Jeremiah 46:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 46:5
5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 46 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, love, redemption. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 46:5
5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.
Analysis
Wherefore have I seen them dismayed (מַדּוּעַ רָאִיתִי הֵמָּה חַתִּים)—The interrogative maddua expresses shocked surprise: 'Why do I see...?' The adjective hattim (חַתִּים) means 'terrified' or 'shattered.' After v. 3-4's confident preparation, the sudden reversal is stunning. Turned away back (נְסֹגִים אָחוֹר) describes chaotic retreat—disciplined forces dissolving into panicked flight.
Their mighty ones are beaten down (gibboreihem, גִּבּוֹרֵיהֶם)—Egypt's elite warriors, the gibborim, flee without fighting. Fear was round about, saith the LORD (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב נְאֻם־יְהוָה)—The phrase magor missaviv ('terror on every side') is Jeremiah's signature expression (6:25, 20:3, 10), signifying God-sent panic that breaks military discipline.
Historical Context
Ancient battle accounts rarely describe such comprehensive panic among elite forces. The Babylonian Chronicles confirm Egypt's catastrophic defeat at Carchemish, stating Nebuchadnezzar 'accomplished their overthrow and beat them until they ceased to exist.' Divine terror caused military collapse beyond natural battlefield dynamics.
Reflection
- What causes elite warriors to flee without fighting when God sends supernatural fear?
- How does 'terror on every side' demonstrate judgment extending beyond physical defeat to psychological collapse?
- Why is God's declaration ('saith the LORD') crucial for understanding this as divine judgment, not mere military misfortune?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 6:25, 46:21, 49:29