Jeremias 46
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Jeremias 46
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS This begins the literary unit of the book dealing with YHWH's judgment on the surrounding nations (cf. Jer. 1:5,10; 25:15-38). These nations would never hear/read these prophecies. YHWH is addressing them in a literary way to show that He is the only God, the God of all the earth (i.e. Deut. 32:8). SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM SPECIAL TOPIC: ONE CAUSALITY The nations addressed are Egypt Philistia Phoenicia Moab Ammon Edom Syria Kedar and Hazor Elam Neo-Babylon There are several other places in the Prophets where YHWH addresses His judgment on the surrounding nations of the ANE. Isa. 13-23 ‒ Old Babylon, Philisita, Moab, Syria Ethiopia, Egypt, Edom, Arabia, Phoenicia, Tarshish Jer. 25:15-38 ‒ Egypt, Uz (Moab, Philistia, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Arabia [and desert people], Elam, Media, Babylon [Sheshach]) Ezek. 25-32 ‒ Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Phoenicia, Egypt, Neo-Babylon, Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal Amos 1-2 ‒ Syria, Philistia, Phoenicia, Edom, Ammon, Moab (even Israel and Judah) Obadiah ‒ Edom Nahum 2-3 ‒ Assyria, Egypt, Ethiopia Zeph. 2:4-15 ‒ Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, Assyria Chart of Prophecies Against Nations and Regions (Jeremiah 46-49) Nations Chapter & Verse Date Gods Listed Why Judgment By Whom Any Hope Egypt 46:2-12 605 B.C. Arrogance Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish 46:11 Egypt 46:13-26 ? Apis (Haf) 46:15 Idolatry 46:25 Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt 46:26 Philistia 47:1-7 609, 605, 604, 601 B.C. Waters from North (i.e. Babylon) 47:2 Philistia 47:1-7 609, 605, 604, 601 B.C. Waters from North (i.e. Babylon) 47:2 Moab 48:1-47 Chemosh 48:7,13,46 Trust in Yourselves 48:7 Overconfidence 48:11 Pride 48:29 An Eagle 48:40 A Destroyer 48:47 Ammon 49:1-6 Malcam Milcom Molech 49:1,3 Trust in Her Treasures 49:4 49:6 Edom 49:7-22 Arrogance in Geography 49:16 A Lion 49:19 An Eagle 49:22 Damascus 49:23-27 733 B.C. Kedar and Hazor 49:28-33 599 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar 49:28,30 Elam 49:34-39 49:39 Jeremiah 46 describes Egypt's defeat by Nebuchadnezzar II's army at Carchemish in Syria (i.e. 605 B.C.). It is poetic and contains numerous commands. Jer. 46:3-4 (IMPERATIVES) line up the shield and buckler draw near for the battle harness the horses mount the steeds take your stand with helmets on (the only Hiphil in a series of Qal IMPERATIVES) polish the spears put on the scale-armor Jer. 46:6 (IMPERFECTS used as JUSSIVES) let not the swift man flee let not the mighty man escape Jer. 46:8 (two IMPERFECTS used as COHORTATIVES and one COHORTATIVE) I will rise I will cover I will surely destroy Jer. 46:11 (Qal IMPERATIVES) go up obtain Jer. 46:14 (4 Hiphil IMPERATIVES, 1 Qal) declare in Egypt proclaim in Migdol proclaim (Qal) also in Memphis and Tahpanhes take your stand get yourself ready Jer. 46:16 (Qal IMPERATIVE and COHORTATIVE) get up let us go back Jer. 46:2-12 deals with the battle at Carchemish (i.e. in Syria to the west of Haran on the headwaters of the Euphrates River) in 605 B.C. Jer. 46:13-26 deals with Nebuchadnezzar's military invasion in 568-567 B.C. Egypt was completely conquered by Persia in 525 B.C.
Jeremias 46:1
46:1 This is an introductory verse for the literary unit dealing with YHWH's judgments against the surrounding nations (chapters 46-51).
