Jeremiah 46:1

Word of the Lord. Heb. debar-Yahweh, a technical expression occurring more than 50 times in the book of Jeremiah. Dabar, “word,” frequently has the stronger sense of “commandment” (see Deut. 4:13, where “ten commandments” is literally “the ten words”). Dabar may also mean “matter,” “business,” “affair” (see Ex 24:14; Joshua 2:14; 1 Chron. 26:32). Thus “the word of the Lord” is here Yahweh’s authoritative statement concerning His business with the nations.

Against the Gentiles. This verse introduces a new section of the book of Jeremiah. Chapters 46-51 contain a series of poetic declarations about various nations and tribes: Egypt (ch. 46), the Philistines (ch. 47), Moab (ch. 48), the Ammonites (ch. 49:1-6), Edom (ch. 49:7-22), Damascus (ch. 49:23-27), Kedar (ch. 49:28, 29), Hazor (ch. 49:30-33), Elam (ch. 49:34-39), and Babylon (chs. 50:1-51:58). The Heb. ‘al, here translated “against,” is probably better understood as “concerning,” for although these prophecies portray many divine judgments, they also promise restoration (see chs. 48:47; 49:6,39).