ScriptureDepth's study of Jeremiah 47
“‘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
Yahweh speaks to the sword, asking it how long it will be quiet, which sets in motion the unfolding destruction against the Philistines, particularly Ashkelon.
What Jeremiah 47 is about
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.
Yahweh commands the sword to act, leaving a question about the time of its quietness.
Jeremiah 47 at a glance
- Jeremiah 47:1–2Prophecy Against the Philistines
- Jeremiah 47:3–4Destruction and Mourning
- Jeremiah 47:5–7The Call to the Sword
Key verse: Jeremiah 47:6
One thing to notice
Verses 2 through 4 describe 'waters rise up out of the north' and 'overflow the land.' The Philistines face destruction, with specific cities named in relation to the devastation. This imagery portrays an unstoppable force that brings judgment.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Jeremiah 47 (WEB)
Prophecy Against the Philistines Jeremiah 47:1–2
1Verse 1. Yahweh’s word that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh struck Gaza. 2Verse 2. Yahweh says: “Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and will become an overflowing stream, and will overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and those who dwell therein. The men will cry, and all the inhabitants of the land will wail.
Destruction and Mourning Jeremiah 47:3–4
3Verse 3. At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong ones,at the rushing of his chariots,at the rumbling of his wheels,the fathers don’t look back to their childrenfor feebleness of hands;4Verse 4. because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines,to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains;for Yahweh will destroy the Philistines,the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.
The Call to the Sword Jeremiah 47:5–7
5Verse 5. Baldness has come on Gaza;Ashkelon is brought to nothing,the remnant of their valley:how long will you cut yourself?6Verse 6. “‘You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you are quiet?Put yourself back into your scabbard;rest, and be still.’7Verse 7. “How can you be quiet,since Yahweh has given you a command?Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore,there has he appointed it.”
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Jeremiah 47
Judgment
Yahweh's judgment against the Philistines is pronounced clearly in v. 4, where it states, 'because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines.' This judgment will lead to the cutting off of the remaining allies of Tyre and Sidon. The chapter illustrates the severity of this coming judgment, causing widespread fear and mourning throughout the land.
Divine Sovereignty
In this chapter, the sovereignty of Yahweh is evident in His command to the sword in v. 7, where it is noted, 'How can you be quiet, since Yahweh has given you a command?' This indicates that the destruction of the Philistines is under divine authority. Even the sword must act according to Yahweh's will, asserting His ultimate control over nations and their fates.
Inescapable Doom
The text in v. 2 speaks of waters rising 'out of the north,' indicating an unstoppable force of destruction coming upon the Philistines. The imagery of an 'overflowing stream' conveys that their doom is certain and unavoidable. The chapter confirms that the calamity facing the Philistines is decreed by Yahweh, making their end seem inevitable.
Enemies of Israel
The enemies of Israel, specifically the Philistines, are the focus of Yahweh's judgment throughout this chapter. In v. 5, it mentions Gaza and Ashkelon, detailing the devastation that will come upon these cities. The prophecy serves as a declaration of Yahweh's intention to strike down those who oppose His people, marking the ongoing conflict between Israel and its adversaries.
Chapter outline
How Jeremiah 47 unfolds
Jeremiah 47:1–2 Prophecy Against the Philistines
Yahweh communicates a prophecy to Jeremiah concerning the coming destruction of the Philistines, describing a flood of destruction rising from the north that will engulf the land and its inhabitants (vv. 1-2).
Jeremiah 47:3–4 Destruction and Mourning
The sound of destruction is vivid as strong warriors approach, leading to despair among fathers who are unable to care for their children due to fear and weakness (vv. 3-4).
Jeremiah 47:5–7 The Call to the Sword
Yahweh's sword is called to action, questioned about its restlessness, while a command is given for it to strike against Ashkelon and the coastal areas, emphasizing the inevitability of the judgment (vv. 6-7).
Key verses
Jeremiah 47:6Yahweh speaks to the sword, asking it how long it will be quiet, which sets in motion the unfolding destruction against the Philistines, particularly Ashkelon.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Jeremiah 47
- observeIn v2, what do the 'waters' that rise represent?
- observeWhat does Yahweh say will happen to Gaza in v5?
- interpretIn v4, what does it mean that Yahweh will 'cut off' the Philistines' helpers?
- interpretIn v6, why does the 'sword of Yahweh' need to be quiet?
- applyWhen have you felt like the 'men' who cry in v2 during a difficult time?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Jeremiah 47
- Amos 1Jeremiah 47:4 and Amos 1:6Both declare judgment on Gaza: Jeremiah 47:4 states Yahweh will destroy the Philistines, while Amos 1:6 mentions punishment for Gaza's transgressions.
- Jeremiah 25Jeremiah 47:1 and Jeremiah 25:20Both mention Gaza: Jeremiah 47:1 speaks about God's word concerning Philistines, while Jeremiah 25:20 lists Gaza among the kings of the Philistines.
- Jeremiah 46Jeremiah 47:2 and Jeremiah 46:7Both mention overflowing waters: Jeremiah 47:2 describes waters from the north, while Jeremiah 46:7 asks who rises like the Nile.
- Jeremiah 48Jeremiah 47:5 and Jeremiah 48:37Both depict expressions of mourning: Jeremiah 47:5 describes Gaza's baldness, while Jeremiah 48:37 shows similar signs of grief.
- Ezekiel 21Jeremiah 47:6 and Ezekiel 21:3Both mention the sword of Yahweh: Jeremiah 47:6 asks how long it will be quiet, while Ezekiel 21:3 indicates Yahweh will draw His sword.
- Zephaniah 2Jeremiah 47:1 and Zephaniah 2:4Both mention Gaza: Jeremiah 47:1 relates Yahweh's word about Philistines, while Zephaniah 2:4 prophesies Gaza's desolation.
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