Jeremiah 49:16

KJV

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy terribleness {H8606} hath deceived {H5377} thee, and the pride {H2087} of thine heart {H3820}, O thou that dwellest {H7931} in the clefts {H2288} of the rock {H5553}, that holdest {H8610} the height {H4791} of the hill {H1389}: though thou shouldest make thy nest {H7064} as high {H1361} as the eagle {H5404}, I will bring thee down {H3381} from thence, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your capacity to terrorize has deceived you and made you arrogant. You make your home in the rocky crags and seize the top of the mountain; but even if you build your nest high as an eagle's, from there I will drag you down," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

As for thy terribleness, the pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:16 delivers a potent prophetic judgment against the nation of Edom, articulating how their formidable reputation and deep-seated arrogance have led them into a state of self-deception regarding their security. Despite their seemingly impregnable fortresses carved into rocky cliffs and their lofty, eagle-like self-perception, the verse unequivocally declares the Lord's absolute resolve to humble them, demonstrating divine sovereignty over all human pride and perceived invincibility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 46-51) that pronounces divine judgment against various foreign nations surrounding Judah. These oracles serve to underscore God's universal sovereignty, demonstrating that He is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord of all nations, holding them accountable for their actions. Specifically, [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations") focuses on judgments against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. The prophecy against Edom ([Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7-22 "Jeremiah 49:7-22 - Prophecy Against Edom")) is particularly detailed, emphasizing their wisdom, pride, and eventual desolation. Verse 16 serves as a pivotal statement on the root cause of their downfall—their hubris and false sense of security, setting the stage for the subsequent descriptions of their utter ruin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located in the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, southeast of the Dead Sea, was a nation strategically positioned along crucial trade routes. Their capital, Sela (later known as Petra), was renowned for its natural defenses, with dwellings and fortresses carved directly into the red sandstone cliffs, making it appear virtually unassailable. Descendants of Esau, Edomites had a long-standing, often hostile, relationship with Israel, descendants of Jacob. This animosity culminated in Edom's active participation or gleeful observation of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon, as lamented in passages like [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom, O Lord"). Their geographical advantage fostered a deep-seated pride, believing their natural strongholds made them immune to invasion, a perception directly challenged by Jeremiah's prophecy. This cultural mindset of self-reliance based on physical defenses is central to understanding the force of God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. The primary theme is the **Deception of Pride**, illustrating how Edom's "terribleness" (their formidable nature) and "pride of thine heart" blinded them to their vulnerability, a common prophetic motif warning against human arrogance. This leads directly to the theme of **False Security**, as Edom's reliance on their "clefts of the rock" and "height of the hill" proved futile against divine judgment, echoing similar warnings found in [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3-4 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - The Pride of Edom's Heart"). Ultimately, the verse powerfully affirms **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, declaring that despite human perceived strength, the Lord's will to "bring thee down from thence" is absolute, demonstrating that no nation or individual can withstand the righteous hand of God. The passage highlights the futility of trusting in anything other than the Lord for ultimate protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deceived (Hebrew, _nâshâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies to lead astray, to delude, or to seduce. In the context of Jeremiah 49:16, it highlights the internal mechanism of Edom's downfall: their own formidable reputation and pride did not just lead to overconfidence, but actively misled them, causing them to believe a lie about their invincibility. It implies a self-inflicted spiritual and strategic blindness, where their perceived strength became the very instrument of their self-deception.
* **pride (Hebrew, _zâdôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to boil up," this term denotes arrogance, presumption, or insolence. It speaks to a haughty spirit that exalts itself, often in defiance of God. Edom's pride was not merely self-admiration but a presumptuous confidence in their own strength and position, leading to a dangerous disregard for divine authority and impending judgment. This "boiling up" imagery suggests an uncontrolled, destructive force emanating from within their hearts.
* **bring thee down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to descend," "to go downwards," or "to fall." Causatively, it means "to bring down." This word starkly contrasts with Edom's lofty self-perception and their desire to make their "nest as high as the eagle." It emphasizes the active, intentional, and decisive action of the Lord in humbling Edom, demonstrating His power to dismantle even the most seemingly unassailable human strongholds and bring low those who exalt themselves against His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart,"**: This opening clause immediately identifies the twin sources of Edom's self-destruction: their formidable reputation (the "terribleness" they inspired in others) and their internal "pride of heart." The verb "deceived" (H5377, _nâshâʼ_) indicates that these qualities, rather than being strengths, became instruments of self-delusion, blinding Edom to their true vulnerability and the impending divine judgment. Their own perceived power led them astray.
* **"O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill:"**: This descriptive address vividly portrays Edom's physical and perceived security. "Clefts of the rock" (H2288, _chăgâv_ and H5553, _çelaʻ_) refers to their dwellings and fortresses carved into the rugged, high cliffs, particularly around Sela/Petra. "Holdest the height of the hill" (H8610, _tâphas_ and H4791, _mârôwm_ and H1389, _gibʻâh_) further emphasizes their strategic control over elevated, seemingly impregnable positions, reinforcing their sense of unassailability based on natural defenses. This paints a picture of a people literally entrenched in their perceived invincibility.
* **"though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle,"**: This powerful simile intensifies the image of Edom's perceived security. The "eagle" (H5404, _nesher_) is a biblical symbol of soaring height and unassailable dwelling, suggesting that Edom believed itself to be utterly beyond reach, just as an eagle's nest is inaccessible. This metaphor underscores the extreme degree of their self-exaltation and presumed safety, placing themselves in a position of ultimate security.
* **"I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD."**: This concluding declaration delivers the divine verdict with absolute authority. The "I will" (H3381, _yârad_) signifies God's direct, personal, and irresistible intervention. Despite all of Edom's natural defenses and lofty self-perception, the Lord Himself pledges to humble them, demonstrating that no human strength or strategic advantage can withstand His sovereign will. "Saith the LORD" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_ and H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) serves as a divine imprimatur, guaranteeing the certainty and authority of the prophecy, leaving no doubt about its fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:16 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, particularly in its portrayal of Edom's dwelling and pride. The descriptions of "clefts of the rock" and "height of the hill" create a vivid mental picture of their seemingly impregnable fortresses, emphasizing their reliance on natural defenses. The **Simile** "make thy nest as high as the eagle" is especially potent, comparing Edom's perceived security to the unassailable aerie of a powerful bird of prey, thereby emphasizing the extreme nature of their arrogance and the perceived impossibility of their downfall. This imagery also sets up a stark **Contrast** with the divine declaration, "I will bring thee down from thence," highlighting the vast disparity between human presumption and divine sovereignty. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Oracle**, delivering a direct message of judgment from God, underscored by the authoritative **Formulaic Phrase** "saith the LORD," which authenticates the divine origin and certainty of the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of pride and divine judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that human arrogance, particularly when it leads to self-reliance and a disregard for God, inevitably precipitates downfall. Edom's physical security, rather than inspiring humility and gratitude, became the very foundation of their hubris, illustrating how perceived strengths can become spiritual liabilities. The Lord's declaration to "bring thee down" affirms His absolute sovereignty over all nations and human endeavors, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand His righteous will. This passage powerfully teaches that true security is found not in human fortifications or self-exaltation, but in humble submission to the Almighty God, who alone is truly unassailable.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Whoever exalts himself will be humbled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:16 offers timeless wisdom for individuals and communities alike, serving as a powerful warning against the insidious nature of pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and encourages reliance on personal strength or material security, this verse reminds us that such foundations are inherently unstable when divorced from God. Whether our "clefts of the rock" are financial security, intellectual prowess, social status, or even spiritual achievements, placing ultimate trust in these rather than in the Lord leads to a dangerous form of self-deception. True security and lasting peace are found only in recognizing our utter dependence on God, cultivating humility, and submitting to His sovereign will. This passage calls us to regularly examine our hearts, ensuring that our confidence rests solely in the One who can humble the proud and exalt the lowly, and to remember that genuine strength is found not in self-exaltation, but in humble reliance on divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing undue confidence in my own "terribleness" or perceived strengths, rather than in God?**
* **How might pride be subtly deceiving me, blinding me to my true spiritual vulnerabilities or areas where I need God's intervention?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and greater dependence on God in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Edom's "clefts of the rock" and "height of the hill"?**

