Jeremiah 46:23

They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.

Study Bible

They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD
This phrase indicates a divine judgment pronounced by God. The "forest" symbolizes the strength and resources of Egypt, often depicted as a place of refuge and abundance. In biblical times, forests were seen as sources of wealth and protection. The act of chopping down signifies destruction and desolation. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic literature where God uses natural elements to convey His judgment (e.g., Isaiah 10:34). The declaration by the LORD emphasizes the certainty and authority of the prophecy.

dense though it may be
The density of the forest represents the perceived invincibility and prosperity of Egypt. Despite its apparent strength and impenetrability, it will not withstand the coming judgment. This reflects the biblical theme that human power and resources are ultimately futile against God's will. The imagery of a dense forest also evokes the idea of complexity and entanglement, suggesting that Egypt's political and military might, though formidable, will be dismantled.

for they are more numerous than locusts
The comparison to locusts highlights the overwhelming number of the invaders, likely referring to the Babylonian army led by Nebuchadnezzar. Locusts are often used in the Bible as symbols of devastation and divine judgment (e.g., Joel 1:4). The imagery suggests an unstoppable force that consumes everything in its path, leaving desolation behind. This also connects to the plagues of Egypt in Exodus, where locusts were a sign of God's power over nations.

they cannot be counted
This phrase underscores the vastness and innumerability of the invading forces. It conveys a sense of inevitability and totality in the coming destruction. The inability to count them suggests that human efforts to resist or comprehend the scale of the invasion will be futile. This echoes other biblical passages where God's judgments are described as beyond human understanding or control (e.g., Psalm 40:5). The overwhelming nature of the force serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations.

2. Egypt
The nation being addressed in this prophecy. Egypt was a powerful and influential kingdom in the ancient Near East, often at odds with Israel and Judah.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is delivering this message of judgment through the prophet Jeremiah.

4. The Forest
Symbolic of Egypt's strength and resources, which are described as being dense and abundant.

5. Locusts
Representing the invading forces that will be numerous and overwhelming, much like a swarm of locusts that devastates everything in its path.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's declaration through Jeremiah reminds us that He is sovereign over all nations, including powerful ones like Egypt. No nation is beyond His reach or control.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
The imagery of locusts and a dense forest being cut down underscores the certainty and thoroughness of God's judgment. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God.

The Power of God's Word
Just as God's word through Jeremiah came to pass, we can trust that His promises and warnings in Scripture are true and reliable.

The Importance of Repentance
Understanding the inevitability of God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to His will.

Hope in God's Justice
While the message is one of judgment, it also assures us that God is just and will ultimately bring about His righteous purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of locusts in Jeremiah 46:23 help us understand the nature of God's judgment on Egypt?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Egypt in Jeremiah 46:23 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

3. How can the certainty of God's judgment, as depicted in this verse, motivate us to live lives of holiness and obedience?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment on Egypt and the plagues during the Exodus, and what do these events teach us about God's power and justice?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's justice, even when facing difficult circumstances or witnessing injustice in the world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 1:4
The imagery of locusts is also used in Joel to describe a devastating invasion, drawing a parallel to the overwhelming nature of God's judgment.

Exodus 10:12-15
The plague of locusts in Egypt during the time of Moses serves as a historical backdrop, emphasizing God's power over nations and His ability to bring judgment.

Isaiah 10:18-19
Similar imagery of a forest being cut down is used to describe the judgment on Assyria, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations.