Spiritual Gems for the week of October 19-25, 2026

Jer 46:22. Why does this verse say that Egypt would sound “like a slithering serpent”? (it “Voice” par. 16).

Jeremiah 46:22 — ‘Her sound is like that of a slithering serpent, For they come after her in force, with axes, Like men cutting down trees.

Answer 1: The comparison describes Egypt’s deep humiliation. After its defeat, it would no longer have a loud, proud voice, but rather a low sound, like the hiss of a retreating serpent.

Answer 2: The context shows that the enemies would advance against Egypt with all their forces, like men cutting down trees. Faced with that attack, Egypt would be crushed and could only moan in a low tone.

Jeremiah 46:24 — The daughter of Egypt will be put to shame. She will be handed over to the people of the north.’

Answer 3: The daughter of Egypt would be put to shame and handed over to the people of the north. Therefore, her voice would be low, reflecting the shame and degraded condition of a defeated nation.

Jeremiah 46:23 — They will cut down her forest,’ declares Jehovah, ‘though it seemed impenetrable. For they are more numerous than locusts, without number.

Answer 4: Although Egypt’s forest seemed impenetrable, its attackers would be countless. The image emphasizes that its power and defenses would not prevent the conquest announced by Jehovah.

Jeremiah 46:25 — “Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Now I am turning my attention to Amon from No, to Pharaoh, to Egypt, to her gods, and to her kings —yes, to Pharaoh and all those trusting in him.’

Answer 5: Jehovah would turn his attention to Pharaoh, Egypt, her gods, and those trusting in him. Egypt’s low voice therefore expresses that none of those sources of confidence could prevent its humiliation.

What spiritual gems have you found in this week’s Bible reading?

Spiritual Gems for JEREMIAH 45

Jeremiah 45:1 — This is the word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah when he wrote in a book these words dictated by Jeremiah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, the king of Judah:

Comment 1: Baruch faithfully wrote down the words that Jeremiah dictated to him. His work may not have been conspicuous, but it was very valuable. This reminds us that Jehovah appreciates the careful service of those who faithfully support the spiritual work.

Jeremiah 45:2 — “This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says concerning you, Baruch,

Comment 2: Jehovah personally knew Baruch’s situation and directed a specific message to him. When we experience pressures, we can trust that Jehovah also sees our circumstances and knows what counsel we need.

Jeremiah 45:3 — ‘You have said: “Woe to me, for Jehovah has added grief to my pain! I am weary from my groaning, and I have found no resting-place.”’

Comment 3: Baruch sincerely expressed that he was exhausted and could find no relief. His words show that a faithful servant may feel very discouraged. Jehovah did not ignore his pain; rather, he gave him help and guidance.

Jeremiah 45:4 — “You should say to him, ‘This is what Jehovah says: “Look! What I have built up I am tearing down, and what I have planted I am uprooting—the entire land.

Comment 4: Jehovah was going to tear down and uproot what he himself had allowed to be established. This makes clear that his decisions are always just and that no one should cling to things Jehovah has decided to change.

Jeremiah 45:5 — But you are seeking great things for yourself. Stop seeking such things.”’ “‘For I am about to bring a calamity on all flesh,’ declares Jehovah, ‘and wherever you may go, I will grant you your life as a spoil.’”

Comment 5: Jehovah lovingly corrected Baruch for seeking great things for himself. In difficult times, it is not the time to center our life on personal ambitions, but to maintain simple, spiritual expectations.

Jeremiah 45:5 — But you are seeking great things for yourself. Stop seeking such things.”’ “‘For I am about to bring a calamity on all flesh,’ declares Jehovah, ‘and wherever you may go, I will grant you your life as a spoil.’”

Comment 6: Jehovah did not promise to deliver Baruch from every calamity, but he did assure him that he would preserve his life. This guarantee teaches that Jehovah’s protection may consist of giving us what we need to remain faithful during trials.

Jeremiah 45:3 — ‘You have said: “Woe to me, for Jehovah has added grief to my pain! I am weary from my groaning, and I have found no resting-place.”’

Comment 7: Baruch’s weariness seems to have increased because of the distressing circumstances he was experiencing. When we feel that way, we can avoid isolating ourselves and humbly express our concerns to Jehovah in prayer.

Jeremiah 45:4 — “You should say to him, ‘This is what Jehovah says: “Look! What I have built up I am tearing down, and what I have planted I am uprooting—the entire land.

