Jeremiah 46:1
The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just a title; it's a declaration that God's word, which spoken through Jeremiah, was against the nations. This isn't simply about judgment on foreign lands, but a divine announcement that even powerful empires would ultimately be subject to and judged by the Lord's purposes.
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry here shifts to focus on the nations surrounding Judah, beginning with a powerful oracle against Egypt. This section is a collection of prophecies concerning foreign nations that were either enemies or had dealings with Israel, detailing God's judgment upon them and offering comfort to His people. It includes the famous defeat of Pharaoh Necho's army by Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish, an event that had significant implications for both Egypt and Judah, especially concerning the death of King Josiah.
You might think God's messages are only for His chosen people. But what if His Word is also aimed at the world?
This opening verse, Jeremiah 46:1, acts as a title card for a whole section of Jeremiah's prophecies. It specifically states that the "word of the LORD" came to Jeremiah concerning the "nations." This isn't just about Israel; God has a message, and often it's a message of judgment, for all the peoples around. These prophecies were collected together, not always in strict chronological order, but grouped because they all address the Gentile nations. God is the sovereign Lord over all the earth, not just one corner of it, and His justice and plans extend beyond the borders of Israel.
When God pronounces judgment on other nations, who is that really for? Discover the dual purpose behind these prophecies.
While these prophecies are "against the Gentiles" (nations), they served a crucial purpose for the people of Judah. As they faced their own struggles and the looming threat of exile, seeing God's hand at work against powerful empires like Egypt and Babylon could offer a measure of comfort. It showed that God was still in control, that He would deal with the enemies of His people, and that His justice was universal. Even in judgment, there's an underlying message of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them that He hadn't forgotten them.
Understand the original words
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.
This prophecy against Egypt, particularly its disastrous defeat at Carchemish, is intricately linked to the death of the godly King Josiah. It shows God's judgment on those who oppress His people and the ultimate sovereignty of Babylon, setting the stage for Judah's own calamitous future.
c. 609 BC— this verse
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar decisively defeated the Egyptian forces of Pharaoh Necho II, ending Egyptian dominance in the region and shifting the balance of power.
c. 609 BC
Death of King Josiah
During Pharaoh Necho's campaign, the Egyptian army clashed with King Josiah of Judah, who was killed in the battle of Megiddo, a significant blow to Judah's leadership and independence.
c. 609-598 BC
Jehoiakim's Reign
Following Josiah's death, Jehoiakim, installed by Pharaoh Necho, reigned in Judah, marked by tribute to Egypt and later to Babylon, increasing the nation's political instability.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the First Temple, leading to the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people.
This passage also details judgment against Egypt, focusing on God's declaration of making Egypt a desolate land for forty years, highlighting the consistent theme of divine judgment against nations in the prophetic books.
Isaiah 19:1-25Isaiah foretells a coming judgment upon Egypt, but also includes a promise of future blessing and restoration, showing a broader perspective on God's dealings with nations beyond just judgment.
Jeremiah 25:15-26This earlier passage provides a foundational list of nations against whom Jeremiah prophesied judgment, setting the context for the specific oracles against nations that begin here in chapter 46.
2 Kings 23:29-30This historical account describes the defeat of Pharaoh Necho by King Josiah and then later by Nebuchadnezzar, providing the historical backdrop to the prophecy of Egypt's downfall in Jeremiah 46.
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 isn't just a title; it's a declaration that God's word, which spoken through Jeremiah, was against the nations. This isn't simply about judgment on foreign lands, but a divine announcement that even powerful empires would ultimately be subject to and judged by the Lord's purposes.
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry here shifts to focus on the nations surrounding Judah, beginning with a powerful oracle against Egypt. This section is a collection of prophecies concerning foreign nations that were either enemies or had dealings with Israel, detailing God's judgment upon them and offering comfort to His people. It includes the famous defeat of Pharaoh Necho's army by Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish, an event that had significant implications for both Egypt and Judah, especially concerning the death of King Josiah.
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry here shifts to focus on the nations surrounding Judah, beginning with a powerful oracle against Egypt. This section is a collection of prophecies concerning foreign nations that were either enemies or had dealings with Israel, detailing God's judgment upon them and offering comfort to His people. It includes the famous defeat of Pharaoh Necho's army by Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish, an event that had significant implications for both Egypt and Judah, especially concerning the death of King Josiah.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Jeremiah 46:1 is available in the Sola app.
c. 586-568 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaigns
Following the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar conducted further campaigns, including an invasion of Egypt, as prophesied by Jeremiah.
"The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations." — This verse isn't just a title; it's a declaration that God's word, which spoken through Jeremiah, was against the nations. This isn't simply about judgment on foreign lands, but a divine announceme…
