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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 49:7–22. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The Edomites come next to receive their doom from God, by the mouth of Jeremiah: they also were old enemies to the Israel of God; but their day will come to be reckoned with, and it is now at hand, and is foretold, not only for warning to them, but for comfort to the Israel of God, whose afflictions were very much aggravated by their triumphs over them and joy in their calamity, Psa 137:7. Many of the expressions used in this prophecy concerning Edom are borrowed from the prophecy of Obadiah, which is concerning Edom; for, all the prophets being inspired by one and the same Spirit, there must needs be a wonderful harmony and agreement in their predictions. Now here it is foretold,
I.That the country of Edom should be all wasted and made desolate, that the calamity of Esau should be brought upon him, the calamity he has deserved, and God has long designed him, for his old sins, Jer 49:8. The time is at hand when God will visit him, and call him to an account, and then they shall flee from the sword, turn back from the battle, and dwell deep in some close caverns, where they shall hide themselves. All they have shall be carried off by the conqueror; whereas grape-gatherers will leave some gleanings, and even thieves know when they have enough and will destroy no further, those that destroy them shall never be satiated, (Jer 49:9, Jer 49:10); they shall make Esau quite bare, shall strip the Edomites of all they have, shall find out ways and means to come at their most hidden treasure, shall discover even the secret places where they thought to secure their wealth, and rifle them, so that they shall none of them save their wealth, no, nor save themselves nor their children, that might be concealed in a little room: He shall not be able to hide himself, and his seed too is spoiled. His brethren the Moabites, and his neighbours the Philistines, whom he might have expected succours from, or at least shelter with, are spoiled as well as he and disabled to do him any service. And he is not, or there is not he, there is none to him, none left him, that may say what follows (Jer 49:11), Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive. When they are flying, or dying, there shall be none left, no relation, no friend, no, not so much as any parish officers to take care of their wives and children that they leave behind. Edom is not, he is cut off and gone; nor is there any to say, Leave me thy orphans. If the master of a family be cut off, or forced away, it is some comfort if he have a friend to leave his family with, whom he can confide in; but they shall have none such, for they shall all be involved in the same calamity. The Chaldee makes these to be the words of God to his people, distinguishing them from the Edomites in this calamity; and they read it, "But you, O house of Israel! you shall not leave your orphans; I will secure them, and let your widows rest on my word. Whatever becomes of the widows and fatherless of the Edomites, I will take care of yours." Note, it is an unspeakable comfort to the people of God, when they are dying, that they may leave their surviving relations with God, may, in faith, commit them to him and encourage them to trust in him; and, though they cannot promise themselves great things in the world for them, yet they may hope that he will preserve them alive, always, provided that they trust in him. Let the Edomites, for their part, count upon no other than to be made a desolation and a reproach; for the decree has gone forth; God hath sworn it by himself (Jer 49:13), that their cities shall be wasted, nay, they shall be perpetual wastes, they shall be made mean and despicable; they had made a mighty figure, but God will make them small among the heathen; and those that despised God's people shall themselves be despised among men (Jer 49:15, Oba 1:2), nay, they shall be made monstrous, and even a prodigy (Jer 49:17): Edom shall be such a desolation that every one who goes by shall be astonished; nay, worse yet, they shall be made a terror; Edom shall be made like Sodom and Gomorrah, none shall care for coming near the ruins of it, no man shall abide there (Jer 49:18), such a frightful place shall it be made.
II.That the instruments of this destruction should be very resolute and formidable.
