Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow.

JEREMIAH 46:9KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 46:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:9 mean?

Jeremiah 46:9 is a call for the armies of Egypt and its allies to prepare for battle, summoning their horses, chariots, and skilled warriors from Ethiopia, Libya, and Lydia to come forward and fight. The verse vividly describes the military strength being assembled, but it is part of a larger message about Egypt’s coming defeat.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to Egypt, warning them before a major battle with Babylon. The verse lists the different groups and weapons—horses, chariots, shield-bearers from Ethiopia and Libya, and archers from Lydia—to show the impressive force Egypt could gather. Despite this display of power, the context of the chapter makes clear that these preparations will not save Egypt from disaster.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:9

  • The word for “rage” is הָלֵל (halel), which often means to boast or act proudly. Here, it paints the chariots as surging forward with energy and confidence.
  • “Handle the shield” uses תָּפַשׂ (taphas), meaning to grasp or wield. This highlights the readiness and skill of the Ethiopian and Libyan warriors.
  • “Handle and bend the bow” uses תָּפַשׂ (taphas) for handle and דָּרַךְ (darakh) for bend, showing the Lydians’ expertise with archery, emphasizing their role as skilled fighters.

Why Jeremiah 46:9 matters

  • The verse clears up that Egypt’s military might included not just Egyptians but also powerful allies from Africa and Asia Minor, showing the seriousness of the coming conflict.
  • By naming the specific groups and their weapons, Jeremiah emphasizes the scale and diversity of Egypt’s army, making the prophecy of their defeat even more striking.
  • This verse fits into the wider passage where God, through Jeremiah, is warning that no matter how strong Egypt’s forces seem, they cannot stand against God’s judgment.

Where else these words appear

“Lydians” Hebrew H3866 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 10:13 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:11 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

“Libyans” Hebrew H6316 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 10:6 And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.
  • Ezekiel 27:10 They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.
  • Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:

“Ethiopians” Hebrew H3568 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 2:13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
  • Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
  • Isaiah 37:9 And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

“bend” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.