What is the meaning of Jeremiah 46:5? Why am I seeing this? Jeremiah’s exclamation shows the prophet suddenly witnessing a vision of Egypt’s army collapsing. The question captures surprise—Egypt had long seemed invincible to surrounding nations. • Jeremiah often opens visions with a startled “Why?” (Jeremiah 4:21; 14:8). • Habakkuk voiced a similar shock: “Why do You make me see iniquity?” (Habakkuk 1:3). The phrase reminds us that God lets His servants see what ordinary eyes miss, so that the coming judgment can be announced with certainty. They are terrified Egypt’s seasoned soldiers are now gripped by fear. • “The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him” (Isaiah 19:1) predicted nationwide panic. • When Israel crossed the Red Sea, terror fell on Egypt (Exodus 15:16); the same God can repeat judgment generations later. What man boasts in today can be swept away tomorrow when the Lord turns courage into dread. They are retreating The army once marching in confidence now turns its back. • After Babylon’s rise, “The king of Egypt did not march out of his land again” (2 Kings 24:7). • Jeremiah later says, “Her mercenaries also retreat” (Jeremiah 46:21). A forced retreat undercuts human pride and exposes false security in military strength. Their warriors are defeated Defeat is total—officers and elite troops fall together. • “Why have your mighty ones been laid low? They cannot stand” (Jeremiah 46:15). • Ezekiel echoes, “Egypt’s proud strength will come to an end” (Ezekiel 30:18). God’s sovereignty over battles ensures that no earthly power can resist His decreed outcome. They flee in haste without looking back Panic drives the rout; self-preservation overrides discipline. • Lot was told, “Run for your lives! Do not look back” (Genesis 19:17); here the soldiers do it instinctively. • In prophetic warnings to Judah, God had said the same picture would occur (Deuteronomy 28:25). When God’s hand moves, even trained warriors scatter like startled animals. Terror is on every side! Jeremiah’s trademark phrase “Magor-Missabib” appears again (Jeremiah 20:3). • “I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!” (Psalm 31:13). • “Do not go out on the road, for the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side” (Jeremiah 6:25). The expression sums up utter helplessness: danger presses from every direction, leaving no refuge except the Lord Himself. declares the LORD The closing words anchor the vision in divine authority. • “The mouth of the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 1:20) carries judicial weight; so does “declares the LORD” throughout Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:8; 4:28). Because the statement comes from God, its fulfillment is guaranteed—history must bend to His pronouncement. summary Jeremiah 46:5 portrays Egypt’s proud army crumbling in sudden panic: terrified, retreating, defeated, fleeing headlong under all-encompassing terror. Each phrase shows the Lord dismantling human strength to prove that He alone rules nations and wars. What seemed unshakable falls instantly when God speaks. The verse therefore urges every reader to place trust not in earthly power but in the unassailable word the Lord has declared. |
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