They have their commission from God; he summons them into this service (Jer 49:14): I have heard a rumour, or report, from the Lord, heard it by the prophecy of Obadiah, heard it by a whisper to myself, that an ambassador, or herald, or messenger, is sent to the Gentiles, who are to lay Edom waste, saying, Gather you together, muster all the forces you can, and come against her; for (Jer 49:20) this is the counsel that he hath taken against Edom. The matter is settled, the decree has gone forth, and there is no resisting it. God has determined that Edom shall be laid waste, and then he that is to be employed in wasting it shall come swiftly and strongly. Nebuchadnezzar is he or whom it is here foretold,
1.That he shall come up like a lion, with fierceness and fury, like a lion enraged by the swelling of Jordan overflowing his banks, which forces him out of his covert by the water-side into the higher grounds, Jer 49:19. He shall come roaring, come to devour all that come in his way. He shall come against the habitation of the strong, the forts and castles; and I will cause him to come suddenly into the land (so the next words might well be read), so as to find them unprovided with necessaries for a defence; for I will look out a chosen man to appoint over her, to do this execution, a man fit for the purpose, one chosen out of the people; for when God has work to do he will find out the fittest instruments to be employed in doing it: "Who is like me for choosing the instruments, and spiriting them for the work? And who will appoint me the time? Who will challenge me, and fix a time and place to meet me? Who will join issue with me in battle? And, when I send a lion into the flock, who is that shepherd that can, or dare, stand before me, or against me, to oppose that lion, and think to rescue any of the flock?" Note, When God has work to do of any kind he will soon find those that are able to engage in it, and all the world cannot find those that are able to engage against it. Nay, if God will have Edom destroyed, and their peopled dislodged, there needs not a lion, a fierce lion to do it: Even the least of the flock shall draw them out (Jer 49:20); the meanest servant in Nebuchadnezzar's retinue, the weakest of all that follow his camp, shall draw them out for the slaughter, shall force them to flee, or to surrender, and make their habitations desolate with them. God can bring to pass the greatest works by instruments least likely. When the Chaldean army comes against the Edomites all hands shall be employed and the poorest soldier in it shall have a pluck at them.
2.Nebuchadnezzar shall come, not only like a lion, the king of beasts, but like an eagle, the king of birds (Jer 49:22): He shall fly as the eagle upon his prey, so swiftly, so strongly, shall clap his wings upon Bozrah, to secure it for himself (as before, Jer 48:40), and immediately the hearts of the mighty men shall fail them, for they shall see he is an enemy that it is in vain to struggle with.
III.That the Edomites' confidences should all fail them in the day of their distress.
1.They trusted to their wisdom, but that shall stand them in no stead. This is the first thing fastened upon in this prophecy against Edom, Jer 49:7. That nation used to be famous for wisdom, and their statesmen were thought to excel in politics; and yet now they shall take such wrong measures in all their counsels, and be so baffled in all their designs, that people shall ask, with wonder, What is the matter with the Edomites? Is wisdom no more in Teman? Have the wise men of the east country (Kg1 4:30) become fools? Are those at their wits' end that were thought to have the monopoly of prudence? Has counsel perished from the understanding men? It is so, when God is designing the ruin of a people; for whom he will destroy he infatuates. See Job 12:20. Has their wisdom vanished? Is it tired? (so some); is it worn out? (so others); has it become useless? so others. Yes, it will do them no service when God comes forth to contend with them.
2.They trusted to their strength, but neither shall that avail them, Jer 49:16. They had been a terror to all their neighbours; every body feared them and truckled to them, and this made them proud and conceited of themselves and their own strength, and very secure; because no neighbouring nation durst meddle with them, they thought no nation in the world durst. Their country was much of it mountainous, having many passes which they thought themselves able to make good against any invader; but this terribleness of theirs deceived them, and so did their imaginary inaccessibleness; they did not prove so strong as they were formidable, nor so safe as they were secure. High as they are, God will bring them down; for, as there is no wisdom, so there is no might against the Lord, See these expressions, Oba 1:3, Oba 1:4, Oba 1:8.
IV.That their destruction should be inevitable and very remarkable.
1.God hath determined it (Jer 49:12); he hath said it; nay (Jer 49:13), he hath sworn it, that the Edomites shall not go unpunished, but that they shall drink the cup of trembling, which is put into the hands of all their neighbours; even those whose judgment, or doom, was not to drink of the cup, who had not so well deserved it as they had done, nations that had not been such enemies to Israel as they had been, or Israel itself, that was God's peculiar people, and among whom there were many, very many, who kept his ordinances, upon which account they might have expected an exemption; and yet they had been made to drink of the bitter cup; and shall the Edomites think to pass it? No; they shall surely drink of it. Note, When God punishes the less guilty it is folly for the more guilty to promise themselves impunity; and when judgment begins at God's house it will reach the strangers.
