It’s not easy to discern the purposes of God in the events of history. But He is always at work. Even today, He is at work in the United States of America, as He is at work in Africa, Asia, South America, and all around the globe. In his own day, Jeremiah was given insight into God’s dealings, not only with Egypt (chapter 46) but with Philistia (chapter 47). The prophecy against the Philistines is shorter, but no less severe. Soon an enemy will come from the north, and like victims of a massive flood, they will be swept away by the Babylonian tide (v 1-2). The invasion will bring such fear and despair that Philistine warriors will be too demoralized to defend their own families (v 3). When this day of judgment comes upon them, it will be from the LORD and their defeat will be total. Jeremiah describes the rituals of mourning that will follow the warfare when Babylon has completed their destruction (v 4-5). These poetic descriptions became the facts of history. After the Battle of Carchemish described in the previous chapter, Nebuchadnezzar briefly turned his attention to the Philistines in 604 BC. Babylonian armies plundered all the principal cities of Philistia, reducing them to heaps of ruins. These nations were punished for opposing God and oppressing His people. Jeremiah had warned that the God of all nations would personally bring them to justice. Though God’s prophet graciously intercedes for them, asking the LORD to show them mercy (v 6), he understands perfectly well that he can’t command God’s sword. When the LORD decides to act in judgment, the sword of the LORD will do its work, fulfilling the charge it has been given (v 7). Still, it is good for us to pray for unreached peoples, as Jeremiah did. God’s impending victory over the nations ought to make us more missions-minded. At the end of the previous chapter, twice God’s people are exhorted to “fear not.” Why? Because God will save His people and remain with them even as His just judgment falls upon their enemies (46:27-28). The sovereign plan of the LORD not only includes wrath, but also salvation—and not just for Israel. Despite their fall, “afterward Egypt shall be inhabited as in the days of old” (46:26). The Ruler and Judge of all nations is also the Savior of all nations. Psalm 87 speaks of God’s eternal city being inhabited by people of Babylon, Philistia, and “Rahab” (Egypt). The very nations that received Jeremiah’s oracles of judgment would be included in the Lamb’s book of life! For further meditation: