1 A Message About the Philistines
1 This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza:
2 This is what the Lord says: 2 "See how the waters are rising in the north; 2 they will become an overflowing torrent. 2 They will overflow the land and everything in it, 2 the towns and those who live in them. 2 The people will cry out; 2 all who dwell in the land will wail
3 at the sound of the hoofs of galloping steeds, 3 at the noise of enemy chariots 3 and the rumble of their wheels. 3 Fathers will not turn to help their children; 3 their hands will hang limp.
4 For the day has come 4 to destroy all the Philistines 4 and to cut off all survivors 4 who could help Tyre and Sidon. 4 The Lord is about to destroy the Philistines, 4 the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.[a]
5 Gaza will shave her head in mourning; 5 Ashkelon will be silenced. 5 O remnant on the plain, 5 how long will you cut yourselves?
6 " 'Ah, sword of the Lord,' you cry, 6 'how long till you rest? 6 Return to your scabbard; 6 cease and be still.'
7 But how can it rest 7 when the Lord has commanded it, 7 when he has ordered it 7 to attack Ashkelon and the coast?"