2.All the world shall take notice of it (Jer 49:21): The earth is moved, and all the nations are put into a concern, at the noise of their fall; the news of it shall make them tremble. The noise of the outcry is heard to the Red Sea, which flowed upon the coasts of Edom. So loud shall be the shouts of the conquerors and the shrieks of the conquered, and such a mighty noise shall the news of this destruction of Idumea make in the nations, that is shall be heard among the ships that lie in the Red Sea to take in lading (Kg1 9:26), and then they shall carry the news of it to the remotest shore. Note, The fall of those who have affected to make a noise with their pomp and power will make so much the greater noise.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Jeremiah refers to these angels as a fortification, although Symmachus interprets this [word] as a message, but one could also consider it in the sense of a “siege.” Taking it this way, God calls together many nations for war as a sign against Idumea and the angels are set in motion by him. And, having been set in motion by God for war, they incite others to fight [with them], as Obadiah says. For the surrounding nations were allied with Israel against Idumea. Therefore, turning to the Idumeans, he says, “See I have made you small among the nations and utterly contemptible. You will fall into calamities, ignorant of what is happening to you because you exalted yourself high above your station. Thus it is true that “Idumea will be deserted” and also what follows, which is said in a similar way by Obadiah: “And the house of Esau will be stubble and [Israel] shall descend on him, and there will be no torch bearer in the house of Esau.” This is similar to the adage we find in the profane books, “No torch bearer was spared by them” referring to those who were cut down and utterly destroyed. For the one who held the torch would go out in front of the fighting army to lead them into battle—and there was no one to carry the law against the hand of this enemy [i.e., the angels].
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Summary
Jeremiah 49:10 delivers a stark and irreversible divine judgment against Edom, the nation descended from Esau. The Lord declares His direct and decisive action in stripping Edom bare, exposing its most fortified and hidden places, and rendering it utterly defenseless and incapable of escape. This comprehensive divine act of judgment results in the complete desolation of Edom's people, its progeny, its allies, and its very national existence, leaving no remnant. The verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the certain, inescapable fulfillment of His prophetic word against those who oppose Him and His covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 49:10 is embedded within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 46-51) dedicated to oracles against various foreign nations. Specifically, this verse is part of the extended prophecy against Edom, found in Jeremiah 49:7-22. These foreign nation oracles are strategically placed within the book to demonstrate Yahweh's universal dominion, emphasizing that He is not merely the God of Israel but the sovereign Lord of all the earth, holding every nation accountable for its actions. The verses immediately preceding Jeremiah 49:7-9 ironically highlight Edom's renowned wisdom and its perceived security, setting a dramatic contrast for the declaration in verse 10 that all these human strengths will be utterly nullified by divine intervention.
Historical & Cultural Context
Edom, located in the mountainous region southeast of Judah, was the nation that sprang from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25:23). Their relationship was historically fraught with animosity, often manifesting in conflict and culminating in Edom's particularly egregious act of gloating over and actively participating in the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, an act condemned in numerous prophetic texts, notably Obadiah 1:10-14. Geographically, Edom was famed for its naturally fortified terrain and its impressive rock-cut cities, such as Petra, which were carved into formidable cliffs, providing seemingly impregnable defenses and hidden places for refuge and wealth. Culturally, Edom prided itself on its strategic wisdom and counsel, as explicitly mentioned in Jeremiah 49:7, believing its intellect and fortified position would guarantee its security. Jeremiah 49:10 directly challenges this hubris, asserting that no human defense or wisdom can ultimately withstand the judgment of God.
