Jeremiah 49:17

KJV

Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also Edom {H123} shall be a desolation {H8047}: every one that goeth {H5674} by it shall be astonished {H8074}, and shall hiss {H8319} at all the plagues {H4347} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Edom will become an object of horror; everyone passing by will whistle in astonishment at all its disasters.

Berean Standard Bible

“Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.

American Standard Version

And Edom shall become an astonishment: every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:17 pronounces a severe and irreversible judgment upon Edom, declaring that it will become a complete desolation. This prophetic word foretells a future where the once proud nation will be so utterly ruined that those who pass by will be struck with profound astonishment and express their scorn through hissing, a visceral reaction to the overwhelming "plagues" or calamities that have befallen it. It underscores God's sovereign justice in bringing retribution upon nations that oppose His will and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:17 is situated within a significant section of the Book of Jeremiah, specifically chapters 46-51, which contain a series of prophecies against various foreign nations. This broader literary unit serves to demonstrate Yahweh's universal sovereignty, asserting His authority not only over Judah but over all peoples and kingdoms. Chapter 49 itself focuses on judgments against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. The prophecy against Edom (Jeremiah 49:7-22) is particularly detailed, emphasizing the complete downfall of a nation characterized by pride and hostility. Verse 17 acts as a powerful summary statement of this impending ruin, reinforcing the earlier declarations of their wisdom failing and their strongholds being overthrown.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea, was the land inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's elder twin brother. Despite this familial connection, a long history of animosity existed between Edom and Israel, marked by border disputes, refusal of passage (Numbers 20:14-21), and active participation in or rejoicing over Judah's downfall. Culturally, Edom was known for its strategic location along trade routes and its perceived impregnable fortresses in the rocky terrain, leading to significant national pride, as noted in [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - Edom's Pride in its Strongholds"). Their malicious actions against Judah during the Babylonian invasion, particularly their active role in plundering Jerusalem and blocking escape routes, are condemned in passages like [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Fall") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). Jeremiah's prophecy, therefore, is a divine response to Edom's enduring antagonism and hubris.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His righteous retribution for sin, especially pride and hostility towards His chosen people. The declaration of desolation is a direct consequence of Edom's actions and their defiance of God. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Utter Desolation**, signifying a complete and irreversible ruin. This is not merely a military defeat but a transformation into an uninhabitable wasteland, a common prophetic motif for nations under divine curse, echoed in [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Edom's Perpetual Desolation"). Thirdly, the imagery of passersby being "astonished" and "hissing" emphasizes the **Public Spectacle of Ruin**. Edom's downfall will be so profound and shocking that it elicits not pity, but a horrified contempt and symbolic scorn, serving as a stark warning to other nations and a vindication of God's justice. Finally, the historical fulfillment of prophecies against Edom, leading to its eventual disappearance as a distinct nation, reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment** and the reliability of God's word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolation (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** From H8047, this word denotes ruin and, by implication, consternation or astonishment. It describes a state of utter waste, emptiness, and destruction that evokes horror and shock in observers. In the context of Edom, it signifies a complete and irreversible state of ruin, rendering the land uninhabitable and a monument to divine judgment.
* **astonished (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** From H8074, this primitive root means to stun or grow numb, leading to devastation or stupefaction. It conveys a sense of profound shock, horror, or stupor at an overwhelming destruction. The passersby will be so overwhelmed by the sight of Edom's ruin that they are left speechless and utterly bewildered by the extent of the calamity.
* **hiss (Hebrew, _shâraq'_):** From H8319, this word describes a shrill sound, a whistle or hiss, which can be used as a call or, as here, in scorn. It is a sound of derision, contempt, or sometimes amazement mixed with horror. The act of hissing by those who pass by Edom's ruins indicates a visceral reaction of disdain and revulsion at the severity of its judgment, a stark reversal of Edom's former pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also Edom shall be a desolation:"** This opening clause serves as the core prophetic declaration, unequivocally stating the future state of Edom. The term "desolation" (Hebrew: _shammâh_) signifies not merely a defeat or decline, but a complete and utter ruin, transforming the land into an uninhabited wasteland. This is a divine decree, emphasizing the certainty and severity of the judgment against a nation known for its pride and antagonism towards God's people.
* **"every one that goeth by it shall be astonished,"** This clause describes the reaction of those who witness Edom's future state. The phrase "goeth by it" (Hebrew: _ʻâbar_) refers to travelers or passersby. Their reaction is one of profound "astonishment" (Hebrew: _shâmêm_), indicating a state of shock, horror, and stupefaction at the overwhelming extent of the destruction. It suggests that the ruin will be so severe and unexpected that it will leave observers utterly bewildered and speechless.
* **"and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof."** Building upon the astonishment, this final clause details another visceral reaction: "hissing" (Hebrew: _shâraq_). This sound, often associated with scorn, derision, or contempt, signifies a public expression of disdain and revulsion. The "plagues" (Hebrew: _makkâh_) refer to the calamities, judgments, or blows that have befallen Edom. The combined imagery of astonishment and hissing portrays a scene where Edom's downfall is not met with pity, but with a horrified contempt, a public spectacle of its profound and deserved ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:17 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey the gravity of Edom's impending judgment. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the prophecy speaks of a desolation so absolute that it evokes extreme reactions from all who pass by. While rooted in reality, the language magnifies the scale of destruction to emphasize its divine origin and irreversible nature. **Imagery** is powerfully utilized, painting a vivid picture of a ruined landscape and the shocked, scornful reactions of travelers. The "hissing" is a strong auditory image, invoking a sense of public derision and a reversal of Edom's former pride. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, not only of Edom's historical demise but also of the broader principle that divine justice will ultimately prevail against all forms of human arrogance and opposition to God's will. The collective reaction of "astonishment" and "hissing" also functions as a form of **Public Spectacle**, turning Edom's downfall into a cautionary tale for all who would observe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:17 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over all nations. It serves as a stark reminder that no kingdom, however proud or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of divine judgment when it acts in defiance of God's righteous standards and harbors malice against His people. Edom's desolation underscores the principle that pride (as seen in their self-reliance and perceived invincibility) precedes destruction, and that active hostility towards God's purposes carries severe consequences. This prophecy affirms that God sees and will ultimately address all injustice, ensuring that His ultimate plan for redemption and righteousness will prevail.

