What is the meaning of Jeremiah 46:23?

They will cut down her forest

Jeremiah pictures Egypt’s strength, resources, and population as a lush forest. Just as a woodsman fells trees, the Babylonian army will strip Egypt bare.

• Similar imagery appears in Isaiah 10:33-34 and Zechariah 11:2, where proud nations are likened to forests brought low.

• In Jeremiah 46 the “forest” points to Egypt’s fortified cities (v. 19) and vast manpower; nothing will be left standing when God’s judgment comes.

---

declares the LORD

The prophecy carries God’s own signature, guaranteeing its fulfillment.

• Jeremiah often punctuates warnings with this phrase (Jeremiah 1:8; 25:30); it reminds hearers that the prophet is only the messenger.

• Because the LORD speaks, neither Pharaoh’s gods (Jeremiah 46:25) nor Egypt’s alliances (Isaiah 31:1) can overturn the decree.

---

dense though it may be

Even the thickest forest is no match for determined lumberjacks; likewise, Egypt’s apparent invincibility will prove illusory.

• Psalm 33:16-17 notes that “a mighty army” cannot deliver a nation when God opposes it.

• Isaiah 10:18 shows how God’s fire can consume a “glorious forest” in a day; density offers no protection against divine judgment.

---

for they are more numerous than locusts

Babylon’s troops will swarm over Egypt the way locusts devour crops, leaving desolation behind.

• Joel 2:3-5 describes a locust-like host advancing with unstoppable force—a fitting picture for Babylon (Jeremiah 51:14).

• Judges 6:5 likens Midianite raiders to locusts; the metaphor communicates sheer numbers and relentless appetite.

---

they cannot be counted

The invading horde will be beyond calculation, overwhelming every defense.

• Jeremiah 15:8 speaks of enemies multiplied “beyond number,” showing that God can raise limitless forces to accomplish His purpose.

• Nahum 3:15-17 compares Assyria’s soldiers to countless locusts who appear overnight; Egypt now faces the same fate.

---

summary

Jeremiah 46:23 assures that God’s judgment on Egypt will be total and unstoppable. He Himself orders the Babylonians to strip Egypt as lumberjacks strip a forest, regardless of her size or strength. Egypt’s defenses—once thick and formidable—will be leveled by an innumerable army sent by the LORD, proving that no earthly power can stand when God has decreed its downfall.