Jeremiah 2:18

Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates?

Study Bible

Now what will you gain
This phrase challenges the people of Israel to consider the futility of their actions. The Hebrew word for "gain" here is "שָׂכָר" (sakar), which can also mean "profit" or "reward." The rhetorical question implies that there is no true benefit or reward in seeking alliances with foreign nations instead of relying on God. Historically, Israel often sought political and military alliances with powerful neighbors, but these alliances frequently led to spiritual compromise and disaster.

by traveling along the road to Egypt
Egypt, in the biblical context, often symbolizes a place of bondage and reliance on human strength rather than divine provision. The "road to Egypt" signifies a return to old dependencies and a lack of faith in God's ability to protect and provide. The Israelites had a history of looking back to Egypt for help, despite their deliverance from slavery there. This phrase serves as a warning against returning to past sins and dependencies.

to drink the waters of the Nile?
The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, representing its power and prosperity. In seeking to "drink the waters of the Nile," the Israelites were metaphorically seeking sustenance and security from a source other than God. The Hebrew word for "waters" is "מַיִם" (mayim), which can also symbolize life and blessing. However, in this context, it represents a false source of life, contrasting with the living water that God provides.

What will you gain by traveling along the road to Assyria
Assyria was another powerful nation that Israel looked to for protection. The "road to Assyria" symbolizes a path of political alliances that ultimately led to Israel's downfall. Historically, Assyria was a dominant force in the region, and Israel's attempts to align with them often resulted in subjugation and loss of sovereignty. This phrase underscores the futility of seeking security in worldly powers rather than in God.

to drink the waters of the Euphrates?
The Euphrates River was a major water source for Assyria, much like the Nile was for Egypt. To "drink the waters of the Euphrates" is to seek life and sustenance from Assyria. The Euphrates, in this context, represents another false source of security. The Israelites' reliance on foreign powers is depicted as a misguided attempt to find life and prosperity outside of God's provision. The rhetorical question emphasizes the emptiness of such pursuits and calls the people back to trust in God alone.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation to the southwest of Judah, often seen as a place of refuge or alliance in times of political instability. Historically, Egypt was a land of bondage for the Israelites, and returning there symbolized a lack of trust in God's provision.

3. Assyria
A dominant empire to the northeast of Judah, known for its military might and oppressive rule. Assyria was often a threat to smaller nations, including Israel and Judah, and seeking alliance with them was seen as a compromise of faith.

4. Nile
The major river in Egypt, symbolizing the life and sustenance that Egypt could offer. In this context, it represents reliance on foreign powers rather than on God.

5. Euphrates
A significant river in Assyria, representing the strength and resources of the Assyrian empire. Like the Nile, it symbolizes misplaced trust in human power.

Teaching Points

Misplaced Trust
The Israelites' desire to seek help from Egypt and Assyria reflects a deeper issue of misplaced trust. Instead of relying on God, they looked to human powers for security and provision.

Historical Lessons
The history of Israel's bondage in Egypt serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Returning to Egypt symbolizes a regression in faith and trust.

Spiritual Adultery
Seeking alliances with foreign nations is akin to spiritual adultery, as it represents a breach of the covenant relationship with God.

Modern Parallels
Today, believers are tempted to place their trust in worldly systems, wealth, or power rather than in God. This passage challenges us to examine where we place our trust.

Call to Repentance
Jeremiah's message is a call to repentance, urging the people to return to God and forsake their reliance on foreign powers.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "Egypts" or "Assyrias" that people might turn to instead of trusting in God?

2. How does the history of Israel's relationship with Egypt inform our understanding of Jeremiah 2:18?

3. In what ways can we identify and correct misplaced trust in our own lives?

4. How do the themes in Jeremiah 2:18 connect with the warnings found in Isaiah 31:1 and 2 Kings 18:21?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our trust remains in God rather than in worldly powers or resources?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 31:1
This verse warns against seeking help from Egypt, emphasizing reliance on God rather than foreign powers.

2 Kings 18:21
This passage describes the futility of relying on Egypt, likening it to a broken reed.

Psalm 20:7
This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, highlighting the theme of misplaced trust.