Daily Devotions
Jeremiah
"The LORD shall plunder the Philistines"
Text: Jeremiah 47:4
THE PLUNDERING OF THE PHILISTINES
The Philistines were the feared enemies of Israel. But Philistia was doomed in this battle with the Egyptians.
“Because of the day that comes to plunder all the Philistines,
To cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains;
For the LORD shall plunder the Philistines,
The remnant of the country of Caphtor.
Baldness has come upon Gaza,
Ashkelon is cut off
With the remnant of their valley.
How long will you cut yourself?”
Jeremiah 47:4-5
1. “Because of the day that comes to plunder all the Philistines,
to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains;
for the LORD shall plunder the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor”
a) The origin of the Philistines.
i) They were not native to the land of Canaan.
ii) They came from Caphthor.
iii) Some scholars suggest that this was the island of Crete.
iv) They had come into the region and were feared by all.
b) Those who helped the Philistines.
i) Tyre and Sidon were their allies.
ii) The Philistines came to Canaan by sea.
iii) Tyre and Sidon were famous for their maritime skills.
iv) Together they were formidable.
c) But the LORD would defeat the Philistines.
i) The Egyptians would be the instrument by which the Philistines
would be defeated.
ii) Philistia was made up of five major cities (pentapolis),
each one of them ruled by a king.
iii) They would all be defeated and all that they possessed
would become plunder for the conquering Egyptians.
2. “Baldness has come upon Gaza, Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley.
How long will you cut yourself?”
a) Gaza and Ashkelon
i) They were two of the five cities of the Philistines.
ii) Gaza was on the border of Egypt.
iii) Ashkelon was also a major seaport of the Philistines.
b) But they would be cut off from help of the other cities.
i) They were able to be so strong because they were united as a pentapolis.
ii) But when they were cut off, their strength was immediately
affected adversely.
iii) Tyre and Sidon would not be able to sail to their rescue,
for they were defeated too.
c) Baldness and cutting of themselves.
i) These were probably references to religious practices that they had.
ii) This was one of the ways they worshipped their deities.
iii) If they were to cut themselves, their gods would be pleased with them
and would come to their rescue.
iv) This did not happen at all. The LORD Himself
would cause the Philistines to be plundered!