Jeremiah 46:1

This is the word of the LORD about the nations--the word that came to Jeremiah the prophet

Study Bible

This is the word of the LORD
The phrase "the word of the LORD" is a powerful declaration of divine communication. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which signifies not just a spoken word but an active, dynamic force that accomplishes God's will. This phrase underscores the authority and authenticity of the message. It is not merely a human opinion but a divine revelation. The LORD, or "Yahweh," is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His relationship with His people. This introduction sets the tone for the seriousness and reliability of the prophecy that follows.

that came to Jeremiah the prophet
The phrase "that came to Jeremiah" indicates the divine initiative in the prophetic process. Jeremiah, whose name means "Yahweh exalts," was chosen by God to be His mouthpiece. The role of a prophet in ancient Israel was to convey God's messages to the people, often calling them back to faithfulness. Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was marked by personal sacrifice and suffering, yet he remained faithful to his calling. The term "prophet" (Hebrew: "navi") implies one who is called or appointed to speak on behalf of God, highlighting the sacred responsibility and burden of delivering God's messages.

concerning the nations
This phrase expands the scope of Jeremiah's prophecy beyond Israel and Judah to include the surrounding nations. The Hebrew word for "nations" is "goyim," which often refers to Gentile peoples. This indicates that God's sovereignty and concern extend to all peoples, not just His chosen nation. Historically, this reflects the geopolitical realities of Jeremiah's time, as the nations mentioned in subsequent verses were significant players in the ancient Near East. Theologically, it underscores the universal scope of God's judgment and salvation, reminding us that God's plans encompass the entire world. This phrase sets the stage for the specific prophecies against various nations that follow, demonstrating God's control over history and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations. His ministry spanned over 40 years during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate source of the prophetic messages delivered by Jeremiah. This emphasizes the divine authority behind the prophecies.

3. The Nations
Refers to the various Gentile nations surrounding Israel, including Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, and others. This highlights the scope of God's sovereignty and His concern for all peoples, not just Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is not limited to Israel; His authority and concern extend to all nations. This reminds us that God is the ruler of the entire world and that His plans are comprehensive.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah serve as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages faithfully. This calls us to respect and heed the words of Scripture, recognizing them as divinely inspired.

Judgment and Accountability
The prophecies against the nations remind us that all people and nations are accountable to God. We should live with an awareness of God's justice and strive to align our lives with His will.

God's Concern for All Peoples
God's messages to the nations show His concern for all humanity. As Christians, we are called to share God's love and truth with all people, regardless of their background.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over all nations affect your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can we, like Jeremiah, be faithful in delivering God's message to those around us?

3. How do the prophecies against the nations in Jeremiah 46 and other scriptures challenge us to consider our own accountability before God?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are aligning our lives with God's will, knowing that He holds all people accountable?

5. How can we actively demonstrate God's concern for all peoples in our daily interactions and outreach efforts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 13-23
Similar to Jeremiah 46, these chapters contain prophecies against various nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all the earth and His ability to judge nations according to His righteousness.

Ezekiel 25-32
These chapters also contain oracles against the nations, reinforcing the theme that God holds all nations accountable and that His plans encompass the entire world.

Amos 1-2
Amos begins with judgments against the nations surrounding Israel, showing that God's justice is impartial and extends beyond His chosen people.