Jeremiah 49:13

KJV

For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I have sworn {H7650} by myself, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that Bozrah {H1224} shall become a desolation {H8047}, a reproach {H2781}, a waste {H2721}, and a curse {H7045}; and all the cities {H5892} thereof shall be perpetual {H5769} wastes {H2723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I have sworn by myself," says ADONAI, "that Botzrah will become a ruin and an object of astonishment, reproach and cursing; all its cities will be ruins forever."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

For I have sworn by myself, saith Jehovah, that Bozrah shall become an astonishment, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:13 delivers a profound and unalterable divine judgment against Bozrah, the formidable capital of Edom. The Lord, swearing by His own immutable being, declares that Bozrah and all its surrounding cities will be utterly and perpetually transformed into symbols of desolation, reproach, waste, and a curse. This solemn prophecy powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to execute righteous judgment against pride, injustice, and hostility directed toward His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49 is situated within a significant prophetic block in the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51), often referred to as "Oracles Against the Nations." This section systematically pronounces God's judgment upon various foreign powers that interacted with or oppressed Israel, including Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Specifically, [Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7-22 "Jeremiah 49:7-22 - Oracle Against Edom") focuses on Edom, a nation with a deep-seated, often adversarial, relationship with Israel, rooted in their common ancestry through Jacob and Esau. This particular oracle on Edom follows prophecies against Ammon and precedes those against Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam, positioning Edom's fate within a broader divine reckoning with global powers. The verses immediately preceding verse 13 detail Edom's overconfidence in its wisdom and strength, setting the stage for the specific, severe pronouncement against its prominent city, Bozrah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah in a rugged, mountainous region, was renowned for its seemingly impenetrable rock fortresses carved into the landscape, particularly in the area of Seir. Bozrah (identified with modern Buseirah in Jordan) was a key city, possibly its capital or a major stronghold, serving as a powerful symbol of Edomite strength, self-reliance, and strategic advantage. Historically, Edom consistently exhibited animosity towards Israel, notably refusing them passage during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom's Refusal to Grant Passage")). Later, they actively participated in and gloated over Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon, as vividly recounted in [Psalm 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom, O Lord") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). Their profound trust in their own wisdom and fortifications, explicitly mentioned in [Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Presumption"), made them a prime target for a divine demonstration of Yahweh's supreme sovereignty. Culturally, an oath taken "by myself" was the strongest possible affirmation, signifying that the one swearing invoked their very being as the guarantee, making the judgment against Bozrah absolutely certain and irreversible.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **Divine Sovereignty and Unquestionable Judgment** of Yahweh. This verse demonstrates that God is not confined to Israel's borders but is the supreme ruler over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions. His oath "by myself" highlights the immutability of His word and His decrees, a concept affirmed in [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Promise"). Secondly, the passage illustrates the dire **Consequences of Pride and Injustice**. While not exhaustively detailed in this single verse, the broader oracle against Edom, particularly [Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Arrogance") and [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3-4 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - Edom's Haughtiness"), reveals that Edom's downfall was a direct result of their arrogance, their misplaced trust in their own strength, and their malicious actions against Judah. Finally, the repeated terms of ruin—"desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse"—emphasize the theme of **Utter and Perpetual Desolation**, signifying a complete and lasting reversal of fortune, a common prophetic motif for nations under divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** (H7650) This verb, meaning "to seven oneself," implies taking an oath, as if by repeating a declaration seven times for emphasis and certainty. When God swears by Himself, it signifies the highest possible assurance and the absolute immutability of His word and purpose, as there is no higher authority by whom He can swear. It underscores the divine resolve and unchangeable nature behind the coming judgment.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His active, sovereign presence in history. The use of "LORD" here reinforces that the judgment is not a mere human prediction but an authoritative decree from the supreme God who controls all nations and their destinies. It highlights the divine source and unchallengeable authority of the prophecy.
* **Bozrah (Hebrew, _Botsrâh'_):** (H1224) This specific place name refers to a prominent city in Edom, likely its capital or a major fortress. Naming Bozrah specifically signifies that the judgment is not a vague threat but a targeted, concrete destruction against the very heart and symbol of Edomite strength and pride. Its downfall represents the complete and devastating collapse of the nation's perceived invulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority, certainty, and unchangeable nature of the prophecy. The phrase "I have sworn by myself" is the strongest possible divine oath, indicating God's absolute commitment to fulfill His word. It means there is no higher power or principle by which God could swear, making the declaration utterly certain and irreversible. "Saith the LORD" further reinforces that this is a direct, authoritative revelation from Yahweh, the sovereign covenant God.
* **"that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse":** This segment details the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of the impending judgment on Bozrah. "Desolation" (Hebrew _shammâh_) implies ruin, emptiness, and consternation, a state of utter devastation. "Reproach" (Hebrew _cherpâh_) signifies shame, disgrace, and ignominy, stripping away any former glory or honor. "Waste" (Hebrew _chôreb_) denotes barrenness, dryness, and utter destruction, rendering the land uninhabitable. "Curse" (Hebrew _qᵉlâlâh_) indicates divine abandonment and disfavor, bringing about complete ruin and misfortune. Together, these terms paint a vivid and horrifying picture of complete and devastating ruin, both physical and reputational, for Bozrah.
* **"and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.":** This concluding phrase extends the judgment beyond Bozrah to encompass the entirety of Edomite territory. The phrase "perpetual wastes" (Hebrew _chorbâh_ and _ʻôwlâm_) emphasizes the long-lasting, enduring, and irreversible nature of the destruction. It signifies that the desolation will not be temporary but will endure for an indefinite, seemingly eternal, period, ensuring that Edom will not recover its former status or power.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey the certainty, severity, and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. The most prominent is the **Divine Oath**, expressed in the powerful declaration, "I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD." This rhetorical device emphatically underscores the absolute truth and immutability of the prophecy, as God's very character and being serve as the ultimate guarantee. The verse also utilizes **Accumulation** and **Synonymia** through the string of synonymous or near-synonymous terms: "desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse." This piling up of destructive descriptors amplifies the comprehensive nature of Bozrah's ruin, emphasizing its complete and utter downfall from every conceivable aspect—physical, social, and spiritual. Furthermore, the phrase "perpetual wastes" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or intense emphasis, conveying the enduring and irreversible nature of the desolation, highlighting the finality of God's judgment against Edom. Finally, Bozrah itself functions as a powerful **Synecdoche** or **Symbolism** for the entire nation of Edom; its downfall represents the complete collapse of Edomite pride, power, and perceived invulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:13 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to righteous judgment. It reveals that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength, strategic location, or historical prominence, is beyond the reach of His divine decree. The Lord's oath "by myself" underscores His immutability and the absolute certainty of His word, whether in promise or in judgment. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that national or personal pride, injustice, and hostility towards God's people ultimately incur divine wrath. The complete and perpetual desolation prophesied for Bozrah and Edom signifies a total reversal of fortune, a divine response to their arrogance and their malicious actions against Judah, demonstrating that God sees and will act to bring about perfect justice in His time.

