In Jeremiah 8:22 the balm of Gilead had been used to highlight the futility of Judah thinking they can escape the Lord’s judgment. That same taunt is now applied to Egypt. Egypt would have regained control of Gilead during 609-605 BC, and it would have been an important defensive barrier to invasion from the north. But the defeat of Carchemish removed this barrier, and the region would no longer be a healing balm for Egypt’s grievous wounds.1
11 Go up to Gilead, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt! In vain you have used many medicines; there is no healing for you.