Answer: The "clefts of the rock" (Hebrew: _chăgâv çelaʻ_) and "height of the hill" (Hebrew: _mârôwm gibʻâh_) refer to Edom's unique geographical advantage. Their capital, Sela (Petra), and many of their settlements were carved directly into the high, rugged sandstone cliffs of the Seir mountains. This natural topography provided seemingly impregnable defenses, making their fortresses extremely difficult to assault. Culturally, this led to a deep-seated pride and a belief in their invincibility, as they felt secure in their elevated, inaccessible strongholds. This perception of unassailability is precisely what Jeremiah's prophecy challenges, declaring that even such formidable natural defenses are no match for the Lord's sovereign power to "bring thee down from thence" ([Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Pride and Downfall")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:16, while a judgment against Edom's pride, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human self-exaltation and God's divine humility, supremely embodied in Jesus Christ. Edom's desire to make its "nest as high as the eagle" ([Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Pride and Downfall")) represents the pinnacle of human pride, which the Lord vows to bring down. In stark contrast, Christ, "who, 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 2:6-7](/phillipians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not cling to heavenly heights but descended to the lowest depths of human experience, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/phillipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). This divine humility is the antithesis of Edom's pride, demonstrating that true exaltation comes not through self-assertion but through self-abasement and obedience to God. The Lord's promise to "bring thee down" for the proud finds its redemptive counterpart in the New Testament principle that "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")). Thus, Edom's judgment serves as a shadow, pointing to the ultimate truth revealed in Christ: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and only through Christ's humble sacrifice can humanity truly be lifted up, not by its own strength or pride, but by divine grace and the power of His resurrection.

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

Amos 9:2

Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:

Job 39:27

Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Proverbs 16:18

¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Obadiah 1:3

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Obadiah 1:4

Though thou exalt [thyself] as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.