Jeremiah 47 is part of a series of prophecies against various nations, and it serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His role in judging nations and individuals based on their actions.

This chapter contains a prophecy from the prophet Jeremiah concerning the judgment and destruction of the Philistine city of Gaza. The chapter is relatively short and can be summarized as follows:

1. The chapter begins with the word of the Lord coming to Jeremiah to prophesy against the Philistines, particularly the city of Gaza.
2. Jeremiah delivers a message of impending destruction and calamity for Gaza. The prophecy describes the noise of chariots, the tumult of battle, and the destruction that will come upon the city and its inhabitants.
3. The destruction of Gaza is seen as a result of God’s judgment against the Philistines for their oppression of the Israelites and other wickedness. The chapter does not provide specific details about the reasons for this judgment.
4. The chapter ends with a call for the people of Gaza to shave their heads in mourning and to be ashamed of their city’s impending fate.

We should remember that God does judge nations based on their actions. His response may not be immediate, but blessing or cursing may follow depending the inhabitants of a nation.

Each of us should strive to live righteously and help influence others to do likewise, that our nation would thrive under God and not rebel against Him.

Jeremiah 47

Prophecy against Philistia

      1That which came as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh conquered Gaza.

2Thus says the LORD:
“Behold, waters are going to rise from the north
And become an overflowing torrent,
And overflow the land and all its fullness,
The city and those who live in it;
And the men will cry out,
And every inhabitant of the land will wail.

      3“Because of the noise of the galloping hoofs of his stallions,
The tumult of his chariots, and the rumbling of his wheels,
The fathers have not turned back for their children,
Because of the limpness of their hands,

      4On account of the day that is coming
To destroy all the Philistines,
To cut off from Tyre and Sidon
Every ally that is left;
For the LORD is going to destroy the Philistines,
The remnant of the coastland of Caphtor.

      5“Baldness has come upon Gaza;
Ashkelon has been ruined.
O remnant of their valley,
How long will you gash yourself?

      6“Ah, sword of the LORD,
How long will you not be quiet?
Withdraw into your sheath;
Be at rest and stay still.

      7“How can it be quiet,
When the LORD has given it an order?
Against Ashkelon and against the seacoast—
There He has assigned it.”

When God releases judgment, there is no nation strong enough to stand against Him. Similarly, when God blesses a nation, they will truly thrive beyond their own means.

Prayerfully reflect on your life and your nation. Are you and is your nation set apart and holy for the LORD? Ask God to show you what changes to make in your life to impact your decisions and also impact others.

Give thanks for His blessings and for His patience.

Shalom. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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