Jeremiah 47: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 47 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh's word comes to Jeremiah about the Philistines before Pharaoh strikes Gaza (vv. 1-2). Waters rise from the north and will overflow the land. The people will cry out, and all will wail. The sound of hooves and chariots is heard, and fathers will not look back at their children (vv. 3-4). Yahweh will destroy the Philistines and cut off all their helpers from Tyre and Sidon. Gaza and Ashkelon will suffer greatly. The remnant of their valley will be devastated (v. 5). A sword from Yahweh is called to action, asking how long it will be quiet (vv. 6-7). It is commanded against Ashkelon and the seashore.

Key verse

“‘You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still.’
Jeremiah 47:6 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 47:1–2 Prophecy Against the Philistines
Jeremiah 47:3–4 Destruction and Mourning
Jeremiah 47:5–7 The Call to the Sword

Discussion questions

In v2, what do the 'waters' that rise represent?
What does Yahweh say will happen to Gaza in v5?
In v4, what does it mean that Yahweh will 'cut off' the Philistines' helpers?
In v6, why does the 'sword of Yahweh' need to be quiet?
When have you felt like the 'men' who cry in v2 during a difficult time?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 47: Amos 1, Jeremiah 25, Jeremiah 46.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 48.