Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 7 · Jeremiah · Chapter 47
CHAP. XLVII.
IN this Chapter the Prophet threatneth the Philistims, who were infest enemies of the Jewes, that even in the time of their misery they might know that God did bear a favour unto them, in that although he punished them, and brought them down, so that they could do nothing, yet he would take their enemies to doe, that they should have no cause to insult over them.
Before that Pharoah smote Gaza. This was one of the chief Cities of the Philistims, lying near the Sea, having not the name, as some suppose, from Gaza, Vers. 1.Treasures, but from foreign, signifying strength; for it is in the Hebrew foreign. For Pharoah his smiting of it, when he came out against Nebuchadnezzar in Zedekiah his time; and he went from the Siege of Jerusalem against him, it is said, that not enduring Nebuchadnezzars coming, he returned homeward, and Calvin.by the way entred into Gaza, and spoiled it, herein at the least to gratifie the Jewes, although he could doe them no other good. So Calvin, neither doth Lyra, Dionys. or Isidor dissent herefrom, onelyonly they say he did it in hatred of Lyra. Dionys. Isidor.Nebuchadnezzar, to whom they were then subject. But if so, why did he come soon after this against them, as it is here prophesied verse 2. that he should? They might, I grant, rebell, as Jehojakim and Zedekiah had done, and so give cause; and then Gaza being under Nebuchadnezzar at this time, that might partly move Pharoah to smite it, and partly to gratifie the Jewes. Some think, that this was done when Pharoah came out against the Assyrians, and smote Josiah, and some in the fourth year of Iehojakim, when being put to slight by Nebuchadnezzar, against whom he came in the help of the Jewes, he had much of his Dominions taken from him, as is shewed 2 Kings. 24. 7. But for so much as yet Gaza was under the Egyptian, this is improbable; wherefore it must be after that it was taken away by the Caldees, at other parts betwixt Euphrates and the river of Egypt were. Now we may gather then, that this Prophecie was about the ninth year of Zedekiah, before that coming out of the King of Egypt against Nebuchadnezzar, to make him raise his siege. But this of Gaza is onelyonly spoken of by the way, as a circumstance shewing the time, when the Babylonians coming against Palestine, and destroying it utterly was prophesied of. For upon this runs the Prophecie, verse 2. Waters rise out of the North, and shall overflow the Land and City. That is, innumerable forces come out of Caldea Northward, Vers. 2.overflowing, as a floud, the Countrey of Palestine, and the Cities thereof, Gaza, Askelon, Gath, Ekron and Azotus; for these were the five chief Cities thereof, and the singular Citie is put for the plurall: When this was done see before out of Josephus upon Chap. 43. viz. at the same time that Egypt, Ammon and Moab were destroyed, for then also Syria, wherein Palestine was, Joseph. Antiq. l. 1. c. 11. Vers. 4.drank of the same cup, yea somewhat before Egypt.
To cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every help that remaineth; for the Lord will spoil the Philistims, the remnant of the Countrey of Caphtor. Tyre was a strong City near to Gaza, being situated in the Sea, and so was Sidon, one being in time of danger helpfull to another; but now none of them should have any power. By the Countrey of Caphtor, he meaneth also Palestine, which was otherwise so called, because the Philistims came from other places afar off, and took up their abode there, for which they were also called Caphtorim, properly signifying Cappadocians, haply for the most part they came from thence, as is noted Deut. 2. 23. For they dwelt in Gaza.
A…kalon is cut off, with the remnant of her valley. This was another of the great Cities of the Philistims situated low, and therefore so, as that they might Vers. 5.think to escape unseen.
How long wilt thou (O sword of the Lord) not be quiet, &c. Here by an Apostrophe the Prophet turneth, and putting upon him the person of the Philistims Vers. 6, 7.setteth otherwise by a flourish of Rhetorick the same things, viz. their destruction, continuing to their utter ruine, and therefore their continuall sorrow and crying out most lamentably for it. And withall he sheweth, that it came not by accident but of the Lord, who decreed that it should be thus, and therefore it could not possibly be stayed, either by force or entreaty. Gods judgements are long in coming for sinne, but when they come it will be bootless to complain, or cry for their cessation, sometime it is thus in this world by an immutable decree, but however the wicked escape here, or get out of misery, the Lord being moved to some compassion upon their crying to him, yet in the world to come each one must hold him to his doom; neither shall any crying or tears prevail for the reversing thereof for ever and ever. Wherefore let us agree with our adversary whilst we are in the way, make peace with God by turning while time serves, and not harden our hearts one day more. Of the destruction of Palestine see also before in brief, Isa. 14. 29, 30, 31.