Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

Jeremiah 46:13–28.
In this week’s haftarah we read of the punishment G‑d visited upon Egypt centuries later, through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. G‑d reveals Egypt’s fate to Jeremiah: “Proclaim it in Egypt and let it be heard in Migdol, and let it be heard in Noph and in Tahpanhes. Say, ‘Stand fast and prepare yourself, for the sword has devoured round about you.’” The prophet then goes on to describe Egypt’s helplessness and the destruction that it will incur at the hands of the Babylonians. The haftarah ends with G‑d’s assurance to the Jewish people not to fear, for though they too will be punished and exiled, ultimately they will be redeemed: “You fear not, O Jacob My servant, and be not dismayed, O Israel! for behold, I will redeem you from afar, and your children from the land of their captivity, and Jacob shall return and be quiet and at ease, and there shall be none who disturb his rest. You fear not, My servant Jacob, says the L‑rd, for I am with you, for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you.”