And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

JEREMIAH 2:18KJV
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Jeremiah 2:18 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 2:18 mean?

Jeremiah 2:18 asks why the people of Judah are turning to Egypt and Assyria for help, using the image of drinking water from their rivers as a way of describing seeking support or alliances from these foreign nations. The verse questions the wisdom of looking to these powerful neighbors instead of relying on God.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah on behalf of God. The historical setting is a time when Judah was tempted to form political alliances with Egypt and Assyria, two dominant powers of the region. The mention of "the waters of Sihor" (a name for the Nile in Egypt) and "the waters of the river" (the Euphrates in Assyria) uses the idea of drinking water to picture dependence or trust, highlighting the people's misplaced confidence in foreign nations rather than in their own God.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 2:18

  • way (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means "path" or "way," and here it refers to the direction or course the people are taking toward Egypt and Assyria. It emphasizes the deliberate choice to seek out these nations.
  • Sihor (שִׁיחוֹר, shichor): This is a poetic or ancient name for the Nile River in Egypt. Mentioning Sihor specifically points to Egypt as a source of help, but also as a place of past slavery.
  • river (נָהָר, nahar): This word usually refers to a large river, and in this context, it points to the Euphrates River in Assyria. The verse uses the river as a symbol for the power and resources of Assyria.
  • drink (שָׁתָה, shatah): The verb "to drink" here is used figuratively, meaning to take in or rely upon. It suggests seeking refreshment, help, or sustenance from these foreign powers.

Why Jeremiah 2:18 matters

  • Jeremiah 2:18 makes it clear that the people's search for security in foreign alliances is not just political but also a spiritual issue, showing a lack of trust in God.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 2, where God accuses Judah of forsaking Him, the true "fountain of living waters," for unreliable sources.
  • By naming Egypt and Assyria, Jeremiah reminds the people of past troubles with these nations and warns that turning to them again will not bring the safety or satisfaction they hope for.

Where else these words appear

“Sihor” Hebrew H7883 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 13:3 From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
  • 1 Chronicles 13:5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.
  • Isaiah 23:3 And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

“river” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
  • Isaiah 42:15 I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:8 Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.