Key Themes
Jeremiah 49:10 powerfully contributes to several profound theological and narrative themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. A primary theme is Divine Judgment and Absolute Sovereignty, asserting God's unquestionable authority over all nations and His unhindered capacity to execute justice. The verse vividly portrays Complete Exposure and Utter Desolation, depicting Edom's thorough stripping away of defenses, dignity, and wealth, leaving no sanctuary or hiding place. This serves as a severe warning regarding the Consequences of Pride and Injustice, particularly Edom's arrogance and its historical hostility towards God's chosen people, Israel. Furthermore, the use of the Hebrew perfect tense for a future event ("I have made Esau bare") highlights the Certainty of Prophecy, emphasizing that God's declared word is as good as accomplished, guaranteeing its inevitable fulfillment, a concept echoed in Isaiah 55:11.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H2834) is a primitive root meaning "to strip off," "to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace)," or "to drain away." In the context of Jeremiah 49:10, it vividly portrays the complete and humiliating removal of Edom's defenses, possessions, and dignity, leaving them utterly exposed, vulnerable, and without cover. It implies a forceful, public, and inescapable divestment orchestrated by God.
Derived from the root meaning "to conceal," this noun (H4565) refers to a "concealer" or "covert," hence "secret place." It denotes hidden retreats, concealed treasures, or strategic strongholds upon which Edom relied for security and refuge. The divine act of "uncovering" these places signifies that no aspect of their strength, wealth, or strategic advantage will remain hidden, protected, or useful against God's comprehensive judgment.
This primitive root (H7703) properly means "to be burly" or "powerful" (implying impregnability), but by implication, it means "to ravage" or "to lay waste." It conveys the idea of violent destruction, plunder, and ruin. When applied to Edom's "seed," "brethren," and "neighbours," it emphasizes the total devastation and ruin inflicted upon their entire populace, their lineage, their alliances, and their regional influence, leaving them utterly plundered and destroyed.
Verse Breakdown
"But I have made Esau bare"
This opening declaration immediately establishes Yahweh as the decisive and active agent of judgment. "Esau" here is a metonymy for the nation of Edom. The Hebrew perfect tense, "I have made... bare," signifies a completed action from God's eternal perspective, emphasizing the absolute certainty and inevitability of Edom's stripping away of all defenses, wealth, and dignity, leaving them utterly exposed.
"I have uncovered his secret places"
This clause further elaborates on the thoroughness and inescapable nature of God's judgment. Edom's "secret places" refer to its hidden strongholds, fortified cities (like Petra), concealed treasures, and any perceived safe havens or strategic advantages. God's act of "uncovering" means that nothing will remain hidden or protected from His divine scrutiny and destructive power, rendering all their human-made securities useless.
"and he shall not be able to hide himself"
This phrase powerfully underscores the futility of any attempt by Edom to escape or evade the impending divine judgment. Despite their reliance on hidden places and strategic cunning, their utter inability to conceal themselves highlights the inescapable nature of God's wrath. There is no refuge, no camouflage, and no power strong enough to defy the divine decree or divert its course.
"his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours"
The scope of the devastation is expanded beyond Edom's immediate population to encompass its "seed" (posterity or descendants), "brethren" (related peoples, possibly other nomadic tribes or distant relatives with whom they had kinship), and "neighbours" (allies or adjacent communities that might have offered support or shared in their fate). 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, profoundly stark phrase delivers the ultimate verdict of annihilation. The Hebrew literally means "he is not" or "he ceases to be." It conveys the complete eradication of Edom as a distinct national or ethnic entity, a testament to the finality and severity of God's judgment, leaving no identifiable remnant or trace of its former existence as a sovereign nation.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey the intensity, certainty, and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. Anthropomorphism is evident in the vivid portrayal of God as actively "making bare" and "uncovering" Edom's hidden places, attributing human-like actions to the divine to illustrate His direct involvement, decisive power, and personal execution of judgment. The phrase "I have made Esau bare" functions as a powerful Metaphor for complete exposure, humiliation, and vulnerability, signifying the stripping away not only of physical defenses but also of national pride, perceived security, and dignity. 