Jeremiah 49:15

KJV

For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, [and] despised among men.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, I will make {H5414} thee small {H6996} among the heathen {H1471}, and despised {H959} among men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here! I will make you least among nations, the most despised of people.

Berean Standard Bible

“For behold, I will make you small among nations, despised among men.

American Standard Version

For, behold, I have made thee small among the nations, and despised among men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:15 declares a severe divine judgment against the nation of Edom, prophesying their profound humiliation and reduction in status among the surrounding nations. This pronouncement is a direct response to Edom's deep-seated pride and perceived invincibility, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all peoples and His unwavering commitment to bringing low those who exalt themselves. The verse encapsulates a reversal of fortune, where a nation once confident in its strength will become despised and insignificant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:15 is situated within a larger prophetic section of the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51), known as the "Oracles Against the Nations." This collection demonstrates Yahweh's universal sovereignty, proving that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all surrounding peoples. Specifically, verses 7-22 of chapter 49 are dedicated to the oracle against Edom, following judgments against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, and Ammon. This particular verse serves as a foundational statement of God's intent to humble Edom, setting the stage for the more detailed descriptions of their downfall and the destruction of their strongholds that follow in [Jeremiah 49:16-22](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16-22 - Edom's Fall"). The immediate verses highlight Edom's pride and their reliance on their fortified dwellings, making God's declaration of their diminishment particularly striking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah in the mountainous region of Seir, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother ([Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau and Edom's Ancestry")). Their capital, Petra (Sela), was renowned for its seemingly impregnable rock-cut fortresses, fostering a deep sense of security and arrogance among its inhabitants. Historically, Edom maintained a contentious relationship with Israel, often displaying hostility and even actively participating in or gloating over Judah's misfortunes, particularly during the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem ([Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty Towards Judah")). This long-standing animosity, coupled with their national pride and self-sufficiency, made them a prime target for divine judgment, which often came upon nations that opposed God's people or exalted themselves against His will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority to humble even the most arrogant and seemingly secure nations. No earthly power is beyond His reach or ultimate judgment, as seen in His control over all kingdoms ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Secondly, it highlights the **Humiliation of the Proud**, a recurring biblical motif. Edom's pride and self-exaltation are directly confronted by God's promise to make them "small" and "despised," illustrating the principle that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Thirdly, the judgment on Edom embodies the theme of **Divine Justice for Hostility**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative of Edom's consistent animosity towards Israel suggests that this judgment is a just recompense for their actions against God's covenant people, aligning with the promise that God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant Blessing and Curse")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is highly versatile, meaning "to give," but used with the greatest latitude, including "put," "appoint," or "cause." In this context, "I will make" signifies God's direct, active, and sovereign agency in bringing about Edom's diminished state. It is not a passive observation but a purposeful divine act that will ensure Edom's humiliation. God is the one initiating and executing this judgment.
* **small (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** This word (H6996) denotes being "abbreviated," "diminutive," or "insignificant," whether literally in quantity or figuratively in importance. Applied to Edom, it means they will be reduced in power, influence, and standing among nations. It directly contrasts with their self-perception of grandeur and strength, indicating a profound loss of national prestige and territorial integrity.
* **despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** From a primitive root (H959), this term means "to disesteem," "scorn," or "contemn." When God declares Edom will be "despised among men," it signifies a complete loss of honor, respect, and dignity in the eyes of other nations. Their former might and pride will be replaced by contempt and disregard, a deeply humiliating reversal of their perceived status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen":** This clause initiates the divine pronouncement of judgment, emphasizing God's direct role ("I will make") in Edom's downfall. The term "small" signifies a reduction in power, influence, and territory, contrasting sharply with Edom's self-assured might. To be "among the heathen" (or nations) means their humiliation will be public and evident to all surrounding peoples, stripping them of their perceived exceptionalism and placing them among the common, diminished nations.
* **"and despised among men":** This second clause parallels and intensifies the first, reiterating the theme of humiliation. Not only will Edom be diminished in power, but they will also suffer a profound loss of honor and respect. To be "despised among men" indicates that their former reputation for strength and security will be replaced by scorn and contempt from humanity at large, a complete and utter reversal of their proud self-image.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct declaration from God through His prophet, lending it absolute authority and certainty. There is clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses: "small among the heathen" and "despised among men." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central theme of Edom's humiliation through different but complementary facets – diminishment in power and loss of respect. The divine action of "making" Edom small and despised is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like agency to God, emphasizing His direct and intentional involvement in their fate. Furthermore, the prophecy itself is an act of **Irony**, as Edom, known for its pride and perceived impregnability, is precisely targeted for abasement, demonstrating that their greatest strength will become the source of their greatest downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:15 powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all nations and that pride inevitably leads to a fall. It underscores His impartial justice, demonstrating that even nations outside of His covenant people are accountable to His moral law and will face judgment for their arrogance and hostility. This divine judgment serves as a stark reminder that true security and honor come not from earthly fortifications or self-exaltation, but from humility before the Almighty. The fate of Edom stands as an enduring testament to God's power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly, fulfilling His righteous purposes in history.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "Proverbs 29:23 - Pride Brings Low")
* [Obadiah 1:2](/obadiah/1-2 "Obadiah 1:2 - Edom's Humiliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:15 offers profound lessons for individuals and communities today. It serves as a powerful warning against the insidious nature of pride, reminding us that any form of self-exaltation, whether personal or corporate, ultimately sets us in opposition to God. Just as Edom trusted in its impregnable fortresses and its own strength, we are often tempted to find security in our achievements, wealth, status, or intellect, rather than in humble reliance on God. This verse calls us to examine our hearts for any vestiges of arrogance, prompting us to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on the Lord. Furthermore, it reassures us of God's unwavering sovereignty over all earthly powers. In a world often dominated by seemingly unassailable nations or systems, Jeremiah's prophecy reminds us that God remains on the throne, orchestrating history and ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail. Our trust should be placed in His unfailing control, knowing that He will bring low every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-sufficiency, similar to Edom's reliance on its own strength?**
* **How does the truth of God's sovereignty over nations, as demonstrated in this verse, impact my perspective on current global events or political powers?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily life?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice, even for those who seem to escape accountability, encourage my faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was Edom specifically targeted for such a severe judgment by God?**

