Jeremiah 47:2

This is what the LORD says: "See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail

Study Bible

“This is what the LORD says”
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction is a common prophetic formula, indicating that the message is not from the prophet's own mind but directly from God. It reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and recognizing His ultimate authority over all creation.

“See, waters are rising from the north”
The imagery of "waters rising" symbolizes an overwhelming force, often used in the Bible to depict invading armies or divine judgment. The "north" refers to the direction from which many of Israel's historical enemies, such as Babylon, would come. This geographical reference is significant, as it aligns with historical events where northern powers threatened Israel and its neighbors. The rising waters convey a sense of impending doom and unstoppable power, urging the audience to prepare for what is to come.

“and will become an overflowing torrent.”
An "overflowing torrent" suggests a flood that cannot be contained, symbolizing the totality and inevitability of the coming judgment. In the ancient Near East, floods were both life-giving and destructive, depending on their context. Here, the destructive aspect is highlighted, indicating that the judgment will be thorough and devastating. This metaphor serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and the certainty of God's justice.

“They will overflow the land and everything in it,”
The phrase "overflow the land" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment. It will affect "everything in it," indicating that no part of the land or its inhabitants will be spared. This totality reflects the seriousness of the people's sins and the thoroughness of God's response. It serves as a reminder of the pervasive impact of sin and the need for repentance and divine intervention.

“the cities and those who dwell in them.”
The specific mention of "cities" and "those who dwell in them" highlights the human impact of the coming judgment. Cities, as centers of culture, commerce, and community, represent the heart of societal life. The judgment will disrupt daily life and bring about significant upheaval. This serves as a call to the people to turn back to God, recognizing that their security and prosperity are ultimately dependent on Him.

“The people will cry out,”
The response of the people, "cry out," indicates a reaction of distress and desperation. In times of crisis, the natural human response is to seek help and express anguish. This phrase suggests that the judgment will lead to a recognition of their helplessness and need for divine assistance. It is a call to repentance, urging the people to turn to God in their time of need.

“and all the inhabitants of the land will wail.”
The word "wail" conveys a deep, mournful lament, reflecting the profound sorrow and regret of the people. This emotional response underscores the severity of the judgment and the realization of its consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of turning away from God and the importance of seeking His mercy and forgiveness. The collective nature of the wailing indicates a shared experience of suffering and the need for communal repentance and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgments through the prophet Jeremiah.

2. Waters from the North
Symbolic of an invading force, often interpreted as the Babylonians, who were known to come from the north to conquer lands.

3. The Land
Refers to Philistia, the region inhabited by the Philistines, who were historical enemies of Israel.

4. The Cities
The urban centers within Philistia that would be affected by the invasion.

5. The People
The inhabitants of Philistia who would suffer the consequences of the invasion.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage highlights God's control over nations and His use of them to execute judgment. Believers should recognize God's sovereignty in world events and trust His ultimate plan.

The Certainty of God's Word
Just as the prophecy against Philistia was fulfilled, God's Word is reliable and true. Christians are encouraged to trust in the promises and warnings found in Scripture.

The Consequences of Sin
The judgment on Philistia serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It calls believers to examine their lives and repent where necessary.

The Call to Intercession
Seeing the impending judgment, believers are reminded of their role to intercede for others, praying for mercy and repentance for those who are far from God.

Hope in God's Deliverance
While the passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope that God provides a way of deliverance for those who turn to Him. Believers are encouraged to share this hope with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "waters rising from the north" help us understand the nature of God's judgment in this passage?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to how He used nations in biblical times?

3. How can the certainty of God's Word, as seen in fulfilled prophecies, strengthen our faith in His promises?

4. What are some practical ways we can intercede for others who may be facing spiritual or physical "floods" in their lives?

5. How can we balance the message of judgment with the message of hope and deliverance when sharing the gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 8:7-8
This passage also uses the imagery of overflowing waters to describe an invading army, specifically the Assyrians, as a judgment from God.

Ezekiel 26:19
Similar imagery of waters and flooding is used to describe the judgment against Tyre, another city-state that faced divine retribution.

Psalm 93:3-4
While this psalm speaks of the majesty and power of God over the waters, it can be contrasted with the destructive power of waters as a metaphor for judgment.