An oracle concerning the Philistines: a flood from the north will overwhelm them. Parents will not turn to help their children, as the LORD destroys them. The sword of the LORD cannot rest.
1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines , before that Pharaoh smote Gaza .
2 Thus saith the LORD ; Behold, waters rise up out of the north , and shall be an overflowing flood , and shall overflow the land , and all that is therein ; the city , and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry , and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl .
3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots , and at the rumbling of his wheels , the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands ;
4 Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines , and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth : for the LORD will spoil the Philistines , the remnant of the country of Caphtor .
5 Baldness is come upon Gaza ; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley : how long wilt thou cut thyself?
6 O thou sword of the LORD , how long will it be ere thou be quiet ? put up thyself into thy scabbard , rest , and be still .
7 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.