Jeremiah 47:5

The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself?

Study Bible

The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning;
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shaving one's head was a common expression of grief and mourning. This act symbolized deep sorrow and was often performed during times of national calamity or personal loss. Gaza, one of the principal cities of the Philistines, faced impending destruction, as prophesied by Jeremiah. The Philistines were long-standing enemies of Israel, and their cities were often targets of divine judgment due to their idolatry and opposition to God's people. The mourning in Gaza signifies the severity of the judgment they were to experience.

Ashkelon will be silenced.
Ashkelon, another major Philistine city, was known for its strength and strategic location along the Mediterranean coast. The prophecy of silence indicates total desolation and the cessation of all activity, including commerce and daily life. This silence is a metaphor for the complete overthrow and destruction that would leave the city devoid of its inhabitants and vitality. The silencing of Ashkelon reflects the broader theme of divine retribution against nations that opposed Israel and defied God's commands.

O remnant of their valley,
The "remnant of their valley" refers to the survivors or remaining inhabitants of the Philistine territories, particularly those in the coastal plains and valleys where these cities were located. The term "remnant" often carries a dual meaning in biblical prophecy, indicating both those who survive judgment and those who are left to witness the aftermath. This phrase highlights the few who remain after the devastation, emphasizing the completeness of the destruction.

how long will you gash yourself?
Gashing oneself was a pagan mourning practice, often associated with rituals to appease deities or express extreme grief. This practice was forbidden in Israelite law (Leviticus 19:28) as it was linked to idolatrous customs. The rhetorical question "how long" suggests the futility of such actions in the face of divine judgment. It underscores the hopelessness of relying on pagan practices for deliverance and points to the need for repentance and turning to the true God. This phrase serves as a reminder of the ineffectiveness of human efforts to avert God's decreed plans.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gaza
A major city of the Philistines, often at odds with Israel. Known for its strategic location and significance in trade and military endeavors.

2. Ashkelon
Another prominent Philistine city, known for its fortifications and cultural influence. It was a center of Philistine power and worship.

3. Philistines
An ancient people, often in conflict with Israel. They inhabited the coastal regions of Canaan and were known for their military prowess.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the nations, including judgments and calls for repentance.

5. Remnant of their valley
Refers to the remaining people in the Philistine territories, particularly those who survived previous devastations.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Judgment
The imagery of baldness and silence in Gaza and Ashkelon symbolizes the completeness of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God.

Cultural Expressions of Mourning
The act of gashing oneself was a common mourning practice in ancient cultures. This highlights the depth of despair and hopelessness that comes with divine judgment.

The Remnant's Hope
Even in judgment, there is often a remnant. This concept encourages believers to seek God's mercy and remain faithful, trusting in His ultimate plan for restoration.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against the Philistines underscores God's control over all nations. It reminds us that no power is beyond His reach and that He holds all accountable.

Call to Repentance
The passage serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of repentance in avoiding judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of baldness and silence in Jeremiah 47:5 reflect the severity of God's judgment on the Philistines?

2. In what ways can the concept of a "remnant" provide hope and encouragement to believers today?

3. How do the prophecies against the Philistines in Jeremiah and other books of the Bible demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

4. What cultural practices of mourning are mentioned in the Bible, and how do they help us understand the emotional impact of divine judgment?

5. How can we apply the lessons of repentance and seeking God's mercy from Jeremiah 47:5 to our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 15:2
Similar imagery of baldness and mourning is used to describe Moab's judgment, highlighting a common cultural expression of grief and loss.

Amos 1:6-8
Amos prophesies against Gaza and other Philistine cities, emphasizing God's judgment on their transgressions.

Zephaniah 2:4-7
This passage also speaks of the desolation of Philistine cities, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution against them.