Jeremiah Chapter 46 — Judgment on Egypt
Jeremiah prophesies the defeat of Egypt by the Babylonian army and concludes with a promise of protection for Israel.
1The LORD’s word which came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
2Of Egypt: concerning the army of Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah.
3“Prepare the buckler and shield,
4Harness the horses, and get up, you horsemen,
5Why have I seen it?
6“Don’t let the swift flee away,
7“Who is this who rises up like the Nile,
8Egypt rises up like the Nile,
9Go up, you horses!
10For that day is of the Lord, GOD of Armies,
11Go up into Gilead, and take balm, virgin daughter of Egypt.
12The nations have heard of your shame,
13The word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, how that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon should come and strike the land of Egypt:
14“Declare in Egypt,
15Why are your strong ones swept away?
16He made many to stumble.
17They cried there, ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise;
18“As I live,” says the King,
19You daughter who dwells in Egypt,
20“Egypt is a very beautiful heifer;
21Also her hired men in the middle of her are like calves of the stall,
22Its sound will go like the serpent,
23They will cut down her forest,” says the LORD,
24The daughter of Egypt will be disappointed;
25The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will punish Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with her gods and her kings, even Pharaoh, and those who trust in him.
26I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants. Afterwards it will be inhabited, as in the days of old,” says the LORD.
27“But don’t you be afraid, Jacob my servant.
28Don’t be afraid, O Jacob my servant,” says the LORD,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Jeremiah 46:10
“For that day is of the Lord, GOD of Armies, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge himself of his adversaries.”
This verse identifies the historical conflict as a spiritual event directed by God's authority rather than mere human politics.
Jeremiah 46:27
“But don’t you be afraid, Jacob my servant. Don’t be afraid, O Jacob my servant,” says the LORD.”
This verse provides a sharp contrast to the judgment of the nations by offering personal comfort and assurance to God's people.
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 46 begins a series of prophecies concerning the nations, starting with Egypt. The text focuses on the defeat of Pharaoh Necoh's army at the Battle of Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The prophet describes the mobilization of the Egyptian forces, including their shields, horses, and chariots, but declares that their efforts will fail because it is the day of the Lord's judgment. The prophecy extends to the eventual invasion of the land of Egypt itself, symbolizing the fall of Egyptian power. Despite the descriptions of destruction and the flight of Egyptian mercenaries, the chapter ends on a distinct note of comfort for Israel. God tells His servant Jacob not to be afraid, promising that while the nations will be disciplined, Israel will be preserved and eventually brought back from captivity. This chapter highlights God's sovereignty over global empires and his ongoing commitment to his covenant people.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Battle of Carchemish was a major historical conflict where Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeated the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Necoh. Jeremiah 46 describes this defeat as a judgment from God, signaling the end of Egypt's dominance in the region.
'Amon of No' refers to the primary deity of the Egyptian city of Thebes. The prophecy states that God will punish this god along with Pharaoh and the entire nation of Egypt to show His supremacy over their idols.
God promises that Jacob should not be afraid because He will save His people from afar and their offspring from captivity. While other nations may face complete destruction, God promises to correct Israel with justice and not leave them completely unpunished.
Study Note
This chapter marks the beginning of a distinct section in the book (chapters 46–51) containing oracles against foreign nations, reflecting the literary structure of other prophetic books.
Related Chapters
Jeremiah Chapter 47
The following chapter continues the prophecies against foreign nations, focusing on the Philistines.
Isaiah Chapter 19
This chapter contains another significant prophecy regarding the future of Egypt and its relationship with God.
Ezekiel Chapter 30
Ezekiel also records detailed prophecies about the fall of Egypt and the judgment of its cities.
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