Daily Tanach – Yirmiyahu Chapter 46: Egypt’s Humbling and Israel’s Hope (Thursday, 28th Kisleiv)

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Yirmiyahu 46: Egypt’s Humbling and Israel’s Hope

1. Introduction to the Prophecies (46:1–2)

This chapter begins with the word of G‑d to Yirmiyahu concerning the nations, specifically Egypt. It recalls the defeat of Pharaoh Necho’s army at Carchemish by Nebuchadnetzar, king of Babylon, during the fourth year of King Yehoyakim of Yehudah.

2. Egypt’s Boast and Its Collapse (46:3–12)

The prophecy vividly describes Egypt preparing for battle—polishing spears, harnessing horses, and summoning allies like Cush, Put, and Lud. Egypt boasts of rising like the Nile to cover the land and destroy cities. However, G‑d declares that the day belongs to Him—a day of vengeance against His adversaries. The mighty will stumble and fall by the Euphrates, and Egypt’s pride will be shattered. Despite seeking remedies and medicines, Egypt will find no cure for its disgrace, which will be heard among the nations.

3. Babylon’s Invasion of Egypt (46:13–24)

G‑d commands that the coming judgment be proclaimed in Egypt—in Migdol, Nof, and Tachpanches. Egypt’s warriors will fall, and its cities will become desolate. Pharaoh is mocked as one who missed his appointed time. Egypt, once likened to a beautiful heifer, will face destruction from the north. Its princes will flee like fattened calves, and its voice will hiss like a snake as Babylon’s forces cut down its land like a forest, numerous as locusts. Egypt will be put to shame and delivered into the hands of the people of the north.

4. Judgment on Egypt’s Gods and Pharaoh (46:25–26)

G‑d declares that He will punish Amon of No, Pharaoh, Egypt, its gods, and all who trust in them. They will be handed over to Nebuchadnetzar and his servants. Yet, after this judgment, Egypt will eventually be inhabited again as in former days.

5. G‑d’s Comfort to Israel (46:27–28)

Amidst these harsh judgments, G‑d offers reassurance to Israel: “Do not fear, My servant Yaakov, and do not be dismayed, Yisrael.” G‑d promises to redeem His people from captivity and restore them to peace and security. While He will make a full end of the nations where they are scattered, He will not utterly destroy Israel but will discipline them with justice.

About The Author

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a 6th generation descendent of the famous Chief Rabbi of Izhmir, Rav Yehoshua Avraham Krispin, who authored a number of Sefarim, and was a colleague of Rav Chaim Falagi, and father in-law of the Pesach Hadvir. He currently lives with his wife Shayna, and twelve children K”H, in Tzfas, Israel. Rabbi Goldstein received Semicha from Rabbi Schneur Zalman Labkowski of the Tomchei Temimim headquarters in 2005 and served as a chaplain in the Lotar/Kalatz and K9 unit of the IDF from years 2005-2008. He is also a certified Shochet, and has performed Hashgacha work in slaughterhouses. Rabbi Goldstein is the director of Shulchanaruchharav.com, the world’s leading web-based Halacha database, and is the director of the Home Study Semicha Program, a self-study web-based Semicha program. He is a prolific author of over 50 Sefarim studied by a wide range of readers throughout the world, which is used regularly in Semicha programs around the globe. He is a world renowned Posek, answering questions to a web-based market, and serves as a local Posek, Rav, and Lecturer, in the Tzemach Tzedek community Shul in Tzefas, Israel. His many classes can be heard both from his website, Vimeo and YouTube channel. Students can join live to classes given in the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, through the “בית חבד צפת Chabad Tsfat” YouTube channel.