King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:20 Mean?

“Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.”

Context

As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? appoint me: or, convent me in judgment?

Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.

The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea. Red sea: Heb. Weedy sea

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Surely.**—Literally, *If not** . . .***”—the strongest Hebrew idiom of asseveration. **The least of the flock shall draw them out . . .**—The English is obscure, probably because the object of the verb has been taken as its subject. Better, *Surely they *(*i.e., *the Chaldæan invaders) *will vex them, the feeble ones of the flock; surely he will make their pasturage terror-stricken at them. *The thought expressed is that the very fields of Edom would, as it were, shudder at the cruelty of their conquerors. It is noticeable that the whole passage is repeated in Jeremiah 50:44-45, and is there applied to Babylon.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 49:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.