Jeremiah 46 “Who is King?”

Jeremiah 46 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• Reign Above It All – Bethel Music feat. Paul McClure
• The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours) – Matt Maher
• LET YOUR KINGDOM COME – Vineyard Worship

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Triumphal Entry by Saddleback Kids – Lesson for Kids
• King of Me | Hand Motions Video MPEKids {Rend Co. Kids} – Song for Kids
• Rend Co. Kids – My Lighthouse (Hand Motions) – Song for Kids
• King of the Jungle | Dance-A-Long with Lyrics | Kids Worship – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Chapters 46–51 contain prophecies concerning the nations surrounding Judah. Although the Lord chose Israel as His covenant people, He is not only the God of Israel. In 45:4 the Lord says, “Thus says the Lord: I am tearing down what I have built, and I am uprooting what I have planted, throughout the whole earth…” He governs all nations, including those around Judah. These prophecies were given to Jeremiah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, that is, 605 BC (vv. 1–2).

Earlier (chs. 42–45), we read about General Johanan leading the remaining people of Judah into exile in Egypt. Although Jeremiah delivered God’s command not to go down to Egypt, they did not listen. The prophecy in chapter 46 reveals how God’s word through Jeremiah would be fulfilled.

At that time, Pharaoh Neco of Egypt was preparing for war, planning to capture Babylon (vv. 3–4). But the Lord foresaw Egypt’s army fleeing in defeat before the Babylonian forces (vv. 5–6). In fact, Egypt was defeated by Babylon at the Battle of Carchemish. Unaware of this destiny, Pharaoh Neco rallied his troops and gathered mercenaries from surrounding nations (vv. 7–9). Yet the Lord had already determined to use Babylon as His instrument to judge Egypt (vv. 10–12).

From verse 13 onward, the prophecy speaks of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacking Egypt. The Lord warned through Jeremiah that the people of Judah who had fled to Egypt would be destroyed in this conflict. Just as the Lord foretold, when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Egypt, Pharaoh Neco’s army would collapse helplessly (vv. 14–26).

After declaring Egypt’s fate, the Lord speaks to the people of Judah (vv. 27–28). Though He will discipline them according to His justice, He will never abandon them. The Lord is the One who rules over the whole world. The true king is not Nebuchadnezzar and not Pharaoh Neco—only the Creator God is the true King. And because He is that King, He will gather His people Israel from all the nations where they have been scattered.

Meditation:

This prophetic message was recorded by Baruch and likely read to the people of Judah who had been taken into exile in Babylon. When they heard it, the people of Judah must have trembled in fear. Because they had fled to Egypt to survive, this prophecy would have sounded like a disaster to them. Yet Egypt’s downfall was part of God’s plan—a plan in which He rules over the whole world, guiding all nations and preparing the path of salvation. Just as Babylon’s destruction of Judah took place within God’s saving purpose, Egypt’s defeat by Babylon also unfolded according to His redemptive plan. To see God’s salvation come to pass, His people had to endure a season of hardship and testing.

The heart of this prophecy is found in verse 18: “I am the king; my name is the Lord of hosts” (NRSV, similar to KRV “the king whose name is the Lord of hosts”). Pharaoh Neco of Egypt and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon were competing for supremacy. Each believed that, just as there is only one sun in the sky, he alone should be the one true ruler. When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt, he likely boasted, “Now I am the king!” Yet not long after, he too died; and after his death, Babylon rapidly declined and eventually fell to Cyrus, king of Persia.

History testifies to this truth: the only true and eternal King is the Creator God. He rules over the entire world and is the sovereign of all nations. He governs human history. Unless we recognize this truth, we will constantly waver as we analyze international affairs and the shifting powers around us. In times of crisis, there is no need to desperately seek help from surrounding great powers in hopes of escaping danger. It is foolish—and an expression of unbelief—to think that any political leader or powerful nation could become our savior. The path of victory is to recognize the true King and remain within His will.

Prayer:

We raise our banner to You, Lord, because You alone are our King. Standing in You is the true way of victory. Lord, come into our hearts. Help us live with You as our only and complete King. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God—not any ruler, nation, or powerful person—is the true King who rules over all history. True peace and victory come when we trust and follow Him, even when circumstances look uncertain.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • Who is the true King in the story—Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, or God? Why?
  • When do you feel scared or unsure? What helps you remember that God is with you?
  • If God is the King who takes care of everything, what is one thing you can trust Him with this week (school, friends, family, activities)?
    
• Youth:
  • Jeremiah reminds Judah that human powers rise and fall, but God remains King. Where do you see people today placing too much trust in worldly power—politics, popularity, success?
  • What is one part of your life where you struggle to trust God’s timing or leadership?
  • If God is the One who guides history, how might that shape the way you face uncertainty—college decisions, friendships, future goals, or anxiety?