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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 37 - Verse 7

37:7
Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to inquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message from the Lord to the king of Judah regarding seeking help from the Pharaoh of Egypt against their enemies. The king had sent messengers to inquire of the Lord, but the response he receives through Jeremiah is a warning that the Egyptian army, whom he had relied on for assistance, would ultimately return to their own land without providing the desired help. This message serves as a reminder that true security and victory can only come from trusting in the Lord, rather than placing one's confidence in alliances with foreign nations. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance and assistance from God in all circumstances, as He alone has the power to protect and deliver His people. By sharing this prophetic message, Jeremiah emphasizes the need for faith and reliance on the Lord's sovereignty in facing challenges and making decisions.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, we see a message from the Lord to the king of Judah, warning him that the Egyptian army, sent to help Judah, will ultimately return to their own land. This can be interpreted as a reminder of the futility of relying on worldly powers for protection, rather than trusting in God. The word "Pharaoh" is of Egyptian origin, signifying the king of Egypt and serving as a poignant reminder of the consequences of seeking assistance from those who do not ultimately have our best interests at heart. The Hebrew word for "return" in this verse is "שׁוּב" (shub), which carries the connotation of turning back, reflecting the cyclical nature of human alliances and the transient nature of earthly powers. Through this message, God is emphasizing the importance of placing our trust in Him alone, as He is the one who ultimately holds all power and authority over the nations.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to inquire of me: Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.
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