Jeremiah 47 (Listen)

47:1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh struck down Gaza.

  “Thus says the LORD:
  Behold, waters are rising out of the north,
    and shall become an overflowing torrent;
  they shall overflow the land and all that fills it,
    the city and those who dwell in it.
  Men shall cry out,
    and every inhabitant of the land shall wail.
  At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his stallions,
    at the rushing of his chariots, at the rumbling of their wheels,
  the fathers look not back to their children,
    so feeble are their hands,
  because of the day that is coming to destroy
    all the Philistines,
  to cut off from Tyre and Sidon
    every helper that remains.
  For the LORD is destroying the Philistines,
    the remnant of the coastland of Caphtor.
  Baldness has come upon Gaza;
    Ashkelon has perished.
  O remnant of their valley,
    how long will you gash yourselves?
  Ah, sword of the LORD!
    How long till you are quiet?
  Put yourself into your scabbard;
    rest and be still!
  How can it be quiet
    when the LORD has given it a charge?
  Against Ashkelon and against the seashore
    he has appointed it.”




Devotional:

This is what the Lord says: Look, water is rising from the north and becoming an overflowing wadi. It will overflow the land and everything in it, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and every inhabitant of the land will wail. (Jeremiah 47:2)

God uses imagery of water and flood to describe the defeat of the Philistines by Pharaoh, king of Egypt. These words point us to the great power of God. Can we stop and simply be in awe of the power of God? The Almighty is capable of more than our imaginations can handle, and yet, He also cares for us. Reflect on His power and might along with His gentleness and loving kindness.

Pray It: Father, your power and might is beyond comprehension, as is your great love for me and your people. Help me remember these qualities and to take time to reflect and stand in awe of you in light of them. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Share it: Who can you share a verse or thought from this passage with today?