Jeremiah 47:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 47:2
2 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 47 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, obedience, faith. 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 6-7: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 47:2
2 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.
Analysis
Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה הִנֵּה־מַיִם עֹלִים מִצָּפוֹן)—The mayim olim (rising waters) metaphor depicts Babylonian invasion as an unstoppable flood. And shall be an overflowing flood (וְהָיוּ לְנַחַל שׁוֹטֵף) uses nachal shotef (torrential stream), evoking the destructive power of flash floods in desert wadis. The imagery contrasts with the "north" motif—Babylon approaches from arid regions but comes like overwhelming waters.
Then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl (וְזָעֲקוּ הָאָדָם וְהֵילִל כֹּל־יוֹשֵׁב הָאָרֶץ)—zaaq (cry out) and heilil (howl/wail) denote desperate lamentation. The comprehensive kol yoshev ha'arets (all inhabitants of the land) leaves no one untouched by judgment.
Historical Context
Mesopotamian armies were often compared to floods in ancient Near Eastern literature. The Babylonian Chronicle confirms Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns along the Mediterranean coast (c. 604-603 BC), fulfilling this prophecy. Philistine cities like Ashkelon were destroyed during these invasions.
Reflection
- Why does Scripture use water imagery (usually associated with blessing) to describe judgment?
- How does the "north" consistently represent threat throughout Jeremiah's prophecies?
- What does universal crying and howling teach about the comprehensive nature of divine judgment?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 1:14
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 8:16, 46:20