A Different Kind of Horror in Jeremiah’s Prophecy to the Philistines (Jeremiah 47)


 Recent research has productively interpreted Jeremiah’s oracles against the nations through the lens of horror theory. The prophecy against the Philistines (Jer 47) stands out because it employs horror elements as a means of evoking audience sympathy rather than sentiments of revenge. As a pronouncement in reaction to Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign in 604 BCE, the prophecy hints at Judah’s doom by lamenting the Philistines’ destruction.