What is the meaning of Jeremiah 47:1? This is the word of the LORD – The verse opens by declaring that what follows is not human opinion but divine revelation. – Such phrasing underscores perfect authority and absolute reliability, echoing 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed,” and 2 Peter 1:21, where prophecy is said to come as men “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – Jeremiah regularly introduces messages this way (Jeremiah 1:4; 2:1), reminding readers that every warning or comfort he delivers carries the weight of God’s own voice. that came to Jeremiah the prophet – The message arrives through a man specifically called and set apart (Jeremiah 1:5). – Jeremiah’s faithfulness in relaying hard truths, even under persecution (Jeremiah 20:7–9), models obedience for all who receive God’s word today. – Amos 3:7 affirms the pattern: “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets,” showing God’s consistent practice of speaking through chosen messengers. about the Philistines – God’s concern extends beyond Israel; He addresses surrounding nations, proving His universal sovereignty (Isaiah 14:29–32; Ezekiel 25:15–17). – The Philistines, long-time foes of Israel (1 Samuel 5; 2 Samuel 5:17–25), are not forgotten by the LORD; their deeds matter to Him, and He will judge righteously. – This oracle reminds readers that no nation stands outside God’s moral jurisdiction, fulfilling Genesis 18:25, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” before Pharaoh struck down Gaza – God time-stamps the prophecy to a real, verifiable event, anchoring it in history and demonstrating His foreknowledge (Isaiah 46:9-10). – Likely referring to Pharaoh Neco’s campaign prior to Babylon’s dominance (compare Jeremiah 46:2; 2 Kings 24:7), the notation shows the LORD’s alertness to geopolitical shifts that seem, on the surface, unrelated to Israel. – Other prophecies anticipated calamity for Gaza (Zephaniah 2:4; Amos 1:6-8), reinforcing that God orchestrates the timing and agents of judgment. summary Jeremiah 47:1 announces a God-given message, channeled through His proven prophet, targeting the Philistines and dated just before Pharaoh’s assault on Gaza. The verse highlights four truths: the absolute authority of God’s word, the responsibility of His messengers, the reach of His rule over every nation, and His precise control over world events. The LORD speaks, His prophet records, the nations are accountable, and history unfolds exactly as He has ordained. |
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