Jeremias 46:2-12
46:2 "Pharaoh Neco" Necho II (609-593 B.C.; of the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty) marched through Judah to confront Nebuchadnezzar II at Carchemish in Syria. Josiah attempted to stop him and was wounded at Meggido. Josiah later died of his wounds (i.e. 609 B.C.). Pharaoh Necho's army was defeated (partially because Josiah delayed him which allowed Neo-Babylon to defeat the remaining Assyrian army). As Pharaoh Necho II returned to Egypt he stopped at Jerusalem and exiled King Jehoahaz, Josiah's successor of only three months (cf. 2 Kgs. 23:28-37; 2 Chr. 35:20-36:4). Necho II placed Jehoiakim (a relative of Josiah) on Judah's throne as his surrogate (cf. 2 Kgs. 23:29ff). SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF EGYPT SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF THE DIVIDED MONARCHY 46:3-4 "line up" These IMPERATIVES (see Contextual Insights, E) were orders given by Egyptian officers to the Egyptian soldiers. 46:4 "helmets" These helmets (BDB 464) were rarely worn, therefore, this denotes that the soldiers were to "immediately prepare for battle." 46:5 What powerful poetry of fear and defeat. It reminds me of Nahum 2. Line 7, "terror is on every side," is an often repeated phrase in Jeremiah (cf. Jer. 6:25; 20:3,10; 49:29; Lam. 2:22; see BDB 159 II, KB 544). 46:7-8 These two verses seem to reflect the arrogant attitude of the Egyptian army; they used the annual overflowing of the Nile as the imagery of victorious military conquest. But it is all a myth, a false hope. In reality the Egyptian army and her mercenaries flee before the Babylonian military. Instead of the Nile overflowing its banks, it retreats! 46:9 This verse identifies several regional elements of the Egyptian army. Cush ‒ BDB 468 I; Ethiopia (southern Egypt) Put ‒ BDB 866, Libya (northeast Africa) Lud ‒ BDB 530, Lydia (western Asia Minor) It is uncertain if they were mercenaries (cf. Jer. 46:21) or defeated armies that joined Egypt's victorious army. 46:10 "the Lord God of hosts" (twice) The first title "Lord" is the term Adon (BDB 10) which denotes "owner," "master," "lord," "husband." The second title is literally "YHWH Sabbaoth." YHWH is usually noted in English Bibles as all capitals, Lord (cf, Ps. 110:1). Verse 10 may be the Divine response to Pharaoh Necho II killing Josiah and replacing (exiling) his heir who reigned only three months! SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD OF HOSTS ▣ "the sword" Often in poetic passages in the OT the "sword" is personified. The sword of the Neo-Babylonians is the sword of YHWH. ▣ "a slaughter for the Lord" "the Lord. . .has a sacrifice" "the Lord. . .holds a sacrifice" "the Lord. . .is holding a sacrificial feast" "the Lord. . .is preparing a sacrifice" The UBS' A Translator's Handbook On Jeremiah (p. 847) has a good comment on this phrase. The picture is that of a sacrificial feast in which the worshiper is allowed to eat part of the animal that has been sacrificed. The same idea is conveyed in Ezek. 39:17-20; Zeph. 1:7. Over the last few years I have become aware that YHWH has regularly used foreign nations to punish His people destroy other nations This imagery drawn from ANE battles has become imagery of YHWH's control of all nations. This insight has changed my understanding of the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans in A.D. 70, as well as my understanding of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (i.e. Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; 21) Paul's discussion of the "Man of Lawlessness" (2 Thess. 2) John's book of Revelation I hope you will evaluate my exegetical commentaries on these texts, as well as the following Special Topics. SPECIAL TOPIC: SECOND COMING SPECIAL TOPIC: COMING ON THE CLOUDS SPECIAL TOPIC: SOON RETURN SPECIAL TOPIC: A DELAYED SECOND COMING SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ANY MOMENT RETURN OF JESUS vs. THE NOT YET 46:11 Gilead was widely known for its healing balms (cf. Jer. 8:22). But there was no balm for Egypt (cf. lines 3, 4). She is doomed to defeat and shame. ▣ "virgin daughter of Egypt" This is the NOUN CONSTRUCT of "virgin" (BDB 413) and "daughter" (BDB 123 I). The CONSTRUCT "daughter(s) of _________" is a way to refer to a nation. Zion/Jerusalem/Judah ‒ Ps. 9:14; Isa. 1:8; 10:32; 16:1; 37:22; 52:2; 62:11; Jer. 4:11; 6:2,23,26; 8:11,19,21,22; 9:1,7; 14:17; Lamentations (many times); Micah 1:13; 4:8,10; Zeph. 