Jeremiah 46:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 46:7
7 Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 46 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, sacrifice, fellowship. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 46:7
7 Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?
Analysis
Who is this that cometh up as a flood (מִי־זֶה כַּיְאֹר יַעֲלֶה)—The interrogative introduces poetic imagery mocking Egypt's imperial arrogance. Ye'or (יְאֹר) specifically designates the Nile River, Egypt's lifeblood and symbol of national power. The simile compares Egypt's military expansion to the Nile's annual inundation—seemingly unstoppable, life-giving to Egypt, overwhelming to others.
Whose waters are moved as the rivers—The verb yitgaʿashu (יִתְגָּעֲשׁוּ) means 'surge' or 'toss violently,' describing turbulent floodwaters. Egypt's military campaigns rolled forth like floodwaters—chaotic, powerful, apparently irresistible. Yet this rhetorical question anticipates v. 8's answer, then v. 9-12's devastating reversal. Like Pharaoh before the Red Sea, Egypt's 'flood' will drown them.
Historical Context
The Nile's annual flood was central to Egyptian civilization, religion, and self-understanding. Pharaohs were considered divine guarantors of the inundation. Using this imagery, Jeremiah targets Egypt's foundational national pride—their god-like power to bless or destroy. Yet Yahweh controls even the Nile (Exodus 7:17-21).
Reflection
- How does the Nile imagery expose the fundamental idolatry underlying Egyptian national confidence?
- Why is it significant that God mocks Egypt using their own religious symbol (the Nile flood)?
- What 'floods' of human power appear unstoppable today, yet remain under God's sovereign control?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 47:2, Daniel 11:22