Jeremiah 47 is a short prophecy against the Philistines, the old enemies of Israel who lived along the Mediterranean coast. It is a brief chapter, only seven verses, and these questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or a quiet personal study. Each set of questions below includes notes to help a leader guide the discussion without needing a separate commentary.
Jeremiah 47 at a Glance
The chapter opens by identifying the message as coming from the LORD to Jeremiah, specifically concerning the Philistines and the timing of Egypt’s campaign against Gaza. The prophet then describes an overwhelming flood from the north, a picture of invading armies whose chariots and hoofbeats strike such fear that parents cannot even think of their children. The chapter names the cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Tyre and Sidon as affected by the coming judgment.
The final verses shift to a cry addressed to the sword of the LORD, asking how long it will remain unsheathed. The answer comes in verse 7: the sword cannot rest because the LORD has given it a command. Read this way, the chapter moves from description to a question and ends with a clear statement of who holds authority over the nations.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to answer from the text alone, pointing to specific words and phrases. Let quieter members speak before the more confident ones, and keep the focus on what the chapter actually says.
Jeremiah 47:1
The LORD’s word that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh struck Gaza.
(WEB)
Reading the opening verse first establishes that the whole chapter is a word from the LORD given through a prophet. It frames everything that follows and reminds the group that the message comes with divine authority. Begin the session here so that everyone hears the source before the details.
Jeremiah 47:2-3
2 The LORD says: “Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and will become an overflowing stream, and will overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and those who dwell therein. The men will cry, and all the inhabitants of the land will wail. 3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong ones, at the rushing of his chariots, at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers don’t look back to their children for feebleness of hands…
(WEB)
These verses contain the vivid images of flood, noise and fear that make the chapter memorable. Reading them aloud lets the group feel the force of the imagery. Ask afterward which image struck them most and why.
Jeremiah 47:5
Baldness has come on Gaza; Ashkelon is brought to nothing, the remnant of their valley: how long will you cut yourself?
(WEB)
This verse shows the grief of the cities and the ancient expressions of mourning. Reading it helps the group see the human cost behind the prophecy. It can open a conversation about how God’s judgments affect real communities.
Jeremiah 47:6-7
6 “‘You sword of the LORD, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still.’ 7 “How can you be quiet, since the LORD has given you a command? Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore, there has he appointed it.”
(WEB)
The cry of the sword and the answer that follows form the emotional and theological center of the chapter. Reading them together lets the group hear both the question and God’s reply. Use this passage to close the discussion on God’s sovereign command.
Jeremiah 47:4
Because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains; for the LORD will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.
(WEB)
This verse names the cities and the remnant of the Philistines, showing the scope of the coming judgment. Reading it helps the group see the wider geography of the prophecy. It can prompt questions about the historical setting and how the nations were connected.
Memory Verse for Jeremiah 47
Jeremiah 47:7
“How can you be quiet, since the LORD has given you a command? Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore, there has he appointed it.”
(WEB)
This verse sums up the chapter’s main claim: the LORD has given the sword its command and sets its target. Memorizing it gives the group a short statement of God’s authority over nations and history. It is a useful verse to carry into a week of uncertainty or conflict.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you aware that you rule over every nation and every army, and that nothing moves outside your command. We confess that the events of this world can overwhelm us, just as the people in this chapter were overwhelmed by the sound of chariots and the cry of the sword. Teach us to trust your justice and to grieve with those who suffer. Keep our hearts tender toward those in pain, and make us ready to pray for leaders and communities near and far. Give us peace that rests in your sovereignty, and let us live this week as people who belong to you. Amen.
