Jeremiah 47 · Grade 5

The Sword of the Lord

Name Date

Read and Think

Jeremiah 47 is a brief oracle against Philistia, the coastal confederation of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. The Philistines had come from Caphtor (47:4), and had troubled Israel since the time of the judges. The message is dated before Pharaoh struck Gaza.

The invader from the north is Babylon. Its army is compared to an overflowing flood, a common prophetic image for overwhelming military power. Panic is so great that fathers abandon their children in flight. The Philistines' trading partners in Tyre and Sidon would find no helpers.

The final lines turn into a dramatic dialogue. You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still. The reply is that the sword cannot rest while God's command remains. Babylon was only a tool. The real actor was God, and his judgment would not stop until his purpose was done.

Show What You Know

Where did the Philistines originally come from?
What is the overflowing flood an image of?
Which two cities would be left without helpers?
Who is the real actor behind Babylon?

Crossword

Across

Baldness has come on ____.
Waters rise up out of the ____.

Down

____ rise up out of the north.
And will overflow the ____ and all that is therein.
Before ____ struck Gaza.

Think About It

What does it mean that Babylon was only a tool in God's hand?
How should believers feel about the judgment of their enemies?

Memory Verse

“‘You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still.’

Jeremiah 47:6 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for ruling over the nations. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What is God's justice?
Who can you pray for today?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?