Bible Commentaries

Jeremiah 47:1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

Ver. 1. Before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.] Called also Gazer and Gazera, having its name not from the Persian Gaza, signifying wealth or treasure, but from a Hebrew word signifying strength. It was first smitten by Pharaoh at his return from Carchemish likely, after he had slain Josiah, and afterwards worsted the Babylonian at Euphrates. Next by Nebuchadnezzar; this and the four other satrapies of the Philistines were overrun then when he came against Egypt. After that it was besieged and taken by Alexander the Great, who laid it waste. Yet was it built again and called Constantia, after the name of Constantine the Great’s sister, being one of the chief cities in Syria, and having received the faith. ^(a)

Jeremiah 47:2 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.

Ver. 2. Behold, waters rise up out of the north.] The Chaldean, as a mighty torrent, shall overflow the whole country, and bury all as it were in one universal grave of waters, as once at the deluge. So Isaiah 8:7. This seemeth to have been done somewhat before Egypt was destroyed, when Moab, Ammon, and Syria, and therein Palestine, drank of the same cup.

Jeremiah 47:3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong [horses], at the rushing of his chariots, [and at] the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to [their] children for feebleness of hands;

Ver. 3. The fathers shall not look back to their children.] Though never so dear to them - φιλτατα the Greeks call them, and the Latins have their filius of φιλος - but shall be solicitous of their own lives only. Qui de Deo ne tantillum quidem fuerant solliciti.

For feebleness of hands.] Through fear and fail of vital spirits, so as to forget natural affection also.

Jeremiah 47:4 Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Ver. 4. Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines.] God will find a time of vengeance to fall upon the wicked enemies of his people, though he bear long with them. Patientia Dei quo diuturnior, eo minacior. "The wicked practiseth against the just, and guasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming." [Psalms 37:12-13]

And to cut off from Tyrus and Sidon.] The inhabitants whereof were the Philistines’ kinsmen and confederates, but could not rescue them or deliver themselves from the Chaldean conqueror.

The remnant of the country of Caphtor.] These Caphtorim were neither the Cappadocians, the Cyprians, nor the Colchians, as sundry make them; but as of the same lineage with the Philistines, [Genesis 10:13-14] so their complices and confederates, with whom therefore they were to fare alike.

Jeremiah 47:5 Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off [with] the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

Ver. 5. Baldness is come upon Gaza,] i.e., Extreme grief, which might have been prevented, had she profited by her former calamity. [Jeremiah 47:1] But till God come in with sanctifying grace, afflictions, those hammers of his, do but beat upon cold iron. [Leviticus 19:27-28 Jeremiah 16:6]

Ashkelon is cut off.] Or, Is silenced; which was wont to be full of singing, dancing, and loud luring. Here was born, they say, Herod the infanticide, surnamed therefore Ascalonita. ^(a)

With the remnant of their valley.] Palestine lay most of it low, and was yet to be laid lower.

Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long [will it be] ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

Ver. 6. O thou sword of the Lord.] So called because whencesoever it cometh it is bathed in heaven. [Isaiah 34:5] See Jeremiah 25:29, 7:18; 7:20.

How long will it be ere thou be quiet?] Erisne in opere semper? Wilt thou ever be eating flesh and drinking blood? War, the shorter the better. Of the pirates’ war, as the Romans called it, Augustine ^(a) reporteth to the just commendation of Pompey, that it was by him incredibill celeritate et temporls brevitate eonfectum, quickly despatched and made an end of.

Jeremiah 47:7 How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.

Ver. 7. How can it be quiet?] Heb., How shalt thou be quiet? Here the prophet quieteth himself howsoever by a humble submission to his holy will, who had put the sword in commission. God’s will is the rule of right, neither can force or entreaty prevail aught against it in this world, much less in the world to come, where each one must hold him to his doom, which is irreversible.