Jeremiah 47

The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

The LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines, before the Pharaoh attacked Gaza.

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.

The Lord says, "Waters will rise from the north like a huge flood, covering the land and everything in it, including the city and its people. Everyone will cry and all the people on the land will howl."

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;

When the horses' hooves stomp loudly, when the chariots rush by, and the wheels rumble, the old people won't turn back to see their kids because their hands are too weak.

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.

Because the day is coming when all the Philistines will be destroyed, and any helpers left in Tyre and Sidon will also be eliminated. The Lord will destroy the Philistines, remaining people from the land of Caphtor.

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

Gaza is losing its hair, and Ashkelon is disconnected from the rest of its valley. For how much longer will you do this to yourself?

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.

Dear sword of God, when will you stop? Go back into your sheath, relax, and be calm.

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.

How can it be peaceful when the LORD has given it a task to fight against Ashkelon and the seashore? He has assigned it that role.