Verse 1

The Forty-Third Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

against = concerning. Compare Jeremiah 48:1; Jeremiah 49:1, Jeremiah 49:7, Jeremiah 49:23.

before. To show that this prophecy was not the anticipation of human foresight.

Pharaoh. Pharaoh-necho, after his victory over Josiah (2 Kings 23:29. 2 Chronicles 35:20).

Gaza. Hebrew. "azzah (with "eth). Now Ghuzzeh. Still standing at the time of this prophecy (the fourth year of Jehoiakim). Not Carchemish, for compare 2 Kings 24:7.

Verse 2

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos.

waters. The symbol of the Chaldean armies.

the north. Compare Jeremiah 46:20.

men. Hebrew "adam.

Verse 3

strong horses. Compare Jeremiah 8:16.

rushing = rattling.

children = sons.

Verse 4

the day that cometh. Compare Jeremiah 46:10.

Tyrus and Zidon. The same origin as the Philistines.

the country = the sea coast.

Caphtor. Not identified. Perhaps Crete, whence the Philistines emigrated (Genesis 10:14. Deuteronomy 2:23. Amos 9:7).

Verse 5

Baldness = the sign of mourning. Compare Jeremiah 16:6.

Ashkelon. Now "Aakalan.

their valley. Septuagint reads "Anakim" instead of "imkam.

Verse 6

sword of the LORD. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 32:41).

Verse 7

How . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.