Jeremiah 46:2 (Battle of Carchemish)
The Battle of Carchemish was a pivotal moment in ancient history, marking a significant shift in power in the Near East. This article explores a specific prophecy concerning this battle and examines the historical evidence of its fulfillment.
Prophecy
“Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah...” — Jeremiah 46:2 (ESV)
Fulfillment
Historic
The Battle of Carchemish in 605 BCE occurred exactly as identified in the prophecy. Nebuchadnezzar II decisively defeated Pharaoh Necho II's forces, an event that ended Egypt's regional power and established the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The Babylonian Chronicle provides contemporary cuneiform evidence documenting this specific victory.
Conclusion
The prophecy in Jeremiah 46:2 was fulfilled with remarkable accuracy. The prophecy identified the combatants (Egypt vs. Babylon), the location (Carchemish), and the outcome (Babylonian victory), all of which are confirmed by secular history.
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