Jeremiah 46:13
The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
After Carchemish (605 BC), Nebuchadnezzar campaigned repeatedly toward Egypt. His full invasion of Egypt occurred around 568 BC, documented in fragmentary Babylonian texts. This came after Egypt's Pharaoh Hophra encouraged Judah's final rebellion (Jeremiah 37:5-7), leading to Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC. Egypt's consistent role as a 'broken reed' (Isaiah 36:6) that injured those trusting it justified this later invasion. Apries (Pharaoh Hophra) was eventually overthrown, partially fulfilling these prophecies.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's use of pagan Nebuchadnezzar teach about His sovereignty over all nations?
- How does this prophecy vindicate God's justice against Egypt's long history of oppressing and misleading His people?
- Why is it important that this word came from the LORD rather than Jeremiah's political analysis?
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Analysis & Commentary
The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt—This verse introduces a second oracle against Egypt, predicting Nebuchadnezzar's later invasion of Egypt itself (fulfilled 568 BC). The phrase devar-YHWH (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, "word of the LORD") emphasizes divine origin—this is not political speculation but prophetic certainty. The verb nakah (נָכָה, "smite") means to strike down, defeat utterly, demonstrating God's active judgment through pagan Babylon.
Significantly, God calls Nebuchadnezzar by name and identifies his role as divine instrument. Though pagan, Nebuchadnezzar executes God's purposes (cf. Isaiah 45:1 where Cyrus is called God's "anointed"). This reveals God's absolute sovereignty—He raises up and casts down empires according to His will (Daniel 2:21, 4:17). Egypt, who enslaved Israel and resisted God's purposes through Pharaoh Necho's interference in Judah (killing righteous King Josiah, 2 Kings 23:29), would face comprehensive judgment. The prophecy's later fulfillment confirmed Jeremiah as true prophet versus the false prophets who promised Egypt's continued strength.