Jeremiah 46:1-16 ▼

1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the [Gentile] nations.

2 Concerning Egypt, against the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated [decisively] in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:

3 “Line up the buckler (small shield) and [large] shield, And advance for battle!

4 “Harness the horses, And mount, you riders! Take your stand with your helmets! Polish the spears, Put on the coats of mail!

5 “Why have I seen it? They are terrified And have turned back, And their warriors are beaten down. They take flight in haste Without looking back; Terror is on every side!” Says the LORD.

6 Do not let the swift man run, Nor the mighty man escape; In the north by the river Euphrates They have stumbled and fallen.

7 Who is this that rises up like the Nile [River], Like the rivers [in the delta of Egypt] whose waters surge about?

8 Egypt rises like the Nile, Even like the rivers whose waters surge about. And He has said, “I will rise, I will cover that land; I will certainly destroy the city and its inhabitants.”

9 Charge, you horses, And drive like madmen, you chariots! Let the warriors go forward: Ethiopia and Put (Libya) who handle the shield, And the Lydians who handle and bend the bow.

10 For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of hosts, A day of vengeance, that He may avenge Himself on His adversaries. And the sword will devour and be satiated And drink its fill of their blood; For the Lord GOD of hosts has a sacrifice [like that of a great sin offering] In the north country by the river Euphrates.

11 Go up to Gilead and obtain [healing] balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you use many medicines; For you there is no healing or remedy.

12 The nations have heard of your disgrace and shame, And your cry [of distress] has filled the earth. For warrior has stumbled against warrior, And both of them have fallen together.

13 The word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:

14 “Declare in Egypt and proclaim in Migdol, And proclaim in Memphis and in Tahpanhes; Say, ‘Take your stand and get yourself ready, For the sword has devoured those around you.’

15 “Why have your strong ones been cut down? They do not stand because the LORD drove them away.

16 “He will make many stumble and fall; Yes, they have fallen one on another. Then they said, ‘Arise, and let us go back To our own people and to the land of our birth, Away from the sword of the oppressor.’