Jeremiah 47

1The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.footnote a

2Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.footnote b

3At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;

4Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.footnote c

5Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

6O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.footnote d

7How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.footnote e

Judgment on the Philistines

1This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza. 2This is what the LORD says:“See how the waters are rising from the northand becoming an overflowing torrent.They will overflow the land and its fullness,the cities and their inhabitants.The people will cry out,and all who dwell in the land will wail 3at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions,the rumbling of chariots,and the clatter of their wheels.The fathers will not turn back for their sons;their hands will hang limp.

4For the day has cometo destroy all the Philistines,to cut off from Tyre and Sidonevery remaining ally.Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines,the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.footnote a 5The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning;Ashkelon will be silenced.O remnant of their valley,footnote bhow long will you gash yourself?

6‘Alas, O sword of the LORD,how long until you rest?Return to your sheath;cease and be still!’

7How can it restwhen the LORD has commanded it?He has appointed it against Ashkelonand the shore of its coastland.”