Jer 47.1-7 is a prophecy against the Philistines and their neighbors. Eschatologically this alludes to the Palestinians in the day of the Lord. Palestinians is Latin for “Philistines” so there will be a Gaza in the Birth-pains or “tribulation.”
v 1…That which came as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines (Palestinians), before Pharaoh (probably Necho) conquered Gaza (around 609 BC in the time of Josiah).
v 2…Thus says the Lord, “Behold (see and take note), waters (armies) are going to rise from the north (Babylon) and become an overflowing torrent, and overflow the land and all its fullness (men, cattle, wealth, crops, etc), the city and those who dwell in it (several cities); and the men will cry out (in distress), and every inhabitant of the land will wail (not being able to do anything to stop Babylon).
v 3…Because of the noise of the galloping hoofs of his stallions (Nebuchadnezzar’s cavalry), at the tumult of his chariots, and the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers have not turned back for their children (they were so afraid they did not even see what happened to them), because of the limpness of their hands (couldn’t protect them),
v 4…on account of the day that is coming (the appointed day) to destroy all the Philistines (Palestinians in the day of the Lord), to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every ally that is left (all were defeated); for the Lord is going to destroy the Philistines (Palestinians prophetically), the remnant of the coastland of Caphtor (a division of Egypt).
v 5…Baldness (a pagan rite of mourning-Lev 19.27; Deut 14.1-2) has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon (north of Gaza) has been ruined. O remnant of their valley (the Shephelah Valley along the coastal plain), how long will you gash yourself (in mourning)?
v 6…Ah, sword of the Lord (Babylon was Yehovah’s instrument), how long will you not be quiet (from destroying)? Withdraw into your sheath; be at rest and stay still (make no more war-Jeremiah did not take pleasure in this slaughter).
v 7…How can it be quiet (no reason to think this should stop), when the Lord has given it (Babylon) an order? Against Ashkelon and against the seacoast- there he has assigned it (his decree was to destroy the Philistines and it was a righteous decree because of their sin).”
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