The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is the heading for a section of prophecies, but it’s crucial to see that the word "against" (or "concerning" in some translations) also carries the sense of "in regard to" or "about." It’s not just judgment, but God’s divine word actively addressing the nations, revealing His plan and sovereignty over them all.
The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces a series of prophecies directed not at Judah, but at the surrounding nations. It marks a shift from Jeremiah's messages to his own people, now turning to pronounce God's judgment against the Gentile powers, beginning with Egypt. This section addresses the military and political upheaval of the time, specifically mentioning the battle of Carchemish where Egypt was defeated by Babylon.
You might think prophecies against nations are only about punishment. But there's a bigger picture here, even for God's people.
This opening verse, Jeremiah 46:1, serves as a title for a whole section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 46-51) that speak against the nations. While these are indeed prophecies of judgment, commentators like Poole and Clarke highlight that they also served a purpose for God's people, Israel. They were meant to bring "relief and satisfaction" to the Jews, reminding them that God was actively working in the world, even through judgment, and was not abandoning them. This shows God's sovereign hand is over all nations, not just His chosen people.
Why group prophecies against other nations at the end of Jeremiah's book? It wasn't just random placement.
Commentators like Ellicott and Benson point out that these prophecies concerning the nations are often seen as an 'appendix' to the prophecies more directly concerning Israel. While the exact chronological order isn't always clear (as Calvin notes, some prophecies were made earlier than their placement might suggest), the collectors of Jeremiah's writings grouped these together. This grouping likely served to emphasize that God's message and His actions extended beyond Judah, impacting the whole world. It provided a broader context for Israel's own struggles, showing they were part of a larger divine plan unfolding across history.
Understand the original words
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel (Yahweh). It signifies His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His people as revealed in the Old Testament.
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
A person chosen and commissioned by God to communicate His divine message to His people, often functioning as a mouthpiece for God to declare judgment, repentance, or future promises.
goy · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the non-Israelite peoples of the world. In biblical context, it often highlights God's sovereignty over the entire earth, not just His covenant people.
Jeremiah's prophecy concerning Egypt is deeply rooted in the geopolitical struggles of the late 7th century BC, particularly the clash between the rising Babylonian Empire and the ambitions of Pharaoh Necho II. The stunning defeat at Carchemish in 605 BC serves as the primary historical anchor for this prophetic word, highlighting God's sovereignty over even the most powerful empires.
c. 610 BC
Pharaoh Necho II ascends throne
Pharaoh Necho II begins his reign, a period marked by Egyptian ambitions to reassert control over the Levant, clashing with the rising power of Babylon.
609 BC
Battle of Megiddo
Pharaoh Necho II leads his army north to Carchemish, engaging and defeating the Judean army led by King Josiah, who is killed in the battle.
605 BC— this verse
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon decisively defeats the Egyptian army of Pharaoh Necho II, marking the end of Egyptian dominance in the region and the rise of Neo-Babylonian power.
c. 605 BC
Jeremiah's prophecies against nations compiled
Following the Babylonian victory at Carchemish, Jeremiah delivers prophecies against various nations, including Egypt, consolidating them into a collection that would later form part of his book.
c. 585 BC
Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar II likely conducts a major campaign into Egypt, fulfilling earlier prophecies and further weakening the Egyptian kingdom.
c. 570 BC
Fall of Pharaoh Hophra
Pharaoh Hophra, who had sought to resist Babylonian power, is overthrown and later killed by his successor Amasis, fulfilling further prophetic pronouncements.
This passage provides a broader context for prophecies against the nations, listing many of them and describing God's judgment upon them, which Jeremiah 46 begins to fulfill.
Ezekiel 29:1-20Ezekiel also prophesies against Egypt, detailing its downfall and desolation, offering a parallel perspective on God's judgment against this powerful nation.
Isaiah 19:1-25This chapter similarly addresses Egypt, predicting its devastation and confusion, but also includes a promise of future restoration and inclusion with Israel and Assyria, showing God's overarching plan.
2 Kings 23:29-30This historical account describes Pharaoh Necho's military actions, including his encounter with King Josiah, which is the historical backdrop for the prophecy in Jeremiah 46 and sheds light on the conflict God addresses.
Nahum 3:1-19Nahum also pronounces judgment against a powerful ancient empire, Nineveh, demonstrating the consistent theme throughout the prophets of God holding nations accountable for their actions.
barnesJeremiah 46:1: "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"
Against the Gentiles - Or, concerning the nations Jeremiah 46-49 :33.
calvinJeremiah 46:1-2: "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"
Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.
Quantum ad Aegyptum, contra exercitum Pharaonis Necho, regis Aegypti qui erat super flumen Euphratem in Charchamis, quem percussit Nabuchadnezer, rex Babylonis, anno quarto Jeh…
This verse is the heading for a section of prophecies, but it’s crucial to see that the word "against" (or "concerning" in some translations) also carries the sense of "in regard to" or "about." It’s not just judgment, but God’s divine word actively addressing the nations, revealing His plan and sovereignty over them all.
This verse introduces a series of prophecies directed not at Judah, but at the surrounding nations. It marks a shift from Jeremiah's messages to his own people, now turning to pronounce God's judgment against the Gentile powers, beginning with Egypt. This section addresses the military and political upheaval of the time, specifically mentioning the battle of Carchemish where Egypt was defeated by Babylon.
This verse introduces a series of prophecies directed not at Judah, but at the surrounding nations. It marks a shift from Jeremiah's messages to his own people, now turning to pronounce God's judgment against the Gentile powers, beginning with Egypt. This section addresses the military and political upheaval of the time, specifically mentioning the battle of Carchemish where Egypt was defeated by Babylon.
"The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations." — This verse is the heading for a section of prophecies, but it’s crucial to see that the word "against" (or "concerning" in some translations) also carries the sense of "in regard to" or "about." It’s…
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Last reviewed October 2026