Jeremiah

Jeremiah 46:1-2

Pharaoh Necho was king during the reign of Judah's kings; Josiah, Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim.  The battle of Carchemish was a turning point in history.  Nebuchadnezzar defeated the remainder of the Assyrian army along with Egypt.  This was the final death blow for Assyria after the fall of Nineveh to the Babylonians in 612_B.C. 

Jeremiah 46:3-6

The narrative moves quickly from preparation for battle to terror on every side.  The Hebrew phrase translated to 'terror on every side' is used elsewhere to speak of imminent judgment.   The fear and terror they feel seems to be supernatural and part of the judgment plan of God.  It didn't matter how strong or fast a man was, he couldn't outrun or out fight the judgment of God.

Jeremiah 46:7-10

Jeremiah likens the Egyptian goal of conquest to the overflowing of the Nile, a seasonal norm and critical to fertile lands around the river.  You can almost feel the intensity and hear the sound of an army on the move.  Cush and Put were neighbors to the south and west.  Lydia was central Turkey.  But the day of vengeance against the nations belongs to the Lord.  The battle is His and His plans will happen, plans of a great sacrifice. 

Jeremiah 46:11-12

Gilead is the area east of the Jordan allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Manasseh and Gad.  It was known for its production of balm, an aromatic tree resin.  The area was fertile and forested, producing grapes, olives and fruit trees. 

Gilead had nothing to offer for healing what ailed Egypt.  All the nations would hear of their shame, the shame of defeat and destruction; of fear and running away.  They wouldn't look like a formerly great army when they stumbled and fell over each other. 

Jeremiah 46:13-17

Migdol, Memphis and Tahpanhes were major population centers.  After Egypt's defeat at Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Egypt several times attempting to invade.  It was Pharoah Hophra who tried to help Israel when Nebuchadnezzar was laying siege to Jerusalem.  Why are the warriors failing?  Because they are warring against the Lord.  The loud noise was vocal plans to move and conquer and protect, but staying home in fear and missing opportunity. 

Jeremiah 46:18-26

The Babylonians are portrayed like an unstoppable mountain moving against them.  While Egypt is a beautiful heifer, she is no match.  The enemy is like a gadfly, a large biting insect.   The defenses will break and run and scatter in fear. 

The advancing army is so great, it is like locusts moving across the land.  Imagine the resources consumed by a thousands of warriors trained to kill and destroy with no mercy, compassion or care for the land, people, its resources or anything. 

Amon was an Egyptian sun god whose temple was at Thebes.

Jeremiah 46:27-28

The Lord reminds Israel that this punishment was only temporary.  They were not to be overcome with fear.  There would once again be days characterized by peace and security.  The 'do not be afraid' is repeated with eh comfort of Yahweh's presence with them.  While there would be destruction and discipline, it would merely be a temporary situation.

©2019 Doug Ford