Today’s Daily Devotional bring us to Jeremiah 46 and 47. We witness Israel’s desperate flight to Egypt for protection against the looming threat of Babylon, only to find that both nations face God’s judgment. Check out the Daily Devotional on Jeremiah 44 and 45 to explore if you are seeking great things for yourself or are willing to follow the Lord.
Who Do You Look for Protection?
Amidst the geopolitical upheaval, Jeremiah’s prophecy offers a timeless message about divine judgment and God’s enduring mercy. As Babylon’s shadow darkens Egypt, hope emerges in the promise of salvation for Israel, revealing God’s unwavering faithfulness amidst destruction.
Jeremiah 46 and 47 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Jeremiah 46 and 47, Israel flees to Egypt for protection, but God will turn them over to Babylon too. Who do you look to for your protection? Please read or listen to the thirty-five verses of Jeremiah 46 and 47.
In 1991, when I was thirty-six years old, I read Jeremiah 46-48 (NASB) on the same day and wrote in my journal, “Jeremiah prophesies judgment on various countries. Why is God after them? ‘Vengeance . . . avenge Himself on his foes’ (46:10). ‘The time of punishment’ (46:21).”
In 2004, I was forty-nine years old, and read Jeremiah 46 and 47 on the same day. I was reading the Bible chronologically, so I also read 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles and various other passages and made no notes on these two chapters.
How Does God Protect Us?
In 2016, at sixty-one years old, I read Jeremiah 46 and 47 on the same day and wrote, “Egypt is next in God’s judgment. They too will fall to Babylon. Historical records should prove this happened. God will still protect Israel through it all, ‘I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished’ (46:28). Protection, preservation, yes, with discipline and punishment. That’s God.”
Jeremiah 46 | God Judges Egypt
The next few chapters of the Book of Jeremiah turn God’s face toward the nations that have harassed Israel. We start here, in chapter 46, with God’s judgment on Egypt. Though Israel went to Egypt for protection against Jeremiah’s advice, Jeremiah, also in Egypt, now proclaims God’s judgment against the nation of Egypt where they are located. In 46:13, the Word of God says, “The word that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt”.
As Babylon came and destroyed the city of Jerusalem, they will also come and destroy the capital city of Egypt, which was Memphis. “A beautiful heifer is Egypt, but a biting fly from the north has come upon her” (46:20). What an interesting description of the great and mighty Egypt as this biting fly, Babylon, comes to destroy her.
In the same chapter, verses 25-26 say, “The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, said: ‘Behold, I am bringing punishment upon Amon of Thebes, and Pharaoh and Egypt and her gods and her kings, upon Pharaoh and those who trust in him. I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their life, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers.’”
Verse 27 starts with “but,” and I am glad there are so many “buts” in scripture. Let’s read the “but” in 46:27, “But fear not, O Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel, for behold, I will save you from far away”. Continuing down to verse 28, “I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”
Despite the impending destruction of the protector, Egypt, Israel will be saved once again. That, friends, is God’s mercy. That is His grace. Over and over, He saves His people. Aren’t you glad that same mercy, that same grace, is extended to us even in our consistent disobedience? Praise God for His mercy and grace.
Prayer for Protection
Father, as we read these chapters in scripture, we understand You judge the nations, which means You judge all peoples on the earth. You use nations like You used Babylon to destroy Egypt, and You are going to use Babylon to destroy other nations that have come against Israel. Then, You will destroy Babylon itself. But Your people will last forever.
As we utter this prayer to You today, Israel still exists. Jews are in Israel and across this world. Your Word is true. You are a covenant keeper, and we thank You. May we turn our hearts toward You as You continue to turn Your heart toward us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