3:14; Zech. 2:10; 9:9 Israel ‒ 2 Sam. 1:24; Ezek. 16:55 Tyre ‒ Ps. 45:12; Isa. 23:12 Babylon/Chaldea ‒ Ezra 2:61; Ps. 137:8; Isa. 47:1,5; Jer. 50:42; 51:33; Zech. 2:7 Egypt ‒ Jer. 46:24 Tarshish ‒ Isa. 23:10 Philistia ‒ Ezek. 16:27,57 all nations ‒ Ezek. 32:16 When the term "virgin daughter" is used it seems to emphasize the vulnerability of the nation addressed. Zion ‒ 2 Kgs. 19:21; Isa. 37:22; Jer. 14:17; Lam. 2:10,13 Israel ‒ Jer. 18:13; 31:4,21; Amos 5:2 Babylon ‒ Isa. 47:1 Egypt ‒ Jer. 46:11 In 2 Kgs. 19:21 both forms are found in poetic parallel. Also note the changing meaning of "Israel," sometimes referring to all of the covenant people, descendants from Jacob/Israel, and in other contexts (i.e. the Divided Monarchy, 922 B.C. ‒ 722 B.C.) it refers to the Northern Ten Tribes (i.e. Israel, Samaria, Ephraim). 46:12 "The nations have heard of your shame" This is exactly the opposite of YHWH's intended purpose for His covenant people (cf. Gen. 12:3; Ezek. 36:22-36). YHWH wanted the descendants of Abraham to reflect His character to the world and, thereby to attract the world to Himself. This is still His purpose for His people. ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NEB, TEV. Peshitta, JPSOA, NET "shame" REB, NEB "cry" your shame ‒ קלונך (BDB 885, cf. Jer. 13:26) your voice ‒ קולך (BDB 876) The UBS Text Project, p. 293, gives #1 a "B" rating. The NEB and REB seem to think "voice" is a better parallel to the next poetic line, which has "outcry" (BDB 846, i.e. a cry of distress or grief, cf. Jer. 14:2). SPECIAL TOPIC: SHAME SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
Jeremias 46:13-24
46:13-26 As Jer. 46:1-2 describes the battle at Carchemish in Syria in 605 B.C., Jer. 46:13-26 describes a later invasion of Egypt itself (cf. Jer. 43:11-12). 46:14 All of these locations are mentioned in Jer. 44:1 as places where the doomed Judeans were living. 46:15 NASB, Peshitta "become prostrate" NKJV, JPSOA "swept away" NRSV, NJB, REB, LXX "Apis (Haf) fled" "Apis fallen" There are several translation issues with this verse. "mighty ones" (BDB 7) can refer to soldiers (NIV, NET Bible) the Egyptian bull god, Apis (LXX, RSV, NEB, NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 234) the VERB is SINGULAR (BDB 695, KB 749, Niphal PERFECT), but the NOUN PLURAL. The LXX divides the VERB (נסחף) into two words (נס חף ) which means "Hap (Apis) has fled." The UBS Text Project supports this division by giving it a "B" rating (p. 293). The defeat of the Egyptian soldiers or bull god (possibly a reference to Pharaoh as the incarnation of Egypt's gods) is attributed to YHWH (line 2). 46:16 "They have repeatedly stumbled" NKJV, JPSOA "He made many fall" "Your multitude stumbled and fell" "Your soldiers have stumbled and fallen" "he has caused many to fall" "the rabble of Egypt stumble and fall" "your multitude was weak and fell" "Multitudes of them are fallen" The MT has "he made many stumble" (Hiphil PERFECT, BDB 505, KB 502 and Qal ACTIVE PARTICIIPLE, BDB 656, KB 709, both MASCULINE SINGULAR). The "he" is YHWH from Jer. 46:15. Some translations assume it is a collective reference to the Egyptian army. 46:17 NASB, NKJV, NET "a big noise" NRSV, LXX "braggart" "Much-noise" "Bombast" "Pharaoh the Lame. . .the troublemaker" The Hebrew word (BDB 981, KB 1370 II) means roar of water (i.e. battle) ‒ Isa. 17:12; Jer. 48:45; 51:55; Amos 2:2; Hosea 10:14; here, imagery of "crash" uproar of battle ‒ Ps. 74:23; Isa. 17:12-13; 25:5 festival uproar ‒ Isa. 5:14 It is used here as a possible play on Pharaoh's name or a ridicule of his military appearing and then disappearing (Jer. 37:5). 46:18 ". . .the King Whose name is the Lord of hosts" YHWH, the covenant Deity, has always been "king" (cf. 1 Sam. 8:7). The Judean kings (cf. Gen. 49:10) from the line of Jesse/David (cf. 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17) have only served as earthly representatives of Him. The opening phrase, "As I live," functions in two ways. a word play on the Hebrew VERB "to be" and YHWH (i.e. the ever-living, only-living Deity) it is an idiom introducing an oath. An oath by YHWH in His name is a powerful promise that His words will come to be (i.e. Isa. 55:9-11) SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH (OT) ▣ "Mount Tabor. . .Mount Carmel" These are references to the topological features that dominate a landscape. They are used here as imagery of overwhelming power (i.e. the Neo-Babylonian army against the Egyptian army). 