Jeremiah 49:10

KJV

But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he [is] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I have made Esau {H6215} bare {H2834}, I have uncovered {H1540} his secret places {H4565}, and he shall not be able {H3201} to hide {H2247} himself: his seed {H2233} is spoiled {H7703}, and his brethren {H251}, and his neighbours {H7934}, and he is not.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I, for my part, have stripped 'Esav bare, I have exposed his hiding-places; he will not be able to hide himself. He is doomed - sons, brothers and neighbors - so that he is no more.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is destroyed, and his brethren, and his neighbors; and he is not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:10 pronounces a devastating and irreversible judgment upon Edom, the nation descended from Esau. The Lord declares His direct action in stripping Edom bare, exposing its hidden strongholds and treasures, and rendering it utterly incapable of defense or escape. This divine act of judgment results in the complete desolation of Edom's people, its allies, and its very existence, leaving nothing behind. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the certainty of His prophetic word against those who oppose Him and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:10 is situated within a larger prophetic section of the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) dedicated to oracles against foreign nations. This particular passage, [Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7-22 "Jeremiah 49:7-22 - Prophecy Against Edom"), specifically targets Edom, a nation with a long and contentious history with Israel. These foreign nation oracles serve to demonstrate Yahweh's universal sovereignty, proving that He is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord of all creation, holding all nations accountable for their actions. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 49:7-9](/jeremiah/49-7-9 "Jeremiah 49:7-9 - Edom's Wisdom and Destruction") highlight Edom's supposed wisdom and wealth, setting the stage for the dramatic declaration in verse 10 that all these perceived strengths will be utterly nullified by divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah, was the progeny of Esau, Jacob's twin brother ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Jacob and Esau's Birth")). Their relationship was often marked by animosity, culminating in Edom's gloating and active participation in the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, an act vehemently condemned in other prophetic books like [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). Geographically, Edom was renowned for its seemingly impregnable rock-cut cities, particularly Petra, carved into cliffs, which provided natural defenses and secret places for refuge and treasure. Culturally, Edom prided itself on its wisdom, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Is Wisdom No More in Teman?"), believing its strategic location and intellect would secure its future. This verse directly challenges that hubris, asserting that no human defense or wisdom can withstand God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority over all nations and His capacity to execute justice without impediment. The verse emphasizes **Complete Exposure and Desolation**, portraying Edom's utter stripping away of defenses, wealth, and dignity, leaving no refuge or hiding place. This serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Pride and Injustice**, particularly Edom's arrogance and its historical hostility towards God's chosen people. Finally, the use of the perfect tense ("I have made Esau bare") for a future event highlights the **Certainty of Prophecy**, demonstrating that God's word is as good as done, guaranteeing its inevitable fulfillment, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bare (Hebrew, _châsaph'_):** This word (H2834) is a primitive root meaning "to strip off," "to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace)," or "to drain away." In this context, it vividly portrays the complete removal of Edom's defenses, possessions, and dignity, leaving them utterly exposed and vulnerable. It implies a forceful and humiliating divestment.
* **secret places (Hebrew, _miçtâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to conceal," this noun (H4565) refers to a "concealer" or "covert," hence "secret place." It speaks to hidden retreats, concealed treasures, or strategic strongholds that Edom relied upon for security. The uncovering of these places signifies that no aspect of their strength or wealth will remain hidden or useful against God's judgment.
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** This primitive root (H7703) means "to be burly" or "powerful" (passively, impregnable), but by implication, "to ravage." It conveys the idea of violent destruction, laying waste, or plundering. When applied to Edom's "seed," "brethren," and "neighbours," it emphasizes the total devastation and ruin inflicted upon their entire populace and those associated with them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have made Esau bare":** This opening clause immediately establishes Yahweh as the active agent of judgment. "Esau" here represents the nation of Edom. The declaration "I have made... bare" (using the Hebrew perfect tense) signifies a completed action from God's perspective, emphasizing the absolute certainty and inevitability of Edom's stripping away of all defenses, wealth, and dignity.
* **"I have uncovered his secret places":** This further elaborates on the thoroughness of God's judgment. Edom's "secret places" refer to its hidden strongholds, fortified cities (like Petra), concealed treasures, and any perceived safe havens. God's act of "uncovering" means that nothing will remain hidden or protected from His divine scrutiny and destructive power, rendering all their strategic advantages useless.
* **"and he shall not be able to hide himself":** This clause highlights the futility of any attempt by Edom to escape or evade the impending judgment. Despite their reliance on hidden places, their inability to conceal themselves underscores the inescapable nature of God's wrath. There is no refuge, no camouflage, and no power strong enough to defy the divine decree.
* **"his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours":** The scope of the devastation is expanded beyond Edom itself to include its "seed" (posterity), "brethren" (related peoples, possibly other nomadic tribes or distant relatives), and "neighbours" (allies or adjacent communities). The term "spoiled" indicates utter destruction, plundering, and ruination, signifying a comprehensive obliteration of Edom's lineage, alliances, and regional influence.
* **"and he [is] not":** This final, stark phrase delivers the ultimate verdict of annihilation. "He is not" literally means "he ceases to be" or "he is no more." It conveys the complete eradication of Edom as a distinct national entity, a testament to the finality and severity of God's judgment, leaving no remnant or trace of its former existence.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity and certainty of God's judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God as actively "making bare" and "uncovering" Edom's places, attributing human-like actions to the divine to illustrate His direct involvement and decisive power. The phrase "I have made Esau bare" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for complete exposure and humiliation, stripping away not just physical defenses but also national pride and perceived security. There is a strong element of **Hyperbole** in the declaration that Edom's "seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he [is] not," emphasizing the totality of the destruction to the point of complete non-existence, even if some scattered individuals might survive. Finally, **Irony** is present: Edom, known for its impregnable fortresses and strategic wisdom, is rendered utterly defenseless and exposed by the very God they scorned, demonstrating the ultimate foolishness of trusting in human strength over divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:10 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no human power, strategic advantage, or accumulated wealth can ultimately stand against the divine will. The judgment on Edom, a nation characterized by pride, self-reliance, and hostility towards God's people, underscores the biblical principle that arrogance precedes a fall, and that those who persecute the righteous will face divine retribution. This verse affirms that God sees all, knows all, and will bring every hidden thing into the light, ensuring that justice is meted out, even to the most seemingly secure and defiant. It is a powerful reminder that God's word of judgment, once declared, is as good as done, highlighting the certainty of His prophetic pronouncements.

