What is the meaning of Jeremiah 46:14? Announce it in Egypt “Announce it in Egypt …” (Jeremiah 46:14) • God directs Jeremiah to broadcast this warning inside Egypt itself, not merely to neighboring nations. • The Lord has always made His judgments public (cf. Jeremiah 25:17–19), giving every listener the chance to heed. • Even a foreign power like Egypt is accountable to the God of Israel, echoing His dealings with Nineveh in Jonah 3:4 and His pronouncements against Tyre in Ezekiel 26. and proclaim it in Migdol “… and proclaim it in Migdol …” (46:14 b) • Migdol sat near Egypt’s northeastern frontier (Exodus 14:2), so the alarm begins at the border where invasion will first be felt. • Jeremiah had already addressed the Jewish refugees living there (Jeremiah 44:1), showing that both Egyptians and any Judeans who trusted Egypt for safety would hear the same warning. • This mirrors how judgment starts at the gateway before sweeping inward (cf. Amos 3:11). proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes “… proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes …” (46:14 c) • Memphis (also called Noph, Isaiah 19:13) was Egypt’s long-standing capital; Tahpanhes (Jeremiah 2:16) was a fortified royal residence in the Delta. • By naming strategic northern, central, and frontier cities, God pictures the whole land under His scrutiny—no corner exempt, much like His exhaustive listing of Moab’s towns in Jeremiah 48. • The triple repetition “announce … proclaim … proclaim” underscores urgency and universality (cf. Revelation 14:6-7, the eternal gospel proclaimed “to every nation, tribe, language, and people”). Take your positions and prepare yourself “‘Take your positions and prepare yourself …’” (46:14 d) • Soldiers are told to stand ready, echoing Jeremiah 46:3-4 (“Prepare buckler and shield … Harness the horses”). • Yet the earlier verses revealed their preparations would fail before Babylon (46:5-6). The command therefore exposes Egypt’s misplaced confidence: muster every resource, it will not save you (cf. Nahum 3:14-15 to Nineveh). • For believers, the scene reminds us to put on the Lord’s armor, not merely human strength (Ephesians 6:10-13). for the sword devours those around you “… for the sword devours those around you.’” (46:14 e) • The “sword” points to Nebuchadnezzar’s unstoppable advance (Jeremiah 46:13). • Judgment has already consumed neighboring nations—“those around you”—as a sober precedent (Jeremiah 25:29; Ezekiel 21:4). Egypt is next. • God’s word stands literal and certain: when He says the sword devours, it does (Jeremiah 1:12). summary Jeremiah 46:14 is a trumpet blast echoing across Egypt’s borders, forts, capitals, and garrisons. God commands the warning to be shouted everywhere, revealing His sovereign reach over every nation. Egypt may ready its troops, yet the divine sword already mowing down surrounding peoples is now poised to strike her. The verse calls us to recognize that no earthly stronghold can shield from the Lord’s decrees; only humble submission to Him secures true safety. |
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