Jeremiah 49:7-22

Why do Edom’s wisdom and high refuges fail to provide security?

Berean Standard Bible

7 Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? 8 Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him. 9 If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted? 10 But I will strip Esau bare; I will uncover his hiding places, and he will be unable to conceal himself. His descendants will be destroyed along with his relatives and neighbors, and he will be no more. 11 Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.” 12 For this is what the LORD says: “If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, can you possibly remain unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for you must drink it too. 13 For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.” 14 I have heard a message from the LORD; an envoy has been sent to the nations: “Assemble yourselves to march against her! Rise up for battle!” 15 “For behold, I will make you small among nations, despised among men. 16 The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. 17 “Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. 18 As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. 19 Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” 20 Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Edom and the strategies He has devised against the people of Teman: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them. 21 At the sound of their fall the earth will quake; their cry will resound to the Red Sea. 22 Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

What is the context?

The questions about Teman’s wisdom lead into flight and exposed hiding places. Edom’s expected security is stripped away more thoroughly than a vineyard’s remaining gleanings or a thief’s limited taking.

The promise concerning orphans and widows interrupts the threat with care for vulnerable lives. It should remain in the reading rather than being swallowed by a claim that the passage names no mercy.

Edom cannot assume exemption from the cup others have had to drink. Pride, mountain height, and eagle-like nesting are answered by the Lord’s power to bring down.

The lion, trembling earth, and swooping eagle present overwhelming judgment. The comparison with a woman in labor expresses anguish, not a statement that women have less dignity or worth.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes exposed hiding places and pride’s failure. His verse 19 explanation starts with Edom coming like a lion, while the BSB depicts one coming against Edom and driving it away. The passage’s direction of attack should follow the quoted text.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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