Comment 8: The phrase “the entire land” emphasizes the magnitude of the calamity. Even so, Jehovah continued to care for an individual servant such as Baruch. His power encompasses major events, but his interest in his servants is personal.

Jeremiah 45:5 — But you are seeking great things for yourself. Stop seeking such things.”’ “‘For I am about to bring a calamity on all flesh,’ declares Jehovah, ‘and wherever you may go, I will grant you your life as a spoil.’”

Comment 9: The counsel to stop seeking great things may have helped Baruch put the trials in perspective. Having realistic spiritual goals protects us from frustration and enables us to maintain our joy in serving Jehovah.

Jeremiah 45:1 — This is the word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah when he wrote in a book these words dictated by Jeremiah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, the king of Judah:

Comment 10: Baruch continued collaborating with Jeremiah despite a difficult message and a dangerous period. His example encourages those who receive support assignments in the congregation to fulfill them loyally and perseveringly.

Spiritual Gems for JEREMIAH 46

Jeremiah 46:1 — This is the word of Jehovah to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations:

Comment 1: Jehovah had a message not only for Judah but also for the nations. This demonstrates that he is the Supreme Ruler of all the earth and that no people are outside his attention.

Jeremiah 46:5 — ‘Why do I see them terrorstricken? They are retreating, their warriors are crushed. They have fled in panic, their warriors have not turned around. There is terror all around,’ declares Jehovah.

Comment 2: The Egyptian warriors were well prepared, but terror made them retreat. Military strength and human preparation do not guarantee security when Jehovah executes his judgment.

Jeremiah 46:6 — ‘The swift cannot flee, and the warriors cannot escape. In the north, by the bank of the Euphrates River, They have stumbled and fallen.’

Comment 3: Neither the swift nor the warriors could escape. This passage helps us avoid putting excessive confidence in human abilities, but instead to depend on Jehovah and seek his guidance.

Jeremiah 46:8 — Egypt comes up just like the Nile River, Like rivers of surging waters, And it says, ‘I will go up and cover the earth. I will destroy the city and those inhabiting it.’

Comment 4: Egypt viewed itself as a river that could cover the land. Self-sufficiency can lead us to think that nothing will stop us. This account encourages us to cultivate humility and recognize our dependence on Jehovah.

Jeremiah 46:10 — “That day belongs to the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah of armies, the day of vengeance for taking revenge on his adversaries. And the sword will devour and satisfy itself and take its fill of their blood, for the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah of armies, has a sacrifice in the land of the north by the Euphrates River.

Comment 5: The day of judgment belonged to Jehovah of armies. He does not act impulsively or leave opposition to his purposes unanswered. We can be sure that he will always administer justice at the right time.

Jeremiah 46:11 — Go up to Gilead to get balsam, O virgin daughter of Egypt. In vain you have multiplied your remedies, For there is no cure for you.

Comment 6: Egypt would seek many remedies but would find no cure. There are problems that human resources cannot solve. Therefore, it is wise to seek from now on the help and guidance that Jehovah provides.

Jeremiah 46:12 — The nations have heard your dishonor, And your outcry has filled the land. For warrior stumbles against warrior, And they both fall down together.”

Comment 7: Egypt’s defeat would become known among the nations. The disgrace that follows pride reminds us of the importance of maintaining humble conduct that honors Jehovah in private and in public.

Jeremiah 46:17 — There they have proclaimed, ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is just a meaningless noise Who has let the opportunity pass by.’

Comment 8: The hired soldiers fled when disaster came. Human alliances and support may fail at critical moments. Jehovah, on the other hand, never abandons those who loyally trust in him.

Jeremiah 46:22 — ‘Her sound is like that of a slithering serpent, For they come after her in force, with axes, Like men cutting down trees.

Comment 9: Egypt’s low sound contrasted with its former confidence. This change teaches that human power can disappear quickly, whereas Jehovah’s power never diminishes.

Jeremiah 46:27 — ‘As for you, do not be afraid, my servant Jacob, And do not be terrified, O Israel. For I will save you from far away And your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return and be calm and undisturbed, With no one to make them afraid.

Comment 10: After speaking of judgment against Egypt, Jehovah assured Jacob not to be afraid. Although his servants may face disturbing situations, he can give them peace and the assurance that he will not forget them.