Jeremiah 46:17

There they will cry out: 'Pharaoh king of Egypt was all noise; he has let the appointed time pass him by.'

Study Bible

There they will cry out:
This phrase indicates a public declaration or lamentation. In the context of Jeremiah 46, it refers to the aftermath of a significant defeat. The setting is likely the battle of Carchemish, where the Egyptian forces were decisively defeated by the Babylonians in 605 BC. The "cry" suggests a recognition of failure and a communal expression of despair or realization.

‘Pharaoh king of Egypt was all noise;
Pharaoh Necho II, the ruler of Egypt during this period, is the subject here. The phrase "all noise" implies boastfulness without substance. Historically, Pharaoh Necho attempted to assert Egyptian dominance in the region, but his efforts were thwarted by the Babylonians. This critique of Pharaoh echoes the biblical theme of God humbling the proud, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 14:13-15, where the pride of Babylon is similarly addressed.

he has let the appointed time pass him by.’
The "appointed time" suggests a divinely ordained moment or opportunity that Pharaoh failed to seize. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and leaders, as seen in Daniel 2:21, where God changes times and seasons and deposes kings. Pharaoh's failure to act at the right time underscores the futility of human plans against divine will. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, where Jesus fulfills the appointed times perfectly, unlike earthly rulers who often fail.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, often seen as a symbol of earthly power and pride. In this context, Pharaoh represents the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom instead of God.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation in biblical times, often depicted as a place of refuge and temptation for Israel, but also as a symbol of worldly power that stands in opposition to God's plans.

3. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations, including Egypt.

4. The Appointed Time
Refers to God's sovereign timing and plans, which cannot be thwarted by human actions or delays.

5. The Cry
The lament or realization of Egypt's failure, acknowledging that Pharaoh's power was ultimately ineffective against God's purposes.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Human Pride
Pharaoh's failure serves as a reminder that human pride and power are ultimately futile against God's sovereign plans. We must guard against pride and self-reliance in our own lives.

God's Sovereign Timing
The "appointed time" underscores the importance of aligning our lives with God's timing and purposes. We should seek God's guidance and be patient for His timing in our decisions.

The Danger of Misplaced Trust
Just as Egypt was an unreliable ally for Israel, we must be cautious about placing our trust in worldly powers or resources instead of God.

The Call to Repentance
The cry of realization in Egypt can be seen as a call to repentance. We should be quick to recognize our failures and turn back to God.

The Assurance of God's Victory
Despite the noise and chaos of the world, God's plans will prevail. We can find peace and assurance in His ultimate victory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the portrayal of Pharaoh in Jeremiah 46:17 challenge our understanding of power and leadership today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are aligning our lives with God's "appointed time" rather than our own plans?

3. Reflect on a time when you placed your trust in something other than God. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience?

4. How can the account of Pharaoh and Egypt serve as a warning against pride and self-reliance in our personal and spiritual lives?

5. How do the themes in Jeremiah 46:17 connect with the broader biblical account of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The account of the Israelites' escape from Egypt, highlighting God's power over Pharaoh and the futility of opposing God's will.

Isaiah 31:1-3
Warns against relying on Egypt for help, emphasizing that true strength and deliverance come from God alone.

Ezekiel 29:3
Describes Pharaoh as a great dragon, symbolizing pride and self-reliance, which God will humble.

Psalm 20:7
Contrasts trust in chariots and horses (symbolizing human power) with trust in the name of the Lord.