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 powerfully present: Edom, a nation renowned for its impregnable fortresses, strategic location, and supposed wisdom, is rendered utterly defenseless and exposed by the very God they scorned, demonstrating the ultimate foolishness of trusting in human strength and cunning 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 unequivocally that no human power, strategic advantage, or accumulated wealth can ultimately stand against the divine will or evade divine judgment. The comprehensive judgment on Edom, a nation characterized by deep-seated pride, self-reliance, and persistent hostility towards God's people, underscores the timeless biblical principle that arrogance precedes a fall, and that those who persecute the righteous will inevitably 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 and inevitability of His prophetic pronouncements.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 49:10 offers timeless and sobering lessons for individuals and communities in every era. It serves as a stark reminder that true security and lasting stability cannot be found in earthly defenses, material wealth, or human wisdom. Just as Edom's "secret places" were utterly uncovered and rendered useless, so too are all our hidden dependencies, perceived strengths, and carefully constructed facades utterly transparent and vulnerable before the omniscient God. This profound truth should prompt a deep humility within us, challenging us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of security. Do we rely on our financial stability, our intellectual prowess, our social standing, our physical health, or our carefully curated public image? The verse calls us to recognize God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitability of His justice, urging us to abandon pride, self-sufficiency, and any form of self-reliance that displaces Him. Instead of seeking to hide from God or build our own fortresses, we are invited to humble ourselves, confess our vulnerabilities, and find our true and eternal refuge in Him alone. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that all earthly kingdoms and their fleeting glories are temporary, but God's kingdom endures forever, offering a permanent, unshakeable foundation for all who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was God's judgment against Edom so severe?
God's judgment against Edom was exceptionally severe due to a confluence of factors, primarily their deep-seated and persistent animosity towards Israel, their overwhelming pride, and their active, malicious participation in the destruction of Jerusalem. As descendants of Esau, Edom had a long and bitter history of antagonism toward their "brother" Israel, often acting with cruelty and treachery. This animosity reached its zenith when they gloated over Judah's calamity and even assisted the Babylonians in plundering and destroying Jerusalem in 586 BC, an act vehemently condemned in prophetic books like Obadiah 1:10-14. Their pride in their seemingly impregnable fortresses and their renowned wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7) further exacerbated their sin, leading to a divine decree of complete desolation as a just and comprehensive consequence for their actions against God's chosen people and their defiance of His moral order.
What does the phrase "and he [is] not" signify regarding Edom's fate?
The phrase "and he [is] not" (Hebrew: ʾênennû) is a profoundly powerful and chilling declaration of complete and utter annihilation or disappearance. It signifies that Edom would cease to exist as a distinct national, political, or ethnic entity. While scattered individuals of Edomite descent might have survived and mingled with other populations, the nation itself, its sovereign structure, its cultural identity, and its presence on the geopolitical map would be eradicated. This prophecy was historically fulfilled as Edom gradually faded from history, losing its distinct identity and being absorbed into other peoples, a stark contrast to the miraculous and continued existence of the Jewish people despite numerous exiles and persecutions. It underscores the finality, comprehensiveness, and irreversible nature of God's judgment when His word is declared.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Jeremiah 49:10 speaks of a specific historical judgment against the nation of Edom, its profound theological principles find ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse highlights the inescapable nature of divine judgment and the utter inability of any human power, strategic advantage, 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). However, the glorious good news of the Gospel is that while humanity's "secret places" of sin, rebellion, and self-reliance are indeed laid bare before a holy God, He has provided a perfect and eternal refuge not in hidden fortresses, but in the open, public sacrifice of His Son. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, willingly bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment. He was "made bare" on the cross, stripped of His dignity, subjected to shame and suffering, so that those who believe in Him might find complete covering, forgiveness, and eternal security. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Christ has utterly spoiled and triumphed over the powers of sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15), ensuring that for all who are "in Him," the judgment pronounced against the wicked is instead transformed into salvation, righteousness, and eternal life (John 5:24). Ultimately, Christ's eternal reign establishes a kingdom that "shall not be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people" (Daniel 2:44), standing in stark contrast to the utter desolation of fleeting earthly kingdoms like Edom, and offering a permanent, unshakeable, and glorious refuge for all who trust in Him.