Chapter Summary

Prophecies against Phillstia and Tyre and Sidon.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 47

1. The Philistines were known for their longstanding hostility towards the Israelites. How does the judgment against them in Jeremiah 47 exemplify the principle of reaping what one sows, especially in the context of continuous conflict and enmity?
2. Verses 1-7 portray the Philistines as a once-mighty nation facing imminent defeat and exile. How can we learn from their downfall and apply the lessons of humility and obedience in our own lives and communities?
3. Verse 1 describes the Philistines as being like the sea that rises up and covers the land. How does this imagery of overwhelming force convey the idea of God's judgment being inevitable and unstoppable when it comes?
4. The Philistines are likened to a remnant with no survivors in verse 4. How does this depiction of total destruction underscore the severity of God's judgment against unrepentant nations and individuals?
5. In verse 5, the prophet speaks of the shaving of heads and the donning of sackcloth as signs of mourning and lamentation. How can external symbols of grief help us process losses or setbacks in our own lives?
6. Verses 6-7 speak of the devastation that will come upon the Philistines from the north. How can we understand the direction of the impending judgment as a reminder of God's sovereign control over all things?
7. In verse 6, the Lord declares, "Oh, sword of the Lord! How long will you be restless?" (CSB). How does this cry for the ceasing of the sword's judgment prompt us to consider the weight of God's justice and the eventual end of His wrath?
8. Verse 7 foretells the desolation of Gaza, one of the prominent Philistine cities. How can the downfall of a significant city serve as a cautionary tale for us in terms of the fragility of human achievements and institutions?
9. How can we reconcile the themes of judgment against the Philistines in Jeremiah 47 with the overarching message of God's mercy and redemption offered to those who turn to Him in repentance and faith?
10. As Jeremiah 47 concludes with the pronouncement of judgment upon the Philistines, how can we draw hope from the prophetic declarations of restoration and triumph that often follow the pronouncements of judgment and devastation in Scripture?

Key Words/Phrase

Cut off, v. 4.

Characters

God, Jeremiah.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 7.