1The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.47.1 Gaza: Heb. Azzah 2Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.47.2 all that…: Heb. the fulness thereof 3At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands; 4Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.47.4 the country: Heb. the isle 5Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself? 6O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.47.6 put…: Heb. gather thyself 7How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.47.7 How…: Heb. How canst thou
A Message About the Philistines
1A message from the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet. It was about the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked the city of Gaza.
2The Lord said,
“The armies of Babylon are like waters rising in the north.
They will become a great flood.
They will flow over the land and everything in it.
They will flow over the towns and those who live in them.
The people will cry out.
All those who live in the land will weep.
3They will weep when they hear galloping horses.
They will weep at the noise of enemy chariots.
They will weep at the rumble of their wheels.
Parents will not even try to help their children.
Their hands will not be able to help them.
4The day has come
to destroy all the Philistines.
The time has come to remove all those
who could help Tyre and Sidon.
I am about to destroy the Philistines.
I will not leave anyone alive
who came from the coasts of Crete.
5The people of Gaza will be so sad
they will shave their heads.
And Ashkelon’s people will be silent.
You who remain on the plain,
how long will you cut yourselves?
6“ ‘Sword of the Lord!’ you cry out.
‘How long will it be until you rest?
Return to the place you came from.
Stop killing us! Be still!’
7But how can his sword rest
when the Lord has given it a command?
He has ordered it
to attack Ashkelon and the Philistine coast.”
