Yirmiyahu 47 | The Prophecy Concerning the Philistines

The chapter opens with a verse referencing a historical event: “Before Pharaoh struck Aza.” At first glance, this suggests that the prophecy will focus on Egypt’s anticipated conquest of Aza. Yet surprisingly, the prophecy instead describes a calamity that will come from the north — that is, from Babylon: “Waters are about to rise from the north” (47:2).

How should we understand the intent of this chapter? Prof. Yehuda Elitzur suggests that this contrast is precisely the point. The prophecy is delivered during a time when Egypt enjoys unprecedented dominance. We are in the aftermath of Pharaoh Nekho’s victory over Yoshiyahu at the Battle of Megiddo, and Egypt continues to push further north, repeatedly defeating Babylon. The chapter’s historical opening —“Before Pharaoh struck Aza” — reflects this current reality: it would seem that the immediate threat facing Aza comes not from the north, but from Egypt.

This is also the geopolitical reality of the kingdom of Yehuda. Yehoyakim was appointed by Pharaoh Nekho as a vassal king, and he likely remained loyal to Egypt, believing it to be the ultimate power with which an alliance was necessary. But Yirmiyahu, looking ahead, knows that a northern nation is about to emerge and overturn the existing order. He stands before Aza, which fears Egypt, and tells them: Your true danger lies in the north. This same message is directed at the kingdom of Yehuda, which stubbornly clings to its allegiance to Egypt, failing to grasp that Egypt will soon be irrelevant. The real power shift is coming from the north, and that is where they must focus their attention.