* [Genesis 22:16](/genesis/22-16 "Genesis 22:16 - God's Oath to Abraham")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath")
* [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3-4 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - Edom's Pride and Precipitous Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and societies alike. It powerfully reminds us that God's word is utterly reliable and true, whether it declares judgment or promises salvation. Just as His prophecies against Edom were meticulously fulfilled in history, so too will all His promises and warnings come to pass with absolute certainty. This truth should instill in us both a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord and an unwavering confidence in His faithfulness and power. The tragic fate of Bozrah serves as a timeless warning against the insidious dangers of national or personal pride, self-reliance, and hostility towards others, especially those aligned with God's purposes. It teaches us that true security is found not in human strength, accumulated wealth, or strategic geopolitical positioning, but in humble submission to God's supreme authority and His righteous ways. Moreover, this verse offers a measure of comfort and hope to those who witness rampant injustice and oppression in the world, affirming that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and will ultimately bring about perfect justice, ensuring that all wrongdoing will be addressed and all pride will be humbled in due time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life or in the broader society do I observe patterns of pride or self-reliance that might invite divine correction or judgment?**
* **How does the historical certainty of God's judgment against nations like Edom strengthen my faith in His promises of salvation, blessing, and ultimate redemption for His people?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and unwavering trust in God, rather than relying on my own perceived strength, wisdom, or worldly security?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Bozrah to Edom?**

Answer: Bozrah was a city of immense significance for Edom, widely considered its capital or a major fortress. Its strategic location within the rugged, mountainous region of Seir made it appear impregnable, symbolizing Edom's strength, wealth, and perceived invulnerability. Therefore, the prophecy of Bozrah's utter destruction was a direct, devastating blow to the heart of Edomite pride and security, signifying the complete and irreversible downfall of the entire nation, not just a single city.

**Why did God swear "by myself" in this prophecy?**

Answer: When God swears "by myself," it constitutes the strongest possible divine oath, indicating the absolute certainty and immutability of His word. As there is no higher authority or greater being than God Himself, He swears by His own eternal character and essence. This emphasizes that the judgment against Bozrah and Edom is not a conditional threat or a mere possibility, but an unchangeable, divinely determined decree that will assuredly come to pass. This powerful form of oath is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as God's oath to Abraham in [Genesis 22:16](/genesis/22-16 "God Swears by Himself to Abraham").

**How does this prophecy relate to other prophecies against Edom in the Bible?**

Answer: Jeremiah 49:13 is entirely consistent with other biblical prophecies against Edom, which frequently highlight their excessive pride, their deep-seated animosity towards Israel, and their ultimate, complete downfall. For example, [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3-4 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - Edom's Haughtiness and Humiliation") speaks of Edom's pride in their seemingly secure rocky dwelling places and God's promise to bring them down from their lofty perch. [Ezekiel 25:12-14](/ezekiel/25-12-14 "Ezekiel 25:12-14 - God's Vengeance on Edom") also condemns Edom for their vengeful actions against Judah and foretells their desolation. These prophecies collectively demonstrate God's righteous judgment against nations that oppose His people and elevate themselves in arrogant self-sufficiency, confirming a consistent divine decree against Edom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:13 directly concerns God's historical judgment on the ancient nation of Edom, its underlying theological principles find profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. The divine oath, "For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD," points to the unchangeable nature of God's word and His eternal commitment, a foundational truth for understanding the absolute certainty of Christ's redemptive work. Just as God's judgment on Bozrah was certain and irreversible, so too is the fulfillment of His covenant promises in Jesus Christ. The ultimate "desolation, reproach, waste, and curse" that humanity deserved due to its sin was borne by Christ on the cross, as He willingly "became a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He took upon Himself the full weight of divine judgment, transforming our deserved spiritual desolation into reconciliation, new life, and righteousness in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Righteousness")). Furthermore, this passage foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority as the righteous Judge of all nations, who will one day bring all human pride and rebellion to nothing and establish His eternal, unshakeable kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The "perpetual wastes" of Edom serve as a stark warning of the eternal consequences for those who reject God's sovereign rule and refuse the salvation offered through Christ, who is the only way to escape the ultimate and eternal judgment that awaits the unrepentant ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He Who Believes Is Not Condemned")).

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

Genesis 36:33

And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

Genesis 22:16

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Isaiah 34:6

The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

Amos 6:8

¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Isaiah 34:9

¶ And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

Isaiah 34:15

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

Jeremiah 44:26

Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, The Lord GOD liveth.