This chapter contains a prophecy of the destruction of the Philistines chiefly; and also of the Tyrians and Zidonians. The title of the prophecy, Jer. 47:1; the instruments of this destruction, who are compared to overflowing waters; which would cause great lamentation in the inhabitants of the…

The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines As the former prophecies were against the Egyptians, the friends and allies of the Jews, in whom they trusted; this is against the Philistines, the near neighbours of the Jews, and their implacable enemies: the time of…

Thus saith the Lord, behold, waters rise up out of the north, &c.] Meaning an army of men, which should come in great numbers, and with great force and rapidity, like an overflowing flood.

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses The noise of the cavalry of Nebuchadnezzar’s army, as they came marching on towards the country of the Philistines; who, being mounted on strong prancing horses, made a great noise as they came along, and were heard at a distance: at…

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, &c.] The time appointed by the Lord for their destruction, which should be universal: and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth; these were cities in Phoenicia, which bordered on the country of the Philistines, who…

Baldness is come upon Gaza The Targum is, “vengeance is come to the inhabitants of Gaza.” It is become like a man whose hair is fallen from his head, or is clean shaved off; its houses were demolished; its inhabitants slain, and their wealth plundered; a pillaged and depopulated place.

O thou sword of the Lord For though it was the sword of the Chaldeans, yet being appointed and sent by the Lord, and having a commission from him, and being ordered and directed in his providence to do his will, it is called his sword: how long will it be ere thou be quiet? and cease from…

How can it be quiet There is no reason to believe it will, nor can it be expected that it should; to stop it is impossible, and to request that it might be stopped is in vain: seeing the Lord hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the seashore? for it had a commission from the Lord to…