Who is thisThis phrase introduces a rhetorical question, often used in prophetic literature to draw attention to a significant event or figure. In the context of
Jeremiah 46, it refers to the Egyptian army, which is being compared to a powerful natural force. The question sets the stage for a description of Egypt's military might and impending downfall. This style of questioning is reminiscent of other prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Ezekiel, where nations are often personified and questioned about their actions and fate.
rising like the Nile
The Nile River is central to Egypt's identity, economy, and agriculture. Its annual flooding was a symbol of life and prosperity, providing fertile soil for crops. By comparing the Egyptian army to the rising Nile, the text emphasizes their strength and potential to overwhelm. However, this imagery also foreshadows their eventual defeat, as the Nile's rise is predictable and controlled by God, suggesting that Egypt's power is ultimately under divine authority. This metaphor is echoed in other scriptures where natural phenomena are used to describe the rise and fall of nations, such as inIsaiah 8:7-8.
like rivers whose waters churn
The churning waters symbolize chaos and tumult, reflecting the disorder and destruction that Egypt's army will bring. However, this imagery also hints at the instability and unpredictability of Egypt's power. In the ancient Near East, rivers were often seen as both life-giving and destructive, capable of nourishing the land or causing devastation through floods. This duality is present in the prophecy, as Egypt's might is both formidable and ultimately doomed to fail. The churning waters can also be seen as a type of the judgment that God brings upon nations, as seen in the flood narrative of Genesis and the Red Sea crossing in Exodus, where waters are instruments of divine intervention.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of God upon Judah and the surrounding nations. He is the author of the Book of Jeremiah.
2.
EgyptThe nation being referred to in this passage. Egypt was a powerful and influential kingdom in the ancient world, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people.
3.
The Nile RiverA significant geographical feature in Egypt, the Nile is known for its annual flooding, which brought both life and destruction. It symbolizes the power and might of Egypt.
4.
Babylonian InvasionThe historical context of this passage involves the impending invasion of Egypt by Babylon, a dominant empire at the time.
5.
Pharaoh NechoThe Pharaoh of Egypt during the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, known for his military campaigns and opposition to Babylon.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over NationsJust as God controlled the rise and fall of the Nile, He controls the rise and fall of nations. We must trust in His ultimate authority and plan.
The Futility of Worldly PowerEgypt's might is compared to the Nile's floodwaters, yet it is ultimately powerless against God's judgment. We should not place our trust in worldly power or status.
The Certainty of God's JudgmentJeremiah's prophecy reminds us that God's judgment is certain and just. We must live in a way that honors Him, knowing that He will hold all accountable.
The Importance of RepentanceLike Egypt, we are called to recognize our own pride and turn back to God. Repentance is crucial in aligning ourselves with His will.
God's Faithfulness to His PeopleDespite the judgment on Egypt, God remains faithful to His covenant people. We can find hope in His promises and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 46:7?
2.How does Jeremiah 46:7 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and their actions?
3.What can we learn about God's judgment from Jeremiah 46:7?
4.How does Jeremiah 46:7 connect to God's promises in other Scriptures?
5.How should understanding Jeremiah 46:7 influence our view of current world events?
6.How can Jeremiah 46:7 inspire us to trust God's plan in our lives?
7.What historical context surrounds Jeremiah 46:7 and its reference to the Nile's rise?
8.How does Jeremiah 46:7 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?
9.What is the significance of Egypt's metaphorical comparison to the Nile in Jeremiah 46:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 46?
11.In Isaiah 19:5–7, is there any historical or scientific evidence of the Nile drying up to the extent described?
12.If Moses and Aaron turned all water to blood (Exodus 7:20-21), how did the magicians replicate this (Exodus 7:22) if no water was left?
13.Jeremiah 46:8 - Is the imagery of the Nile flooding over the land literal or metaphorical, and could it contradict natural constraints on river flooding known from geological studies?
14.Exodus 7:14-18: Is there any historical or archeological evidence of a widespread river turning to blood?What Does Jeremiah 46:7 Mean
Who is this“Who is this,” (Jeremiah 46:7) opens with a pointed, almost surprised question from the Lord through Jeremiah.
• The interrogative stirs our attention, much like God’s questions inJob 38:2—“Who is this that obscures My counsel?” The tone makes it clear that someone is stepping onto the scene with unwarranted confidence.