Answer: Edom was singled out for severe judgment primarily due to its long history of persistent pride and its hostile actions against God's covenant people, Israel. Descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, Edom often harbored deep-seated resentment and animosity towards Israel. Their pride stemmed from their geographical location in seemingly impregnable rock fortresses, which led them to believe they were invincible ([Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Pride")). More critically, Edom actively participated in or rejoiced over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, failing to offer aid to their kin and even cutting off escape routes for fleeing Judahites ([Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty")). This betrayal and cruelty against God's chosen people, combined with their arrogance, incurred divine wrath, demonstrating that God holds all nations accountable for their actions and their treatment of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:15 speaks of a specific historical judgment against the nation of Edom, its theological implications find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The prophecy of Edom's humiliation foreshadows the ultimate humbling of all human pride and opposition to God through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "made" Edom small and despised, Christ, though [He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). He became "small" and "despised" in the eyes of the world, suffering rejection and crucifixion, yet through this ultimate act of humility, He triumphed over all the powers of darkness and sin ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The judgment on Edom's pride points forward to Christ's second coming, when [He will humble all earthly kingdoms and establish His eternal reign](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), bringing low every high thing that exalts itself against God ([2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Tearing Down Strongholds")). Ultimately, the promise of a world where the proud are abased and the humble are exalted is fully realized in the kingdom of God, inaugurated by Christ's first advent and consummated at His glorious return, where [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

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

Obadiah 1:2

Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

Luke 1:51

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

Psalms 53:5

There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.