Egypt in the Old Testament was not merely a country or a kingdom, but had become a symbol in the religious and national identity of the Israelites of that time. It was a symbol of the power that oppressed Israel; yet, on the one hand, Egypt’s formidable power and the prosperity associated with it tempted the kings of Israel and Judah to view Egypt as a power capable of offering help and assistance. Yet the Lord regarded such efforts as utterly futile, for worldly powers are ever-changing. Only the power of the Lord overshadows the universe. 

This is the essence of Jeremiah’s prophecy in Jeremiah 46:1–28. The mighty Egypt would fall. At the Battle of Carchemish, Pharaoh Necho’s army was routed. The prophet Jeremiah describes Egypt as the Nile River, which swells with arrogance but suddenly recedes and dries up. The Egyptian gods proved silent, their defences meaningless, and the Kingdom of Babylon became God’s instrument to punish Egypt. It is as though God wished to emphasise that He alone is the source of strength and help.  God never tires of assuring His people to remain under His guidance. He strengthens His people and reassures them by saying, “Do not be afraid” (vv. 27–28). If the people are in God’s care, no power can shake them. 

Dear Friends of the Bible, do we not often share the same mindset as the Israelites? We are tempted by things we believe to be sources of stability or the means to face life’s challenges and struggles. Perhaps this manifests itself in power, material possessions, or other things we regard as our lifelines. Remember that these material things are merely tools which God can indeed use to help us, but the purpose of our lives and the source of our help is God alone. So live your life relying on the Lord, the Ruler of the universe. Only in Him is there love and help.