Jeremiah 46:5
Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!" declares the LORD.
What is this I see?
This phrase opens with a rhetorical question, indicating a sense of surprise or alarm. In the Hebrew text, the word for "see" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which means to perceive or understand. This suggests a sudden realization or revelation. The context here is God speaking through Jeremiah, observing the unexpected and chaotic retreat of the Egyptian army. This rhetorical question sets the tone for the divine perspective on the unfolding events, emphasizing God's omniscience and the futility of human plans against His will.

They are terrified
The Hebrew root for "terrified" is "חָתַת" (chatat), which conveys a sense of being shattered or dismayed. This word choice reflects the deep fear and panic that has gripped the Egyptian soldiers. Historically, this terror can be linked to the Battle of Carchemish, where the Egyptian forces were decisively defeated by the Babylonians. Theologically, it underscores the theme of divine judgment and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God's purposes.

they are retreating
The phrase "they are retreating" captures the image of a disorganized withdrawal. The Hebrew verb "נָסוֹג" (nasog) implies a backward movement, often used in military contexts to describe a retreat. This retreat is not strategic but rather a response to overwhelming fear and defeat. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual retreat of those who do not stand firm in faith, highlighting the consequences of relying on human strength rather than divine guidance.

their warriors are defeated
The term "warriors" in Hebrew is "גִּבּוֹרִים" (gibborim), which refers to mighty men or champions. These were the elite soldiers, the pride of Egypt's military might. Yet, despite their strength and training, they are "defeated," a word derived from "כָּשַׁל" (kashal), meaning to stumble or fall. This illustrates the biblical principle that no earthly power can withstand the judgment of God. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations and armies, reinforcing the message that true strength lies in obedience to Him.

They flee in haste
The phrase "flee in haste" conveys urgency and panic. The Hebrew verb "נָס" (nas) means to flee or escape quickly. This reflects the chaotic and desperate nature of the Egyptian retreat. Historically, this aligns with the swift and decisive nature of the Babylonian victory. Spiritually, it symbolizes the futility of fleeing from God's judgment and the importance of seeking refuge in Him instead.

without looking back
This phrase suggests a complete abandonment of hope and a focus solely on escape. The Hebrew idiom implies a lack of concern for what is left behind, indicating a total surrender to fear. In a broader biblical context, it echoes the account of Lot's wife, who looked back at Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). It serves as a warning against longing for or clinging to the past when God calls for forward movement in faith.

terror is on every side!
The phrase "terror is on every side" is a vivid depiction of the pervasive fear surrounding the Egyptians. The Hebrew "מִסָּבִיב" (missabib) means all around or encircling, emphasizing the inescapable nature of their dread. This phrase is often used by Jeremiah to describe the overwhelming presence of fear and judgment (Jeremiah 6:25, 20:3). It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and the peace that comes from trusting in His protection.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of God upon Judah and the surrounding nations.

2. Egypt
The nation being addressed in this prophecy. Egypt was a powerful kingdom in the ancient world, often in conflict with Israel and Judah.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah.

4. Warriors
The Egyptian soldiers who are described as being terrified and defeated in battle.

5. Terror on Every Side
A phrase indicating the overwhelming fear and panic that has gripped the Egyptian forces.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is subject to God's will and judgment.

The Futility of Human Strength
Human strength and military might are ultimately futile without God's favor. True security comes from reliance on God, not on earthly power.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who oppose His will. This serves as a warning to live in obedience to God.

The Importance of Repentance
Nations and individuals alike are called to repentance. Ignoring God's warnings leads to downfall and destruction.

Trust in God's Deliverance
Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, He is able to deliver His people from any situation. Trust in His power and timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of the Egyptian warriors in Jeremiah 46:5 illustrate the limitations of human power without God's support?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty over nations in today's world, and how should this influence our prayers for our own nation?

3. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strength rather than God's. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience?

4. How can the concept of "terror on every side" serve as a warning for those who live in opposition to God's will?

5. Compare the deliverance of Israel from Egypt in Exodus with God's promise of deliverance in other parts of Scripture. How does this encourage you in your personal walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 14
The defeat of the Egyptian army at the Red Sea is a historical parallel where God intervenes to protect His people and defeat their enemies.

Isaiah 19
Another prophecy against Egypt, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring them to humility.

Psalm 33:16-17
These verses emphasize that no king is saved by the size of his army, and no warrior escapes by his great strength, reinforcing the message of Jeremiah 46:5.
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, Apace, Backward, Beaten, Broken, Declares, Defeated, Dismayed, Drawing, Face, Facing, Fear, Fled, Flee, Flight, Haste, Mighty, Ones, Overcome, Refuge, Retreating, Round, Says, Sides, Terrified, Terror, War, Warriors, Wherefore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 46:5

     8302   love, abuse 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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