Jeremiah 47

King James Version

Full text for Jeremiah Chapter 47

1¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

2Thus 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.

3At 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;

4Because 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.

5Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off [with] the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

6O thou sword of the LORD, how long [will it be] ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

7How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Jeremiah receives a prophecy from the LORD against the Philistines, foretelling their utter destruction. An overwhelming invasion, likened to a flood from the north, will devastate their land and cities. This divine judgment will bring terror and ruin upon Gaza and Ashkelon, as the LORD's appointed 'sword' executes His will.

Medium Summary

The chapter opens with a divine word delivered to Jeremiah concerning the Philistines, prophesied before Pharaoh's assault on Gaza. The LORD declares that a powerful force, described as an overflowing flood rising from the north, will inundate the Philistine land and its inhabitants. This invasion will cause widespread terror, with the noise of chariots and horses instilling such fear that fathers will be too feeble to save their children. The purpose of this day is to spoil the Philistines, identified as the remnant of Caphtor, and to cut off any support from Tyre and Sidon. Gaza and Ashkelon are specifically marked for devastation, experiencing 'baldness' and being 'cut off.' A lament questions when the 'sword of the LORD' will cease its destruction, but the answer confirms it cannot rest, as the LORD Himself has charged it against Ashkelon and the entire Philistine coast.

Long Summary

The chapter commences with a specific prophetic word from the LORD, delivered to Jeremiah against the Philistines, notably before Pharaoh's military action against Gaza. The LORD reveals that a formidable invasion will emerge from the north, graphically depicted as 'waters rise up... an overflowing flood,' destined to engulf the entire Philistine land and its inhabitants. This overwhelming force will bring utter devastation to their cities and all who dwell within them, causing the men to cry out and all inhabitants to howl in despair. The sheer terror of the advancing army, marked by the thunderous noise of strong horses, rushing chariots, and rumbling wheels, will be so profound that fathers will be too feeble to even look back for their own children. This day is appointed by the LORD to utterly spoil the Philistines, identified as the remnant descended from Caphtor, and to sever all remaining support from their allies in Tyre and Sidon. Specific Philistine cities are singled out for judgment, with 'baldness' coming upon Gaza and Ashkelon being 'cut off' from their valley. The text then presents a poignant rhetorical question, '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.' This plea for cessation of violence is immediately answered by the divine decree, emphasizing the inevitability of the judgment. The 'sword' cannot be quiet because the LORD Himself has given it a specific charge and appointed its work against Ashkelon and the entire sea shore, ensuring the complete execution of His judgment against the Philistines.

Core Concepts

  • Divine ProphecyThis chapter records a specific prophecy from the LORD delivered to Jeremiah, foretelling the destruction of the Philistines.
  • Northern InvasionThe judgment is depicted as an overwhelming invasion originating from the north, likened to a devastating flood that will engulf the land and its inhabitants.
  • Widespread DevastationThe prophecy details the complete destruction of Philistine cities like Gaza and Ashkelon, with imagery of 'baldness' and being 'cut off,' signifying utter ruin.
  • Terror and HelplessnessThe advance of the invading army, with its thundering chariots and horses, will instill such profound fear that even fathers will be too feeble to protect their children.
  • The Sword of the LORDThis phrase personifies divine judgment, representing the instrument of God's wrath, which is commanded to execute His will against the Philistines without ceasing.
  • Divine AppointmentThe chapter emphasizes that this judgment is not random but divinely ordained, with the LORD Himself giving the 'sword' a specific charge against Ashkelon and the entire sea shore, ensuring its inevitable fulfillment.
  • Remnant of CaphtorThe Philistines are identified as the 'remnant of the country of Caphtor,' highlighting their historical origin and the comprehensive nature of the judgment against their people.