Question 1

What is happening in this prophecy about Egypt and Babylon?

Accepted Answer

This chapter shows God speaking through Jeremiah about coming judgment on Egypt. Egypt’s army, led by Pharaoh-necho, had once been strong and feared, but now God says they will be crushed by Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, near the Euphrates River. The passage describes Egypt’s proud plans, its battle cries, and then its panic and defeat. God calls this “the day of the Lord of hosts,” a day of vengeance on His enemies. At the same time, God promises that His own people, though scattered, will one day be rescued and brought back to peace.

Question 2

Why does God judge Egypt so harshly in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God judges Egypt because of its pride, its trust in military power, and its opposition to His purposes. Egypt thinks it can rise like a flood and cover the earth, boasting that it will destroy cities and people. But God shows that no army, no matter how well-armed or full of allies, can stand when He decides to bring judgment. The harsh language about the sword, sacrifice, and blood shows how serious sin and rebellion are. God is not acting out of cruelty, but as a just judge who will not let proud nations stand against Him forever.

Question 3

What does the picture of Egypt rising like a flood mean?

Accepted Answer

When Egypt is pictured as rising like a flood, it points to its confidence and swelling pride. The Nile River floods its banks, so the image fits Egypt well. Egypt imagines itself spreading over the land, saying, “I will go up, I will cover the earth, I will destroy the city.” It is a way of saying, “We are unstoppable.” But the rest of the passage shows that this flood is quickly turned back. God allows their plans to be broken, their soldiers to run, and their strength to fail, proving that human power is limited.

Question 4

What is meant by going to Gilead to take balm, and not being healed?

Accepted Answer

Gilead was known for balm, a healing ointment for wounds. When God tells Egypt to go up to Gilead and take balm, He is speaking in a bitterly ironic way. Egypt is called a “virgin daughter,” unused to defeat, and is told to seek medicine. But God says all the medicines will do no good. The wound is from His judgment, and no human remedy can cure it. The point is that when God brings down a nation for its sin, clever plans, foreign help, and earthly fixes cannot remove His hand of judgment.

Question 5

Who is Nebuchadrezzar in this passage, and what role does he play?

Accepted Answer

Nebuchadrezzar is the king of Babylon in this passage. God uses him and his army as instruments to carry out judgment on Egypt. The prophecy says that he will strike Egypt at Carchemish by the Euphrates and later come into the land of Egypt itself. Though Babylon is a powerful empire, the text shows that its power is not its own. God is the one who gives them victory and hands Egypt, Pharaoh, and those who trust in Pharaoh into their hands. This shows that God rules over kings and uses them to fulfill His plans.

Question 6

Why do the soldiers complain that Pharaoh is only a noise?

Accepted Answer

After the defeat, those who had trusted Pharaoh cry out that he is only “a noise” and that he has let the appointed time pass. This means they see him as all talk and no action, full of boastful sound but without real help in the day of trouble. They had looked to him for safety, but when the Babylonian sword came, he could not protect them. The line shows the emptiness of trusting in human leaders instead of God. When God brings judgment, even the strongest ruler is shown to be weak.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character and power?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is sovereign over all nations, not just over His own people. He decides when armies rise and fall. He calls the day of Egypt’s defeat “the day of the Lord of hosts,” showing that He leads the hosts of heaven and earth. He is just, bringing a “day of vengeance” on His adversaries, but He is also faithful and merciful. While He says He will make a full end of the nations where He has driven His people, He will not make a full end of Jacob, but will correct them in measure and then rescue them.

Question 8

Why does God tell Jacob not to fear while judging other nations?

Accepted Answer

At the end of this strong word against Egypt, God turns to His people and twice says, “Fear not, O my servant Jacob.” They had been scattered and taken into other lands because of their sin. God does not ignore their guilt; He says He will correct them and not leave them unpunished. Yet He also promises to save them from far away, bring their children back from captivity, and give them rest and ease with no one to make them afraid. This shows that even in times of judgment, God remembers His promises and keeps a people for Himself.

Question 9

How can a modern reader apply the message of this passage?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns against putting trust in human strength, armies, leaders, or alliances instead of God. Egypt’s wealth, allies, and soldiers could not protect it when God set Himself against them. Today, people may trust in money, governments, or their own plans in the same way. The chapter also comforts those who belong to God. Even when He disciplines, He does not forget or abandon His people. A reader can take this as a call to humble trust in God, to turn from pride, and to rest in His promise to be with those who are His.

Jeremiah 46:1

The word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

Judgment on Egypt

Judgment on Egypt

Cross References

Jeremiah 46:1

The word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

Share Options

All Verses

Verse + Context

Current Verse

Judgment on Egypt

Judgment on Egypt

Cross References