Jeremiah 46:13

This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:

Study Bible

This is the word that the LORD spoke
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. In the context of the Old Testament, the phrase "the word of the LORD" signifies a direct communication from God, often delivered through a prophet. This underscores the authority and reliability of the prophecy. The role of a prophet was to convey God's messages to His people, often calling them to repentance or warning them of impending judgment.

to Jeremiah the prophet
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," was called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by persecution and personal suffering. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was crucial during a time of great political upheaval and spiritual decline in Judah.

about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II was the powerful ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for his military conquests and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. His campaigns against Egypt were part of his broader strategy to dominate the ancient Near East. This prophecy highlights the geopolitical realities of the time, where Babylon was emerging as a dominant power.

to strike the land of Egypt
Egypt, a significant power in the ancient world, often found itself in conflict with Babylon. This prophecy foretells a specific military campaign by Nebuchadnezzar against Egypt, which historically occurred around 568-567 BC. The mention of Egypt serves as a reminder of the shifting alliances and power struggles that characterized the region. Egypt's reliance on its gods and military might is contrasted with the sovereignty of the LORD, who orchestrates the rise and fall of nations.

This prophecy also serves as a reminder of God's control over history and His ability to use even pagan nations to accomplish His purposes. The judgment on Egypt can be seen as a fulfillment of earlier prophecies and a demonstration of God's justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of Judah and the surrounding nations. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his heartfelt laments over the sins of his people.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his conquests and the expansion of the Babylonian Empire. He played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah, including the destruction of Jerusalem.

3. Egypt
A powerful nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a place of refuge and a symbol of worldly power. In this context, Egypt is the target of God's judgment through Babylon.

4. Babylon
An ancient empire known for its military prowess and cultural achievements. It was used by God as an instrument of judgment against various nations, including Judah and Egypt.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is sovereign over all nations and uses them to accomplish His purposes.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and uses them to fulfill His divine purposes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's plan, even when world events seem chaotic.

The Futility of Trusting in Worldly Powers
Egypt, a symbol of worldly strength, is shown to be vulnerable to God's judgment. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in human institutions or powers.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah are God's messengers, delivering His word to the people. Their messages often include warnings of judgment and calls to repentance, which are still relevant today.

Judgment and Redemption
God's judgment is not arbitrary but serves a purpose in His redemptive plan. Understanding this helps believers see the bigger picture of God's work in history.

Historical Context and Its Relevance
Understanding the historical context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of Scripture and its application to our lives today.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways might you be tempted to rely on "Egypt" (worldly powers) in your life, and how can you shift your trust to God?

3. What can we learn from Jeremiah's role as a prophet about how we should respond to God's messages today?

4. How does the prophecy against Egypt demonstrate both God's justice and His mercy?

5. How can studying the historical context of biblical prophecies enhance your understanding and application of Scripture in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 19
This chapter contains a prophecy against Egypt, similar to Jeremiah's message, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring judgment and redemption.

Ezekiel 29-32
These chapters also contain prophecies against Egypt, emphasizing the futility of relying on Egypt for security and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

2 Kings 24-25
These chapters describe the historical context of Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns, including the fall of Jerusalem, providing background to the events prophesied by Jeremiah.