Jeremiah 46:9

Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle [and] bend the bow.

Come up {H5927}, ye horses {H5483}; and rage {H1984}, ye chariots {H7393}; and let the mighty men {H1368} come forth {H3318}; the Ethiopians {H3568} and the Libyans {H6316}, that handle {H8610} the shield {H4043}; and the Lydians {H3866}, that handle {H8610} and bend {H1869} the bow {H7198}.

Charge, horses! Full speed ahead, chariots! Let the warriors attack! - Kush and Put, bearing their shields, and the Ludim, strung bows in hand.

Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth— Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.

Go up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men go forth: Cush and Put, that handle the shield; and the Ludim, that handle and bend the bow.

Commentary

Jeremiah 46:9 vividly depicts the assembly of Egypt's formidable military forces, including various mercenary contingents, in preparation for a major conflict. This verse is part of a larger prophecy delivered by Jeremiah concerning the judgment of God upon Egypt.

Context

This verse is found within Jeremiah Chapter 46, which details a prophecy specifically targeting Egypt and its impending defeat. The historical backdrop is the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar decisively routed the Egyptian forces led by Pharaoh Necho II. Jeremiah 46:9 highlights the immense human and military resources Egypt could muster, emphasizing the presence of foreign mercenaries who formed a significant part of their army. The call to "Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots" paints a dramatic picture of the impending battle, setting the stage for their ultimate downfall prophesied in the following verses.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Human Strength: Despite assembling a powerful and diverse army, including skilled mercenaries from distant lands, Egypt's military might was ultimately insufficient to stand against God's predetermined judgment. This underscores a recurring biblical theme that human power is limited when it opposes divine will.
  • Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: The prophecy demonstrates God's absolute control over world empires and their destinies. He orchestrates events, using nations like Babylon as His instruments of judgment, even against seemingly invincible powers like Egypt. This concept is also seen in Isaiah 10:5, where God uses Assyria as a rod of His anger.
  • Prophetic Foretelling: Jeremiah's accurate foretelling of Egypt's defeat, even when it seemed militarily strong, validated his role as a true prophet of the Lord and highlighted God's omniscience.

Linguistic Insights

  • The mention of "Ethiopians" (Hebrew: Kush) refers to the Cushites, a people from south of Egypt, renowned for their martial prowess.
  • "Libyans" (Hebrew: Put) likely designates a people from North Africa, often associated with mercenary service in ancient armies.
  • "Lydians" (Hebrew: Lud) were an Anatolian people, highly regarded for their archery skills, and frequently employed as mercenaries. The phrase "handle [and] bend the bow" specifically points to their expertise with this weapon.
  • The vivid language, "Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots," uses imperative verbs to create a sense of urgency and the chaotic energy of a military mobilization.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 46:9 serves as a powerful reminder that true security and victory do not lie in military might, economic power, or human alliances. For believers, this verse reinforces the importance of placing trust in God alone, rather than in worldly strength or human achievements. Nations and individuals alike are called to recognize God's ultimate authority over all affairs. When facing challenges, it encourages us to look beyond superficial displays of power and remember that some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we remember the name of the Lord our God.

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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

  • Ezekiel 27:10 (5 votes)

    They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

  • Isaiah 66:19 (5 votes)

    And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

  • Nahum 3:9 (3 votes)

    Ethiopia and Egypt [were] her strength, and [it was] infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:11 (2 votes)

    And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

  • Acts 2:10 (2 votes)

    Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

  • Genesis 10:13 (2 votes)

    And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

  • Nahum 2:3 (2 votes)

    The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men [are] in scarlet: the chariots [shall be] with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.