Jeremiah 47:7 Meaning and Explanation
“How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The sword cannot rest because God has commissioned it to act against Ashkelon and the coast.
The Context of Jeremiah 47:7
Explanation of why the judgment cannot be shortened.
What Does Jeremiah 47:7 Mean?
The answer to Jeremiah's plea is that the sword cannot rest while the LORD's commission remains. God has 'given it a charge' (given it orders, a mandate) against Ashkelon and against the coastal regions. The word 'appointed' conveys divine assignment and destiny—the sword's work is fixed by divine will, not open to negotiation or mercy.
This closes the prophecy's rhetorical movement. The sword will continue its work because God has appointed it to do so. There is no early cessation of judgment, no appeal that will redirect the divine will. The remnant and fate of the Philistines rest not in their hands but in God's determination, and that determination is already set.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 47:7
What does Jeremiah 47:7 mean?
The sword cannot rest because God has commissioned it to act against Ashkelon and the coast.
What is the context of Jeremiah 47:7?
Explanation of why the judgment cannot be shortened.