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Jeremiah 47

7 verses

TL;DR

God announces judgment upon the Philistines, declaring a flood and destruction that will engulf their cities and allies.

Summary

Jeremiah relays the Lord’s warning that the Philistines will face catastrophic judgment. Verse 2 describes an impending northern flood that will overflow the land, causing terror among the inhabitants. The text portrays the Philistines’ military strength with chariots and horses, yet declares that their day of destruction is imminent, cutting off aid from Tyrus and Zidon. Verse 5 lamentably notes the city of Gaza’s baldness, symbolizing desolation, while Ashkelon’s remnant is also cut off. The passage concludes with a plea for the sword of the Lord to rest, acknowledging the divine decree against the Philistines and their coastal forces.

Outline
  1. Divine warning of impending judgment on the Philistines.
  2. Description of the flood and siege, highlighting military might.
  3. Announcement of the destruction of Philistine cities and their allies.
Themes
Divine judgment and wrathThe inevitability of punishment for wickednessThe vulnerability of even mighty nations
Keywords
LordjudgmentfloodPhilistinesGazaAshkelonswordscabbardchariots
People
JeremiahPharaoh
Places
GazaAshkelonTyrusZidonCaphtor
Things
Overflowing floodSword of the LORDScabbardChariotsHorses
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 47:2: Introduces the catastrophic flood that will engulf the Philistines.
  • Jeremiah 47:4: Highlights the divine decree to cut off the Philistines’ allies.
  • Jeremiah 47:5: Symbolically describes Gaza’s desolation as baldness.
Questions
  • Why does the LORD specifically target the Philistines in this judgment?
  • What does the imagery of a flood and a sword convey about divine judgment?
  • How does the destruction of allied cities (Tyrus, Zidon) affect the Philistines’ ability to resist?
  • What might 'baldness' symbolize in the context of Gaza’s fate?
  • In what ways does the plea for the sword to rest reflect the hope of peace after judgment?
Sentiment

negative
The chapter conveys divine wrath and impending destruction.