Jeremias 47

1 The word that came from the Lord to Jeremias, after that Nabuzardan the captain of the guard had let him go out of Rama, when he had taken him in manacles in the midst of the captivity of Juda, [even] those who were carried to Babylon.

This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines. This word came to him before Pharaoh attacked Gaza.

2 And the chief captain of the guard took him, and said to him, The Lord your God has pronounced all these evils upon this place:

“Yahweh says this: See, floods of water are rising in the north. They will be like an overflowing river! Then they will overflow the land and everything in it, its cities and its inhabitants! So everyone will shout for help, and all the inhabitants of the land will lament.

3 and the Lord has done it; because you sinned against him, and listened not to his voice.

At the sound of the stamping of their strong horses' hooves, at the roar of their chariots and the noise of their wheels, fathers will not help their children because of their own weakness.

4 Behold, I have loosed you from the manacles that were upon your hands. If it seem good to you to go with me to Babylon, then will I set mine eyes upon you.

For the day is coming that will devastate all of the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every survivor who wants to help them. For Yahweh is devastating the Philistines, those who remain from the island of Caphtor.

5 But if not, depart; return to Godolias the son of Achicam, the son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed governor in the land of Juda, and dwell with him in the midst of the people in the land of Juda: to whatever places it seems good in your eyes to go, do you even go. And the captain of the guard made him presents, and let him go.

Baldness will come upon Gaza. As for Ashkelon, the people who are left in their valley will be made silent. How long will you cut yourself in mourning?

6 And he came to Godolias to Massepha, and lived in the midst of his people that was left in the land.

Woe, sword of Yahweh! How long will it be until you become silent? Go back to your scabbard! Stop and be silent.

7 And all the leaders of the host that was in the country, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Godolias [governor] in the land, and they committed to him the men and their wives, whom [Nabuchodonosor had] not removed to Babylon.

How can it rest when Yahweh has commanded it, when he has ordered it to attack Ashkelon and the coastlands along the sea?”

8 And there came to Godolias to Massepha Ismael the son of Nathanias, and Joanan son of Caree, and Saraeas the son of Thanaemeth, and the sons of Jophe the Netophathite, and Ezonias son of the Mochathite, they and their men.

9 And Godolias swore to them and to their men, saying, Be not afraid before the children of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be better for you.

10 And, behold, I dwell in your presence at Massepha, to stand before the Chaldeans who shall come against you: and do you gather grapes, and fruits, and oil, and put [them] into your vessels, and dwell in the cities which you have obtained possession of.

11 And all the Jews that were in Moab, and amongst the children of Ammon, and those [that were] in Idumea, and those [that were] in all [the rest of] the country, heard that the king of Babylon [had] granted a remnant to Juda, and that he had appointed over them Godolias the son of Achicam.

12 And they came to Godolias into the land of Juda, to Massepha, and gathered grapes, and very much summer fruit, and oil.

13 And Joanan the son of Caree, and all the leaders of the host, who were in the fields, came to Godolias to Massepha,

14 and said to him, Do you indeed know that king Beleissa son of Ammon has sent Ismael to you to kill you? But Godolias believed them not.

15 And Joanan said to Godolias secretly in Massepha, I will go now and strike Ismael, and let no man know [it]; lest he kill you, and all the Jews that are gathered to you be dispersed, and the remnant of Juda perish.

16 But Godolias said to Joanan, Do not the thing, for you speak lies concerning Ismael.