Jeremiah 46:3
Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.
Original Language Analysis
עִרְכ֤וּ
Order
H6186
עִרְכ֤וּ
Order
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
1 of 5
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
מָגֵן֙
ye the buckler
H4043
מָגֵן֙
ye the buckler
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
2 of 5
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
וְצִנָּ֔ה
and shield
H6793
וְצִנָּ֔ה
and shield
Strong's:
H6793
Word #:
3 of 5
a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)
Cross References
Isaiah 21:5Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.Nahum 2:1He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily.Nahum 3:14Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.Joel 3:9Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:
Historical Context
Egyptian military confidence stemmed from centuries of imperial dominance and advanced chariot warfare technology. Under Pharaoh Necho II, Egypt sought to fill the power vacuum after Assyria's collapse (612 BC). This verse captures Egypt's aggressive military posture before Carchemish's catastrophic defeat shattered their empire.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God use ironic military commands to highlight the futility of resisting His purposes?
- How does meticulous battle preparation become meaningless when fighting against God's decree?
- What modern 'shields and bucklers' do nations or individuals trust instead of divine sovereignty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Order ye the buckler and shield (עִרְכוּ מָגֵן וְצִנָּה)—The Hebrew imperative irkhu commands battle readiness. Magen (מָגֵן) designates the small round shield, tsinnah (צִנָּה) the large body shield. This begins a vivid, ironic taunt: God commands Egypt to prepare thoroughly for battle—only to demonstrate the futility of human military preparation against divine decree.
Draw near to battle (וּגְשׁוּ לַמִּלְחָמָה)—The verb geshu means 'approach' or 'advance.' The poetic structure mimics a commander's urgent war cry, creating dramatic tension before the devastating reversal in v. 5-6. This rhetorical technique mocks Egypt's confidence, similar to Isaiah's taunts against Babylon (Isaiah 47:1-15).