Jeremiah47
New International Version
1This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza:
2This is what the Lord says: “See how the waters are rising in the north; they will become an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and everything in it, the towns and those who live in them. The people will cry out; all who dwell in the land will wail
3at the sound of the hooves of galloping steeds, at the noise of enemy chariots and the rumble of their wheels. Parents will not turn to help their children; their hands will hang limp.
4For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines and to remove all survivors who could help Tyre and Sidon. The Lord is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.
5Gaza will shave her head in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. You remnant on the plain, how long will you cut yourselves?
6“‘Alas, sword of the Lord, how long till you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still.’
7But how can it rest when the Lord has commanded it, when he has ordered it to attack Ashkelon and the coast?”
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Jeremiah 47.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The calamities of the Philistines. (1-7).
vv1-7
The Philistines had always been enemies to Israel; but the Chaldean army shall overflow their land like a deluge. Those whom God will spoil, must be spoiled. For when the Lord intends to destroy the wicked, he will cut off every helper. So deplorable are the desolations of war, that the blessings of peace are most desirable. But we must submit to His appointments who ordains all in perfect wisdom and justice.
Key Words
דָּבָר: a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר: who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
יִרְמְיָה: Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites
נָבִיא: a prophet or (generally) inspired man
פְּלִשְׁתִּי: a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth
טֶרֶם: properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
פַּרְעֹה: Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings
נָכָה: to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
עַזָּה: Azzah, a place in Palestine
כֹּה: properly, like this, i.e. by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
Cross References
Jeremiah 47Explicitly names Gaza, Ashkelon, the sea shore, and the remnant of the valley in judgment.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Prophecy against Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron, detailing the destruction of the Philistines.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Compares invading armies from the north to the overwhelming, rising waters of a great river.
Supported by JFB
Identifies Caphtorim as the group that destroyed the Avims and dwelt in their stead.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Traces the genealogical origins of the Philistines (Philistim) and Caphtorim from Mizraim.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Jeremiah's earlier prophecy listing the cup of fury given to the Philistine cities.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic parallel of the Lord stretching out His hand to destroy the remnant of the sea coast.
Supported by JFB
Affirms historical origin, stating that the Lord brought the Philistines from Caphtor.
Supported by JFB
Parallel on God appointing and ordaining the instrument of judgment (the rod/sword).
Supported by JFB
Parallel where God commands a sword to go through a land to cut it off.
Supported by JFB
Establishment of the motif that calamity breaks forth specifically 'out of the north'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Describes pagan customs of baldness and cutting oneself in deep mourning and terror.
Supported by JFB
Post-exilic parallel detailing the loss of a king in Gaza and Ashkelon remaining uninhabited.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Poetic imagery of the whetted, glittering sword of the Lord executing judgment.
Supported by JFB