1. Jeremiah 46:13 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does the word of the Lord come to Jeremiah concerning the coming of Nebuchadnezzar to strike the land of Egypt?

Jeremiah 46:13 (ESV)

13 The word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:

The first part of the oracle against Egypt (Jeremiah 46:2–12) was concerning the battle at Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:2). The second part of the oracle (Jeremiah 46:13–24) is introduced by the words, The word that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt. This introduction does not specify which battle or battles are being referenced. It could refer to Carchemish as well or to subsequent Babylonian invasions in 604 BC, 582/81 BC or 568 BC.1 The exact battle is not crucial to the meaning of the oracle that follows.