46:19 NASB, LXX "It will even be burned down" NKJV, TEV, REB "a ruin" NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta "desolate" The Hebrew VERB (BDB 428, KB 429, Niphal PERFECT with waw) means "to kindle" or "to burn" (cf. Jer. 2:15; 11:16; 17:27; 21:14; 43:12; 49:2,27; 50:32; 51:30,58), but it is also used of "ruin" or "waste" (cf. Jer. 4:7; 9:11). 46:20 "horsefly" NRSV, REB, NJB, JPSOA "gadfly" JPSOA footnote "butcher" "destruction" "an army" "like swarms of stinging flies" The MT has a NOUN (BDB 903, KB 1148) that occurs only here. A similar Aramaic and Arabic root denotes a biting insect. In context, it is obvious it refers to the invading Neo-Babylonian army. 46:21-23 "her mercenaries" They are mentioned in Jer. 46:9. Even these experienced, hired soldiers act like defenseless, pampered calves! They all flee (cf. Jer. 46:5) in the face of Nebuchadnezzar's army ("horsefly" of Jer. 46:20), as do the Egyptian soldiers, symbolized as a slithering snake in Jer. 46:22. Notice the different imagery used to describe neo-Babylon's army. woodcutters with axes more numerous than locusts 46:22 "like a serpent" Serpent imagery is recurrent in the Bible. It can be positive or negative. This particular usage seems to reflect in a negative way the serpent insignia on the crown of Pharaoh. Instead of a "striking" serpent, there is a fleeting serpent. SPECIAL TOPIC: SERPENT ▣ "as woodcutters with axes" The imagery of "cutting down trees" is recurrent in the Bible. It, like "serpents," has a wide usage. Only context can tell if it is an image of judgment (cf. Isa. 10:33-34) an image of idolatry (cf. Jer. 10:2-4) an image of the purposeful results of invasion wood for siege works a way to devastate a defeated country This one denotes the power of the Neo-Babylonian army against the feeble Egyptian army.
Jeremias 46:25-26
46:25-26 In this chapter several prose verses introduce a poetic section. Jer. 46:1-2, then poem Jer. 46:3-12 Jer. 46:13, then poem Jer. 46:14-24 Jer. 46:25-26, about the previous poem 46:25 This verse seems to repeat itself. The LXX shortens it to "Behold, I am avenging Amon, her son, on Pharaoh and on those who trust in him." Amon (BDB 51 I) was supposed to be the "king of the gods." The three gods, Ra, Ptah, and Amon, are often combined. As the worship of Apis (cf. Jer. 46:15) was centered in Memphis, the worship of Amon was centered in Thebes. 46:26 Egypt will be completely destroyed (cf. Ezek. 29:8-12) but it will be reinhabited (cf. Ezek. 29:13-14).
Jeremias 46:27-28
46:27-28 The parallel to these verses is in Jer. 30:10-11. This section of Jeremiah is called "The Book of Hope." It addresses the Judeans who have been exiled to Babylon. 46:27 The first two VERBS are IMPERFECTS used in a JUSSIVE sense. The exiles in Babylon (not Egypt) are commanded not to be afraid. YHWH will save (BDB 446, KB 448, Hiphil PARTICIPLE, cf. Jer. 23:3-4; 29:14) them! Notice the VERBS used to describe YHWH's people in Babylonian exile. do not fear (Jer. 46:28; see SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR) do not be dismayed I am going to save you (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SALVATION [OT]) you shall return you shall be undisturbed you shall be secure no one will make you tremble A new day of restoration and security is promised! In the literary unit of judgment on the nations there are several passages related to the exiles of Judah (cf. Jer. 50:4-10,17-20; 51:36-40,50-53). Remember, the term "remnant" is used in Jeremiah of three groups of Judeans. those taken to Babylon those left in Judah after the exile those who fled to Egypt The prophets affirm that #2, 3 will be destroyed but YHWH will save and restore #1 to Canaan and restart the Patriarchal covenants. SPECIAL TOPIC: REMNANT (three senses) SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS 46:28 The basis of the Babylonian exiles' hope is YHWH (notice the number of "I's") and His promises (cf. 2 Sam. 7:8-16). I am with you I shall make a full end of all the nations where you were exiled I shall not make an end of you I shall correct you properly Discipline but not judgment. This is similar to YHWH's promise to David's royal descendants in 2 Samuel 7:14. Jer. 46:27-28 is very similar theologically to Jer. 30:10-11. The theme of restoration is repeated for emphasis! YHWH is not a respector of persons or status. Sin brings judgment, but even in appropriate judgment, there is mercy and hope!