* [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Malice Against Jerusalem")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord Against the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient prophecy against Edom in Jeremiah 49:17 holds enduring lessons for believers today, transcending its historical context. It calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that all human strength, pride, and perceived security are fleeting before the sovereign power of God. Just as Edom's arrogance led to its ruin, we are warned against the dangers of self-reliance, nationalistic pride, or any form of hubris that elevates itself against God's will or His people. This verse also offers immense comfort and reassurance to those who experience injustice or oppression, reminding us that God is actively engaged in the affairs of nations and individuals. He sees every act of malice and will, in His perfect timing, bring about His righteous judgment. Our call, therefore, is to trust in His sovereignty, to align our lives with His justice, and to cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion rather than pride and antagonism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might personal or national pride blind us to God's warnings and lead to our own forms of "desolation"?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against injustice encourage us to persevere in faith when facing opposition?**
* **What practical steps can we take to combat pride in our own hearts and cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: God's judgment against Edom was severe primarily due to their consistent and deeply rooted hostility towards Israel, God's chosen people, despite their familial ties as descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom's pride, mentioned in [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Pride"), also played a significant role. Most notably, they actively rejoiced in and even participated in the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, blocking escape routes and plundering the city, as detailed in [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Fall") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). This malicious behavior against God's covenant people brought about a just and comprehensive divine retribution, serving as an example of God's sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:17 speaks of a specific historical judgment against Edom, its theological implications find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The desolation of Edom, a nation characterized by pride and hostility, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will fall upon all who reject God's rule and persist in rebellion against Him. Christ, as the righteous judge, will one day execute perfect justice, bringing to an end all forms of evil and opposition to God's kingdom, as described in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Furthermore, Edom's "plagues" of judgment stand in stark contrast to the deliverance offered through Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the ultimate "plague" of God's wrath on the cross, so that those who believe might escape eternal desolation and receive eternal life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Thus, the prophecy against Edom not only warns of divine judgment but also implicitly points to the necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work, which offers salvation from the very desolation that unrepentant sin inevitably brings.

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

Ezekiel 35:7

Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth.

Jeremiah 50:13

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Jeremiah 49:13

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.

Jeremiah 51:37

And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Micah 6:16

For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.