Chronological Bible Study – Aug 22

What I Noticed Today (Jeremiah 46-48)

Jeremiah 46-51

In Jeremiah 1-45, Jeremiah’s prophetic focus was on Judah. In Jeremiah 45-51 his focus shifts to pronounce God’s judgment on the heathen nations surrounding Judah.

Jeremiah 46

Jeremiah 46 contains the Lord’s word through Jeremiah regarding Egypt.

In verses 1-6, Pharaoh Neco was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of king Jehoiakim of Judah (605 B.C.).

The Lord describes the battle which took place at Carchemish as the Egyptian soldiers were defeated by the Babylonians. Many of the Egyptian soldiers attempted to flee, but in the confusion, they stumbled and fell.

In verses 7-12, the Lord says, Egypt was trying to imitate the Nile river by spreading their armies over the earth. Though Egypt was strong, the battle would belong to the Lord, and He would take vengeance on Egypt and destroy her. The nations around Egypt would hear of her shame.

In verses 13-19, Jeremiah describes how the Babylonians would come to attack Egypt. The attack warning would be sounded in Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes (see Jeremiah’s description in Jeremiah 44:1). The soldiers hired by the Egyptians were unable to stand because the Lord came against them, so they decided to retreat to their own homelands to avoid the sword of the Babylonians. Pharaoh Hophra bragged that he would defeat the Babylonians but his words were just noise. God warned the people to pack for exile because Memphis would soon be laid waste.

In verses 20-24, Jeremiah used similes and metaphors to describe how Egypt would fall to Babylon. Egypt was a beautiful heifer bitten by a gadfly from the north. Egypt’s mercenaries were like fattened calves ready for slaughter. Egypt was like a fleeing serpent who could do nothing to avoid the woodcutter’s axe. Babylon’s army is like a swarm of locusts, too numerous to be counted.

In verses 25-26, the Lord confirms He will bring punishment to Amon of Thebes and Pharaoh of Egypt and all those who trust in him. They will all be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar.

In verses 27-28, the Lord concludes by reassuring Judah and Israel that, while He will punish them, He will not destroy them completely.

Jeremiah 47

In verse 1, Jeremiah directs his next prophecy against the Philistines before Pharaoh defeated Gaza (the date is uncertain, but 609 B.C. is likely).

In verses 2-7, Babylon is described as rising water from the north that will overflow all the land of the Philistines and cut off Tyre and Sidon from receiving help from the Philistines. They will shave their heads and cut themselves (signs of mourning) because of the destruction of God’s sword (Babylon).

Jeremiah 48

The next prophetic judgment is against Moab.

In verses 1-5, Nebo (Numbers 32:37-38) and Kiriathaim (Joshua 13:19) cities of the tribe of Reuben were both captured by the Moabites but now would be captured by others. Other cities that would fall include Madmen, and Horonaim, as people fled weeping to Luhith.

In verses 6-10, the people of Moab will flee to escape the coming judgment and destruction. Their riches will be taken, and Chemosh (their god, 1 Kings 11:7) will not be able to save them. The destruction will come upon every town, valley, and plateau throughout the land. Nations appointed to destroy Moab would be cursed if they were lax in completing their work.

In verses 11-13, Jeremiah describes Moab as having enjoyed peace but the days were coming when they would become ashamed of their god Chemosh, just as Israel was ashamed when they had trusted in Bethel (one of the golden calves).

In verses 14-17, Moab was confident in the ability of their soldiers, but the Lord declared their defeat was at hand. Jeremiah called on the people of nearby nations to grieve for defeated Moab.

In verses 18-25, Jeremiah lists eleven Moabite cities that will be destroyed. They are cities on hills and in plateaus. The general movement of the list goes from north to south. Jeremiah described two symbols of strength that would be broken, the animal’s horn and the arm, to illustrate how Moab’s power would be broken.

In verses 26-28, Jeremiah described Moab like a drunken man who wallowed in his vomit and is now to be ridiculed by others. The scorn Moab had directed to Israel would now come upon her.

In verses 29-33, Jeremiah describes the issue with Moab being her pride, arrogance, and haughtiness of heart. Moab, once a land known for its fruitful vineyards would be laid waste, and the flow of wine and shouts of joy would cease.

In verses 34-39, Jeremiah mentions another seven towns in Moab, again moving from north to south that would be devastated. The Lord will bring an end to the worship of foreign gods and high places. The riches of Moab have perished, and the people have shaved their heads and cut off their beards, cut themselves, and wore sackcloth (all signs of mourning). There is wailing throughout the land. Moab is in shame and a horror to all that surrounds them.

In verses 40-44, Jeremiah describes Moab’s enemy like an eagle that will spread its wings against Moab seizes its town. The soldier’s hearts will melt. Moab will be no longer because they opposed the Lord. Terror, the pit, and the snare await the people. He who flees in terror will fall into the pit. He who escapes the pit will be trapped in the snare. None will escape the Lord’s punishment.

In verses 45-47, Jeremiah quotes verses from a song of Heshbon (Numbers 21:27-29) that describes the destruction of Moab, the people of Chemosh. Depending on the translation, “In the days to come” or “In the latter days” (the Millennial reign of Christ) the Lord promised He would restore the fortunes of Moab.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 49-50

What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.