Jeremiah 46:7-8
“Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge? Egypt rises like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge. He said, ‘I will rise, I will cover the earth, I will destroy cities and their inhabitants.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just a description of a mighty army; it's a brilliant poetic jab. The prophet compares Egypt's advancing forces to the Nile, their own sacred river, highlighting how their perceived strength is actually just a familiar, predictable force, not an unstoppable divine power. It's like saying, "You think you're a world-shaking flood, but you're just the same old river everyone knows."
The prophet Jeremiah is speaking against Egypt, which is preparing to march to war, specifically to confront the Babylonian army at Carchemish. This verse captures the immense, overwhelming force of the Egyptian army as it advances, using the imagery of the Nile River's flood to illustrate its power and the fear it inspires. It sets the stage for God's pronouncement that this mighty force will be defeated.
Understand the original words
ye'or · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, it often refers to the supreme power or force of nature used as a metaphor for the unstoppable, encroaching judgment of God or the prideful expansion of a nation.
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The verse uses the powerful imagery of the Nile River to describe the Egyptian army's advance, a natural metaphor for Egyptians themselves. However, it's set against the backdrop of their military defeat and retreat, highlighting God's judgment on their perceived might.
609 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II decisively defeated the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Necho II. This battle marked a shift in regional power from Egypt to Babylon.
c. 605 BC— this verse
Egyptian Army's Return
Following their defeat at Carchemish, the remnants of the Egyptian army, under Pharaoh Necho II, retreated through Judah. This verse is a prophecy against this army as it makes its way back.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II captured Jerusalem and deported a significant portion of its elite, including members of the royal family and learned individuals, to Babylon.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians, and another large group of Judeans were exiled to Babylon, marking a devastating period for the Southern Kingdom.
clarkeJeremiah 46:7: "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"
Who is this that cometh up as a flood - The vast concourse of people is here represented as a river: for instance, the Jordan, suddenly swollen with the rains in harvest, rolling its waters along, and overflowing the whole country. A fine image to represent the incursions of vast armies carrying all before them. Such was the army of Pharaoh-necho in its march to Carchemish.
calvinJeremiah 46:7-8: "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"
- Aegyptus tanquam lacus ascendit (ascendet, ad verbum, sed significat continuum actum,) et tanquam fluvii sese movent aquae: dixit enim, Ascendam et operiam terram; perdam urbem et qui habitant in ea.
The Prophet again meets those doubts which might have possessed the minds of the godly, so as to prevent them to receive this prophecy in faith and with due reverence: for we have said, that when our…
This isn't just a description of a mighty army; it's a brilliant poetic jab. The prophet compares Egypt's advancing forces to the Nile, their own sacred river, highlighting how their perceived strength is actually just a familiar, predictable force, not an unstoppable divine power. It's like saying, "You think you're a world-shaking flood, but you're just the same old river everyone knows."
The prophet Jeremiah is speaking against Egypt, which is preparing to march to war, specifically to confront the Babylonian army at Carchemish. This verse captures the immense, overwhelming force of the Egyptian army as it advances, using the imagery of the Nile River's flood to illustrate its power and the fear it inspires. It sets the stage for God's pronouncement that this mighty force will be defeated.
The prophet Jeremiah is speaking against Egypt, which is preparing to march to war, specifically to confront the Babylonian army at Carchemish. This verse captures the immense, overwhelming force of the Egyptian army as it advances, using the imagery of the Nile River's flood to illustrate its power and the fear it inspires. It sets the stage for God's pronouncement that this mighty force will be defeated.
"“Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge? Egypt rises like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge. He said, ‘I will rise, I will cover the earth, I will destroy cities and their inhab…" — This isn't just a description of a mighty army; it's a brilliant poetic jab. The prophet compares Egypt's advancing forces to the Nile, their own sacred river, highlighting how their perceived streng…
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