46:1ff In this chapter, we gain several insights about God and his plan for this world. (1) Although God chose Israel for a special purpose, he loves all people and wants all to come to him. (2) God is holy and will not tolerate sin. (3) God’s judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge but on fairness and justice. (4) God does not delight in judgment but in salvation. (5) God is impartial—he judges everyone by the same standard.
46:2 At the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C., Babylon and Egypt, the two major world powers after Assyria’s fall, clashed. The Babylonians entered Carchemish by surprise and defeated Egypt. This battle, which passed world leadership to Babylon, was Nebuchadrezzar’s first victory, establishing him in his new position as king of the Babylonian Empire. With Egypt’s power declining, it was both poor strategy and disobedience to God for Judah to form an alliance with Egypt.
46:9 The soldiers from Ethiopia and Libya were from eastern and northern Africa. The men of Lydia may have been from Greece.
46:17 The Egyptian pharaoh was a “but a noise” who “hath passed the time appointed” (that is, missed his opportunity) because, although he had come to help Jerusalem, he beat a hasty retreat when the Babylonians turned on him. Jeremiah had prophesied that Pharaoh Hophra would be killed by his enemies (44:30). This was fulfilled nearly 20 years later when his co-regent Ahmose led a revolt.
46:28 God punished his people in order to bring them back to himself, and he punishes us to correct and purify us. No one welcomes punishment, but we should all welcome its results: correction and purity.