Definition: Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 46:2. It's a pretty dramatic and significant passage about God’s judgment on Egypt. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a devastating attack by Babylon against Egypt – and specifically, against the Egyptian kingdom that controls the river Euphrates. It’s essentially a warning from God to Egypt about the consequences of their actions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Against Egypt…” : This means God is directly targeting Egypt, the nation that governs the river Euphrates. “…against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt…” : Pharaoh Necho (a nephew of King Josiah of Judah) was the ruler of Egypt. He was a powerful military leader. Jeremiah says God is actively opposing his forces. “…which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish…” : The river Euphrates is crucial to Egypt’s economy and its location. It flows through Egypt, connecting it to the Mediterranean Sea. Carchemish is a city along this river. This highlights the importance of the region for Egypt's power. “…which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah.” : This is the key part. Nebuchadnezzar II was a powerful king in Babylon. He was known for his military might and he smote (destroyed, crushed) something. He struck this against the Egyptian kingdom – specifically, the area along the river Euphrates that included the city of Carchemish. It happened in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah (meaning during Josiah's rule). What does it mean? This verse speaks to a long-standing conflict between Egypt and Israel (and other nations who relied on Egypt for trade and resources). It signifies a period of intense hostility and war. God is choosing to punish Egypt because they’ve been acting in ways that are disruptive to God's plan – namely, their reliance on a powerful military force to control the region. Important Note: The Bible often uses vivid imagery to convey God's judgment. This verse is a strong example of this, portraying a devastating blow delivered by a powerful empire. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this event? Explore why this verse is significant in biblical prophecy?