• In the flow ofJeremiah 46, that “someone” is Egypt (see v. 2 and v. 17, “Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a loud noise”).
• By framing the prophecy as a question, the Lord exposes Egypt’s boasting spirit before announcing its downfall, echoingIsaiah 31:9 where the Lord’s fire “will consume his fortress.”
Rising like the Nile“rising like the Nile,” (Jeremiah 46:7) paints a familiar image for anyone who knew Egypt’s geography.
• Each year the Nile swelled, spilling over its banks with powerful, seemingly unstoppable force (compareAmos 8:8 andIsaiah 8:7–8 where flood imagery portrays invading armies).
• Egypt thinks its military buildup looks just as irresistible.Ezekiel 32:2 pictures Pharaoh as a thrashing river monster, underscoring the same proud self-assessment.
• Historically, Pharaoh Necho II had marched north, confident after earlier victories (2 Kings 23:29), yet God declares that confidence only sets him up for judgment.
Like rivers whose waters churn“like rivers whose waters churn?” (Jeremiah 46:7) develops the picture: roiling waters stir debris, mud, and fear.
•Isaiah 17:12–13 likens roaring nations to “many waters” that will ultimately flee when God rebukes them. Egypt’s surge will end the same way asNahum 1:8 declares: “With an overwhelming flood He will make an end.”
• Churning water dazzles at first glance, but it also signals chaos—exactly what Egypt’s armies will face at Carchemish when Babylon crushes them (Jeremiah 46:2).
• The Lord controls the torrent; He “rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up” (Psalm 106:9). Egypt once witnessed that power, yet now repeats its mistake.
summaryJeremiah 46:7 is God’s vivid snapshot of Egypt’s pride. The nation sees its army as a majestic, unstoppable river, but the Lord’s question unmasks that illusion. Just as swiftly as the Nile rises and churns, so will Egypt be swept away by divine judgment. The verse reminds us that no earthly power—however confident—can stand against the sovereign, living God who rules both rivers and nations.
(7, 8)
Who is this that cometh up as a flood? . . .--The Hebrew word for "flood" is used as a proper name almost exclusively (
Daniel 12:5-6 being the only exception) for the Nile (
e.g.,Genesis 41:1-3;
Exodus 2:3;
Exodus 4:9;
Amos 8:8;
Amos 9:5), and thus the very form of the question points to the answer that follows. The prophet goes back, as an English poet might have done after the destruction of the Spanish Armada, to the time when all the strength of Egypt had been poured forth in the exultation of anticipated victory, as the great river of Egypt poured its waters. The word for "rivers," though more general, has a like allusive reference, being used in
Exodus 7:19;
Exodus 8:5 and
Ezekiel 32:2;
Ezekiel 32:14 for the arms or canals of the Nile. . . .
Verse 7. -
Who is this, etc.? "Once more surprise at the [same] phenomenon recurs, and in a stronger form; a monstrous, devastating river appears to roll itself wildly along, overwhelming all countries: who is it? It is Egypt, which is now threatening to overrun the earth and to lay everything waste, whose various nationalities are advancing fully equipped" (Ewald).
As a flood; rather,
as the Nile (
y'or, a word of Egyptian affinities, and only once used of another river than the Nile,
Daniel 12:5, 6, 7). The naturalness of the figure in this context needs no exhibiting. It reminds us of
Isaiah 8:7, 8, where the Assyrian army is compared to the Euphrates.
Are moved as the rivers; rather,
toss themselves as the rivers. By the "rivers" the prophet means the branches of the Nile, which are described by the same word in
Isaiah 19:8;
Exodus 7:19.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whoמִי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixis this,זֶ֖ה(zeh)Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatrisingיַֽעֲלֶ֑ה(ya·‘ă·leh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelylike the Nile,כַּיְאֹ֣ר(kay·’ōr)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2975:Nile -- a channel, a fosse, canal, shaft, the Nile, the Tigrislike riversכַּנְּהָר֕וֹת(kan·nə·hā·rō·wṯ)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5104:A stream, prosperitywhose watersמֵימָֽיו׃(mê·māw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenchurn?יִֽתְגָּעֲשׁ֖וּ(yiṯ·gā·‘ă·šū)Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1607:To agitate violently
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 46:7 Who is this who rises up like (Jer.) 
