Jeremiah 47:6

Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!'

Study Bible

Ah, sword of the LORD
The phrase "sword of the LORD" is a powerful metaphor representing divine judgment and warfare. In Hebrew, the word for "sword" is "חֶרֶב" (chereb), which often symbolizes destruction or divine retribution. The "sword of the LORD" indicates that the coming judgment is not merely a human conflict but an act of divine intervention. Historically, this reflects the period when God used nations as instruments of His judgment, particularly against the Philistines in this context. The sword is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority over nations and history.

how long until you rest?
This phrase expresses a yearning for the cessation of judgment and destruction. The Hebrew word for "rest" is "שָׁקַט" (shaqat), which means to be quiet or at peace. It reflects a deep desire for the end of turmoil and the beginning of peace. In the historical context, the people of the region, including Judah, would have been weary of the constant threat of warfare and longed for stability. Spiritually, this can be seen as a cry for God's mercy and the hope for His peace to prevail after a period of judgment.

Return to your sheath
The imagery of the sword returning to its sheath signifies the end of conflict and the restoration of peace. The sheath, or "נָדָן" (nadan) in Hebrew, is a place of rest for the sword, symbolizing the cessation of its use. This reflects a hope that God's judgment will be complete and that His wrath will be satisfied. It is a call for divine mercy, asking for the time of punishment to conclude so that healing and restoration can begin.

be still and silent
The call for the sword to be "still and silent" emphasizes the desire for peace and the end of divine wrath. The Hebrew words "דָּמַם" (damam) for "be still" and "חָרַשׁ" (charash) for "silent" convey a sense of calm and cessation of activity. This reflects a longing for the quiet that follows the storm of judgment, a time when God's people can reflect, repent, and return to Him. It is an inspirational reminder of the peace that God promises after a period of discipline, encouraging believers to trust in His ultimate plan for restoration and peace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and surrounding nations. He is known for his prophecies of judgment and hope.

2. Philistines
The people to whom this prophecy is directed. They were ancient enemies of Israel, residing in the coastal region of Canaan.

3. Sword of the LORD
A metaphor for God's instrument of judgment. It signifies divine retribution and the execution of God's will.

4. Gaza
A principal city of the Philistines, often mentioned in the context of judgment due to its opposition to Israel.

5. Babylonian Invasion
The historical event during which the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, conquered many nations, including the Philistines, as part of God's judgment.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Judgment
The "sword of the LORD" symbolizes God's righteous judgment. It serves as a reminder that God is just and will not overlook sin.

The Call for Repentance
The plea for the sword to "rest" and "return to your sheath" reflects a desire for peace and cessation of judgment, which can only come through repentance and turning back to God.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against the Philistines demonstrates God's control over all nations. He uses historical events to fulfill His purposes.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecies like this one serve to warn and guide people back to God. They are not just predictions but calls to action and reflection.

Hope Amidst Judgment
Even in judgment, there is hope for restoration. God's ultimate aim is to bring people back to Himself, offering peace and reconciliation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the "sword of the LORD" in Jeremiah 47:6 help us understand God's nature and His approach to justice?

2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of this prophecy in historical events, and how does that strengthen our faith in the reliability of Scripture?

3. How can the plea for the sword to "rest" inform our prayers for peace and justice in today's world?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' experience about the consequences of opposing God's will?

5. How can we apply the concept of divine judgment and mercy in our personal lives and communities, especially in light of other Scriptures that discuss God's justice and forgiveness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 34:5-6
This passage also uses the imagery of the sword of the LORD, emphasizing divine judgment against nations.

Ezekiel 21:3-5
Similar imagery of the sword is used to describe God's judgment, highlighting the inevitability and thoroughness of divine justice.

Psalm 37:15
Discusses the concept of the wicked falling by their own swords, illustrating the self-destructive nature of opposing God.