Jeremiah 46:26
I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives--of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD.
I will deliver them
This phrase signifies God's sovereign control over the nations. The Hebrew root for "deliver" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or hand over. This reflects God's authority to execute judgment and fulfill His divine purposes. Historically, this demonstrates God's active role in the rise and fall of empires, emphasizing His ultimate power over human affairs.

into the hands of those who seek their lives
This phrase indicates a transfer of power and control. The "hands" symbolize authority and possession. The "seek their lives" refers to those who pursue with intent to conquer or destroy. This is a vivid depiction of the impending doom for Egypt, highlighting the seriousness of God's judgment against those who oppose His will.

into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar is a central figure in the Babylonian Empire, known for his military conquests and the Babylonian captivity of Judah. His mention here underscores the historical reality of Babylon's dominance and serves as a reminder of God's use of pagan nations to accomplish His purposes. The historical context of Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Egypt aligns with archaeological findings and extra-biblical records.

and his officers
The term "officers" refers to the military leaders and officials under Nebuchadnezzar's command. This highlights the organized and systematic nature of Babylon's military might. It also reflects the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, involving not just the king but his entire administration.

Afterward, however, Egypt will be inhabited as in times past
This phrase offers a glimpse of hope and restoration. The word "afterward" suggests a future beyond judgment, indicating God's mercy and the possibility of renewal. "Inhabited as in times past" implies a return to normalcy and stability, reflecting God's grace and the cyclical nature of history where nations rise, fall, and rise again.

declares the LORD
This phrase affirms the divine authority and certainty of the prophecy. The use of "declares" (Hebrew "נְאֻם" - ne'um) emphasizes the solemnity and unchangeable nature of God's word. It reassures the reader of the reliability of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His plans.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Egypt.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his conquests and the Babylonian exile of the Israelites.

3. Egypt
A powerful nation in ancient times, often in conflict with Israel and Judah, and subject to God's judgment in this passage.

4. Babylon
The empire under Nebuchadnezzar that God used as an instrument of judgment against various nations, including Egypt.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who declares His sovereign plans and purposes over nations.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and uses them to fulfill His purposes. This should remind us of His ultimate authority and our need to trust in His plans.

Judgment and Restoration
God's judgment is often followed by a promise of restoration. This pattern encourages us to seek repentance and hope in God's mercy.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecies like those in Jeremiah serve as warnings and calls to repentance. They remind us to heed God's word and align our lives with His will.

Historical Context and Modern Application
Understanding the historical context of biblical events helps us apply their lessons to our lives today, recognizing the timeless nature of God's truth.

Trust in God's Timing
The prophecy of Egypt's future habitation teaches us to trust in God's timing, even when His plans unfold over long periods.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's use of Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of judgment affect your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can the pattern of judgment followed by restoration in Jeremiah 46:26 encourage you in your personal spiritual journey?

3. How can you apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nations to your personal life and decisions?

4. What steps can you take to ensure you are heeding God's warnings and aligning your life with His will, as seen in the prophecies of Jeremiah?

5. How does the promise of Egypt's future habitation inspire you to trust in God's timing and plans for your life and community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 25:9
This verse also speaks of Nebuchadnezzar as God's servant, used to bring judgment upon nations, including Egypt.

Ezekiel 29:19
This passage parallels Jeremiah 46:26, where God gives Egypt into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar as a reward for his service.

Isaiah 19:21-22
These verses prophesy a future time when Egypt will turn to the LORD, showing a pattern of judgment followed by restoration.

Daniel 4:17
Highlights God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of men, reinforcing the theme of divine control seen in Jeremiah 46:26.
Punishment not Destruction But Purification and PreservationS. Conway Jeremiah 46:26
Judgment Going on from the House of GodS. Conway Jeremiah 46:1-28
People
Amon, Cushites, Ethiopians, Jacob, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Lud, Ludim, Lydia, Lydians, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Pharaohnecho, Phut
Places
Babylon, Carchemish, Carmel, Cush, Egypt, Euphrates River, Gilead, Lud, Memphis, Migdol, Nile River, Put, Tabor, Tahpanhes, Thebes
Topics
Affirmation, Afterward, Afterwards, Babylon, Declares, Deliver, Egypt, Hands, However, Inhabited, Later, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuchadrez'zar, Officers, Past, Peopled, Power, Says, Seek, Seeking, Servants
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 46:25-26

     8739   evil, examples of

Library
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
(Revelation, Chapters vi.-viii.) "God Almighty! King of nations! earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne! Thine the greatness, power, and glory, Thine the kingdom, Lord, alone! Life and death are in Thy keeping, and Thy will ordaineth all: From the armies of Thy heavens to an unseen insect's fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, ruling myriad worlds of light; Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might! Working all things by Thy power, by the counsel of Thy will. Thou art God!
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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