Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 47

Verses 1-7

1. Judgment on Philistia! (1-7)
   1. 1 - We believe the Philistines came across the water from the Isle of Crete (Caphtor in vs.4).
      1. They built a wealthy nation by being Merchant marines.
      2. They sailed the Mediterranean acquiring goods from any lands.
      3. Yet, their destiny was destruction!
   2. 2 - Now Jeremiah uses the “flood image” of Babylon pouring over the land. {last used of Egypt 46:7}
   3. 3 – So terrible was the invasion that parents would flee for their lives, & leave the kids behind!
      1. Yet, check out 49:11 “Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; And let your widows trust in Me."
   4. 5 – They act like mourners at a funeral, shaving their heads.
   5. 6,7 – Q: When will you put away your sword Lord?
      1. A: How can I put it away till judgment is over?
         1. Chilling words!
      2. “God judges a man, not by the point he has reached, but by the way he is facing; not by distance, but by direction.” (James S. Stewart)
         1. Q: Which way are you facing?
      3. A stanza in The Battle Hymn of the Republic describes this scene well, “He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat.” (Julia Ward Howe,)