There is a dramatic change in Jeremiah 46:5–6 as the Egyptian army is defeated and flees in disarray. It would appear to be the Lord speaking and he says, Why have I seen it?
The Hebrew word is maddua
and means, Why do I see what I see?
1 This is a deeply ironic taunt. Instead of victory, the Egyptians are completely overwhelmed in defeat. They turn and flee for their lives, but their escape it cut off by the Euphrates River where they stumble and fall.
5 Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and have turned backward. Their warriors are beaten down and have fled in haste; they look not back terror on every side!declares the LORD.