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.
The 47th chapter of the book of Jeremiah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a clear testament to the prophet Jeremiah's role as a messenger of God's impending judgment on the Philistines. This short chapter, consisting of only seven verses, is a prophecy against the Philistines, foretelling the disaster that will befall them by the hands of the Babylonians.
The chapter starts with the introduction of the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before Pharaoh attacked Gaza. The timing of this prophecy is significant. It is before Egypt's Pharaoh attacked Gaza, a city in Philistia, suggesting that the impending disaster was not human-induced, but a divine act of judgment.
The prophecy begins with the imagery of waters rising from the north, symbolizing the invading Babylonian army. This metaphor paints a vivid picture of an overwhelming flood of soldiers who will inundate the land, leaving destruction in their wake. The invaders are described as unstoppable, covering the land like an unstoppable flood, causing immense fear and devastation. The use of the flood metaphor underscores the magnitude of the impending disaster, emphasizing its severity and inevitability.
Jeremiah paints a grim picture of the aftermath of the invasion. He speaks of a time when the city of Tyre and Sidon, the remnant of their strength, will be cut off. This signifies the complete ruin and desolation of the Philistine power. The prophecy further describes the Lord's sword as being active, feasting on the Philistines with relish, leaving behind a path of destruction and death. The sword, in this context, is a symbol of God's judgment and wrath.
The prophecy also foretells the widespread mourning and lament that will engulf the land. The Philistines are personified as a woman in labor, writhing in pain and anguish, an image that conveys the depth of their suffering and despair. The whole land will cry out in pain as the invading army sweeps through, leaving a trail of destruction and desolation.
The chapter ends with a dramatic personification of the Lord's sword, which is depicted as restless and eager to devour. The sword is unsheathed and ready for action, symbolizing God's active judgment against the Philistines. The Lord commands the sword to swing wildly, to spare no flesh, and to not rest until it has accomplished its mission. This image conveys the relentlessness of God's judgment and the certainty of the Philistines' doom.
The 47th chapter of Jeremiah carries significant theological implications. It underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, reaffirming the biblical truth that God is the ultimate judge who punishes wickedness and rebellion against His commands. The chapter serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the inevitability of divine justice.
Furthermore, the prophecy against the Philistines serves as a warning to all nations, suggesting that none are exempt from God's judgment. The chapter emphasizes the impartiality of God's judgment, conveying that God does not show favoritism or partiality, but judges each according to their deeds.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 47 is a powerful prophecy against the Philistines, foretelling their imminent destruction by the Babylonians. The chapter serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice and the consequences of disobedience. It underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His role as the ultimate judge.
The chapter's vivid imagery and metaphors create a compelling narrative of the impending disaster, emphasizing its inevitability and severity. The prophecy serves as a warning to all nations, underscoring the impartiality of God's judgment and the inevitability of divine justice.
Ultimately, the 47th chapter of Jeremiah is a testament to the prophet's role as God's messenger, tasked with delivering His words of judgment and warning to the nations. It is a reflection of the biblical truth that God's word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases and prosper in the thing for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
Share this page