Jeremiah 47
1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.
2 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.
3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;
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.
5 Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?
6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.
7 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.
Common Questions About Jeremiah 47
What judgment does chapter 47 pronounce on the Philistines?
The chapter describes an overwhelming military disaster overtaking the Philistine cities of Gaza and Tyre and Sidon's allies, portrayed as an unstoppable flood from the north, leaving parents unable even to help their own children in the chaos.
What is the significance of judgment on a nation like Philistia in this book?
The Philistines were Israel's longtime historic enemies, and this oracle shows that God's justice was not limited to His own covenant people but extended to hold other nations accountable for their own actions as well.
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Questions to Think About
- God's justice in this chapter extends beyond His own people to a historic enemy nation. How does this shape your understanding of God's justice as impartial and comprehensive?
- The chapter describes devastating consequences arriving swiftly and unexpectedly. How do you stay spiritually prepared rather than assuming trouble is always distant?
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