Jeremiah47
New Living Translation
1This is the Lord’s message to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the Philistines of Gaza, before it was captured by the Egyptian army.
2This is what the Lord says: “A flood is coming from the north to overflow the land. It will destroy the land and everything in it— cities and people alike. People will scream in terror, and everyone in the land will wail.
3Hear the clatter of stallions’ hooves and the rumble of wheels as the chariots rush by. Terrified fathers run madly, without a backward glance at their helpless children.
4“The time has come for the Philistines to be destroyed, along with their allies from Tyre and Sidon. Yes, the Lord is destroying the remnant of the Philistines, those colonists from the island of Crete.
5Gaza will be humiliated, its head shaved bald; Ashkelon will lie silent. You remnant from the Mediterranean coast, how long will you cut yourselves in mourning?
6“Now, O sword of the Lord, when will you be at rest again? Go back into your sheath; rest and be still.
7“But how can it be still when the Lord has sent it on a mission? For the city of Ashkelon and the people living along the sea must be destroyed.”
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