.46:13-28.

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A second message concerning Egypt (Jer 46:13-28)

Jeremiah now foresees another defeat of Egypt by Babylon, this one not on foreign soil but in the land of Egypt itself (Jer 46:13).

Egyptian cities fall as the Babylonian armies advance. Egypt’s gods are not able to hold back the enemy. Hired soldiers flee from the battle-front and look for safety in their own countries (Jer 46:14-16).

Pharaoh is accused of being a loud-mouthed boaster who does nothing when the hour for action comes (Jer 46:17).

Babylon towers over Egypt as Mount Tabor towers over its neighbouring territory and as Mount Carmel towers over the sea beside it. The Egyptians cannot overthrow Babylon, and should prepare for captivity (Jer 46:18-19).

As cattle flee from the biting gadfly, so the Egyptians flee from the Babylonian attackers (Jer 46:20-21).

The Egyptians are (to use another picture) like a snake that wriggles away into its hole in search of safety. In yet another picture, the Babylonians in their attack on Egypt are likened to woodmen cutting down a forest (Jer 46:22-24).

Egypt and its gods will be punished, but the nation will not be completely destroyed. One day it will revive (Jer 46:25-26).

As for the Judeans, they will be exiled in foreign countries, but one day they will return to their land. There they will enjoy peace and security again (Jer 46:27-28).