:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

  • Isaiah 19:25 (2 votes)

    Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.