Jeremiah 46:23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse powerfully uses the imagery of an "impenetrable forest" to describe Egypt, but the real punch is that the invading army is even more numerous than the locusts that would consume such a forest. It's not just that Egypt is difficult to get through; it's that God's judgment is so overwhelmingly vast, it will overcome even the most daunting obstacle.
They shall cut down her forest, declares the LORD, though it is impenetrable, because they are more numerous than locusts; they are without number.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is delivering a prophecy of judgment against Egypt, specifically its impending invasion by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. This verse paints a vivid picture of the invaders overwhelming Egypt, depicted metaphorically as a dense, impenetrable forest, emphasizing their sheer, uncountable numbers like a swarm of locusts descending to consume everything in their path. The prophecy foretells the complete devastation of Egypt's strength and prosperity, even though it seemed unassailable before this onslaught.
Why would God compare a nation like Egypt to a dense, impenetrable forest that needs to be cut down?
Jeremiah uses vivid imagery here. "Her forest" is a metaphor for Egypt itself.
A Mighty Nation
When judgment comes, it's not always small-scale. What does the comparison to "locusts" reveal about God's power and judgment?
The reason this "impenetrable forest" will be cut down is revealed in the second half of the verse: the sheer number of the attackers.
God's Mighty Hand
Ask a follow-up
Jeremiah's prophecy here paints a vivid picture of an overwhelming enemy invasion, likely referring to the Persian conquest. Egypt, once a powerful regional force, is depicted as a dense, seemingly impenetrable forest, yet it will be relentlessly cleared by an innumerable foe, just as the Persians eventually conquered it.
c. 667 BC
Assyrian Dominance in Egypt
The Neo-Assyrian Empire exerts significant influence and control over Egypt, weakening its independence and setting the stage for later invasions.
609 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar II, decisively defeats the Egyptian forces and their Assyrian allies, marking the end of Egyptian dominance in the region and the rise of Babylon.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Campaign
Nebuchadnezzar II invades Syria and defeats another Egyptian army, solidifying Babylonian control and impacting Egypt's regional power.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and exiles much of the Jewish population to Babylon. Many Jewish refugees later fled to Egypt, seeking safety.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers the Neo-Babylonian Empire. While this changes the ruling power, the prophecies against Egypt remain relevant.
525 BC— this verse
Persian Conquest of Egypt
The Persian Empire, under Cambyses II, conquers Egypt, incorporating it into their vast empire. This marks a significant period of foreign rule for Egypt.
This passage directly parallels Egypt as a 'forest' being cut down, specifically by Assyria, highlighting the theme of a powerful empire being brought low by overwhelming force.
Joel 1:4This verse describes the devastating locust plague, providing the literal imagery for the 'innumerable' enemy described in Jeremiah, emphasizing the totality of destruction.
Judges 6:5This passage also uses the imagery of locusts to describe an invading army's vastness and destructive power, reinforcing the comparison in Jeremiah 46:23.
Ezekiel 29:18This prophecy against Egypt speaks of Nebuchadnezzar taking spoil and laboring against it, reflecting the forceful conquest and dismantling of Egypt's strength implied in Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 51:25This verse describes Babylon as a mountain being rolled down and destroyed, echoing the theme of powerful, seemingly impenetrable entities being utterly crushed by divine judgment.
pulpitJeremiah 46:23: "They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable."
Verse 23. - They shall cut down; better, they cut down. The prophet is describing a picture which passes before his inner eye. Though it cannot be searched; rather, for it cannot be searched out. The subject of the verb is uncertain. De Dieu's explanation is, "Because the forest is so dense, so intricate, it is necessary to clear a pat…
clarkeJeremiah 46:23: "They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable."
They shall cut down her forest - Supposed to mean her cities, of which Egypt had no fewer than one thousand and twenty.
This verse powerfully uses the imagery of an "impenetrable forest" to describe Egypt, but the real punch is that the invading army is even more numerous than the locusts that would consume such a forest. It's not just that Egypt is difficult to get through; it's that God's judgment is so overwhelmingly vast, it will overcome even the most daunting obstacle.
Jeremiah is delivering a prophecy of judgment against Egypt, specifically its impending invasion by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. This verse paints a vivid picture of the invaders overwhelming Egypt, depicted metaphorically as a dense, impenetrable forest, emphasizing their sheer, uncountable numbers like a swarm of locusts descending to consume everything in their path. The prophecy foretells the complete devastation of Egypt's strength and prosperity, even though it seemed unassailable before this onslaught.
Jeremiah is delivering a prophecy of judgment against Egypt, specifically its impending invasion by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. This verse paints a vivid picture of the invaders overwhelming Egypt, depicted metaphorically as a dense, impenetrable forest, emphasizing their sheer, uncountable numbers like a swarm of locusts descending to consume everything in their path. The prophecy foretells the complete devastation of Egypt's strength and prosperity, even though it seemed unassailable before this onslaught.
"They shall cut down her forest, declares the LORD, though it is impenetrable, because they are more numerous than locusts; they are without number." — This verse powerfully uses the imagery of an "impenetrable forest" to describe Egypt, but the real punch is that the invading army is even more numerous than the locusts that would consume such a for…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
