Jeremiah 47:2

This is what the LORD says: "See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail

Study Bible

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. In the prophetic books, such declarations often signal a direct communication from God, underscoring the seriousness of the forthcoming message. It reflects the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, delivering His words to the people.

See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent:
The imagery of rising waters symbolizes an impending invasion or disaster. In the context of Jeremiah, the "north" often refers to Babylon, which was a dominant power threatening Judah and its neighbors. The metaphor of an "overflowing torrent" suggests a force that is unstoppable and destructive, much like the Babylonian army. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where water represents chaos and judgment (e.g., Isaiah 8:7-8).

They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants:
This phrase indicates the totality of the coming devastation. The "land and its fullness" suggests that the judgment will affect every aspect of life, including agriculture, economy, and society. The mention of "cities and their inhabitants" highlights the widespread impact on both urban centers and their populations. This comprehensive destruction is reminiscent of other prophetic warnings, such as those found in Isaiah and Ezekiel, where entire nations face divine judgment.

The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail:
The response of the people—crying out and wailing—reflects the intense suffering and despair that will accompany the judgment. This reaction is typical in biblical descriptions of calamity, where the emotional and physical toll on the population is profound. The language here echoes other prophetic texts, such as Lamentations, where the consequences of divine judgment lead to mourning and lamentation. The wailing signifies not only physical distress but also a recognition of the spiritual and moral failures that led to such judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgments through the prophet Jeremiah.

2. Waters from the North
Symbolic of an invading force, often interpreted as the Babylonians, who were known to come from the north to conquer lands.

3. The Land
Refers to Philistia, the region inhabited by the Philistines, who were historical enemies of Israel.

4. The Cities
The urban centers within Philistia that would be affected by the invasion.

5. The People
The inhabitants of Philistia who would suffer the consequences of the invasion.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage highlights God's control over nations and His use of them to execute judgment. Believers should recognize God's sovereignty in world events and trust His ultimate plan.

The Certainty of God's Word
Just as the prophecy against Philistia was fulfilled, God's Word is reliable and true. Christians are encouraged to trust in the promises and warnings found in Scripture.

The Consequences of Sin
The judgment on Philistia serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It calls believers to examine their lives and repent where necessary.

The Call to Intercession
Seeing the impending judgment, believers are reminded of their role to intercede for others, praying for mercy and repentance for those who are far from God.

Hope in God's Deliverance
While the passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope that God provides a way of deliverance for those who turn to Him. Believers are encouraged to share this hope with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "waters rising from the north" help us understand the nature of God's judgment in this passage?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to how He used nations in biblical times?

3. How can the certainty of God's Word, as seen in fulfilled prophecies, strengthen our faith in His promises?

4. What are some practical ways we can intercede for others who may be facing spiritual or physical "floods" in their lives?

5. How can we balance the message of judgment with the message of hope and deliverance when sharing the gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 8:7-8
This passage also uses the imagery of overflowing waters to describe an invading army, specifically the Assyrians, as a judgment from God.

Ezekiel 26:19
Similar imagery of waters and flooding is used to describe the judgment against Tyre, another city-state that faced divine retribution.

Psalm 93:3-4
While this psalm speaks of the majesty and power of God over the waters, it can be contrasted with the destructive power of waters as a metaphor for judgment.