John Gill Commentary Jeremiah 47:4

"because of the day that cometh to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper that remaineth: for Jehovah will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor." — Jeremiah 47:4 (ASV)

Because of the day that comes to spoil all the Philistines, etc.] The time appointed by the Lord for their destruction, which should be universal: [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remains; these were cities in Phoenicia, which bordered on the country of the Philistines, who were their auxiliaries in time of distress; but now, being wasted themselves, could give them no help when Nebuchadnezzar attacked them; as he did Tyre particularly, which he besieged thirteen years, and at last destroyed it, and Zidon with it.

For the Lord will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor; these last are not put by way of apposition, as if they were the same with the Philistines, though they were near of kin to them, coming from Casluhim; who were the posterity of Mizraim, as well as Caphtorim, (Genesis 10:13Genesis 10:14).

Indeed the Philistines are said to be brought from Caphtor, (Amos 9:7); being very probably taken captive by them, but rescued from them; and now in confederacy with them, and like to share the same fate as they.

The Targum renders it, ``the remnant of the island of the Cappadocians;'' and so the Vulgate Latin version. Some think the Colchi, others that the Cretians, are meant.

R. Saadiah by Caphtor understands Damiata, a city in Egypt; which is the same with Pelusium or Sin, the strength of Egypt, (Ezekiel 30:15); and it is usual with the Jews ^F23 to call this place Caphutkia, the same with Caphtor, they say; and, in Arabic, Damiata.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F23: Misn. Cetubot, c. 13. sect. 11. & Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.