Understanding Jeremiah 47:5

Verse: "Baldness has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley. How long will you cut yourself?"

This verse from Jeremiah addresses the destruction that will come upon the Philistines, particularly Gaza and Ashkelon. The baldness symbolizes mourning and despair, and cutting oneself represents deep sorrow and grief at the losses endured.

Insights from Commentaries

Commentaries by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a rich understanding of this passage:

• Matthew Henry: He explores the imagery of baldness, which in Hebrew culture symbolizes a state of deep sorrow and loss. The mention of Gaza and Ashkelon highlights the specific judgement against the Philistines for their idolatry and opposition to Israel. Henry emphasizes the inevitability of God’s judgement on nations that act against His will.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates on the historical and cultural backdrop, noting that Gaza was a major city of the Philistines. Its destruction served as a warning to other nations. He indicates that the lamentation expressed through "cutting yourself" reflects the severity of their impending trials and tribulations.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke provides insights into the prophetic nature of Jeremiah’s declaration and its fulfillment. He also discusses the context of national mourning within the Philistine states, drawing attention to the consequences of their actions against the people of God. Clarke notes that these prophetic words serve as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God.

Bible Cross-References

This verse can be linked to various other passages that enhance our understanding of its significance:

• Isaiah 14:29: "Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent."
• Ezekiel 25:16: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast."
• Zephaniah 2:4: "For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up."
• Amos 1:6-8: "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom."
• Jeremiah 25:20: "And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod."
• Micah 1:10: "Declare ye it not at Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust."
• Jeremiah 48:39: "They shall howl, saying, How is she broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismay to all them about her."

Connections between Bible Verses

This verse illustrates the wider theme of divine judgement and the consequences faced by nations opposing God, especially in context to Israel:

Connections can be made with verses depicting God's sovereignty and judgement over nations:

• Psalms 97:5: "The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth."
• Isaiah 13:19: "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah."
• Revelation 18:2: "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit."

Bible Study and Cross-Referencing Tools

To deepen your understanding of passages like Jeremiah 47:5, utilize various tools for Bible cross-referencing:

• Bible Concordance: Useful for locating specific terms across the scriptures.
• Cross-reference Bible Study:Engaging with themes and cross-references enhances comprehension.
• Bible Reference Resources: Comprehensive materials aid in understanding thematic connections.
• How to use Bible cross-references: Learning techniques for identifying related passages.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Jeremiah 47:5 emphasizes themes of sorrow, judgement, and divine sovereignty. Studies can explore:

• The Prophetic Literature: The role of prophets in revealing God’s will and impending judgement.
• Judgement Against Nations: Understanding God's boundaries for nations and His expectations of faithfulness.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 47:5 serves as a poignant reminder of the seriousness of divine judgement. The cross-references and insights provided by commentaries deepen understanding and highlight the importance of aligning with God's teachings. By studying these connections, one can gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and unity of Scripture.