* [Obadiah 1:1-4](/obadiah/1-1-4 "Obadiah 1:1-4 - Edom's Pride and Downfall")
* [Isaiah 34:5-10](/isaiah/34-5-10 "Isaiah 34:5-10 - God's Judgment on Edom and the Nations")
* [Ezekiel 25:12-14](/ezekiel/25-12-14 "Ezekiel 25:12-14 - Vengeance Against Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:10 offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities today. It serves as a stark reminder that true security cannot be found in earthly defenses, material wealth, or human wisdom. Just as Edom's "secret places" were uncovered, so too are all our hidden dependencies and perceived strengths utterly transparent before God. This should prompt a profound humility, challenging us to examine where we place our ultimate trust. Do we rely on our financial stability, our intellectual prowess, our social standing, or our carefully constructed facades? The verse calls us to recognize God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitability of His justice, urging us to abandon pride and self-sufficiency. Instead of seeking to hide from God, we are invited to humble ourselves, confess our vulnerabilities, and find our refuge in Him alone. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that all earthly kingdoms and their glories are fleeting, but God's kingdom endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "secret places" or hidden securities do I tend to rely on instead of God?**
* **How does Edom's pride and downfall serve as a warning against my own potential arrogance or self-sufficiency?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty and surrender control?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Edom deepen my trust in the certainty of His promises for blessing and salvation?**

### FAQ

**Why was God's judgment against Edom so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment against Edom was severe due to a combination of factors, primarily their deep-seated animosity towards Israel, their pride, and their active participation in the destruction of Jerusalem. Edom, as descendants of Esau, had a long history of hostility toward their "brother" Israel. This animosity culminated in their gloating over Judah's calamity and even assisting in their downfall during the Babylonian invasion, as detailed in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). Their pride in their perceived impregnable fortresses and their own wisdom ([Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Is Wisdom No More in Teman?")) further exacerbated their sin, leading to a divine decree of complete desolation as a just consequence for their actions against God's people and their defiance of His moral order.

**What does the phrase "and he [is] not" signify regarding Edom's fate?**

Answer: The phrase "and he [is] not" (Hebrew: _ʾênennû_) is a powerful declaration of complete and utter annihilation or disappearance. It signifies that Edom would cease to exist as a distinct national or ethnic entity. While individual Edomites might have survived and scattered, the nation, its political structure, its cultural identity, and its presence on the geopolitical map would be eradicated. This prophecy was historically fulfilled as Edom eventually faded from history, losing its distinct identity and being absorbed into other peoples, a stark contrast to the continued existence of the Jewish people despite their exiles. It underscores the finality and comprehensiveness of God's judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:10 speaks of a specific historical judgment against the nation of Edom, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse highlights the inescapable nature of divine judgment and the inability of any human power or hidden place to withstand God's scrutiny. In Christ, we see the ultimate exposure of all things before God, for "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" ([Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Exposed to God")). However, the good news of the Gospel is that while humanity's "secret places" of sin and rebellion are laid bare, God has provided a refuge not in hidden fortresses, but in the open sacrifice of His Son. Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment, being "made bare" on the cross, stripped of His dignity, so that those who believe in Him might find complete covering and eternal security. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has spoiled the powers of sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), ensuring that for those in Him, the judgment pronounced against the wicked is instead transformed into salvation and eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). Ultimately, Christ's reign establishes a kingdom that "shall not be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")), contrasting sharply with the utter desolation of earthly kingdoms like Edom, and offering a permanent, unshakeable refuge for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 17:14

And behold at eveningtide trouble; [and] before the morning he [is] not. This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

Malachi 1:3

And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.

Malachi 1:4

Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Psalms 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

Psalms 37:36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Romans 9:13

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.