Jeremiah 49:17

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."

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) that contains prophecies against various foreign nations. Specifically, Jeremiah 49 focuses on God's judgment against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Despite this familial tie, Edom frequently acted with hostility towards Israel, notably rejoicing in and even participating in the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (as seen in Psalm 137:7 and Obadiah 1:10-14). This prophecy in Jeremiah 49:17 declares a future of utter ruin for Edom, a consequence of their pride and malicious actions against God's people.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment: The verse unequivocally states God's decree against Edom, highlighting His absolute sovereignty over nations and His justice in bringing retribution for their actions. This judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Edom's pride and antagonism.
• Utter Desolation: The declaration "Edom shall be a desolation" signifies a complete and irreversible ruin. This isn't just a defeat but a state of uninhabited wasteland, a theme common in prophecies against nations that defy God, also echoed in Isaiah 34:10.
• Public Spectacle of Ruin: The imagery of passersby being "astonished" and "hissing" emphasizes the profound and shocking nature of Edom's destruction. It suggests that their downfall will be so severe that it elicits not pity, but a horrified contempt and a symbolic expression of scorn, a stark contrast to their former pride as mentioned in Obadiah 1:3.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: Historically, Edom indeed suffered significant decline and eventual disappearance as a distinct nation, fulfilling these ancient prophecies.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words behind "astonished" (shammah) and "hiss" (sharaq) powerfully convey the reaction to Edom's fate. Shammah implies a profound shock, horror, or stupor at the overwhelming destruction. It's often used to describe a state of utter ruin or desolation that leaves observers speechless. Sharaq, to "hiss," is a sound of contempt, derision, or scorn, sometimes combined with an expression of amazement or horror. Together, these words paint a picture of onlookers not merely observing, but reacting with a mixture of shocked disbelief and utter disdain for the severity of the "plagues" (calamities or judgments) that have befallen Edom.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:17 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

• God's Justice Prevails: The verse serves as a reminder that God is just and will ultimately bring every nation and individual to account for their actions, especially those marked by pride, oppression, or hostility towards His purposes.
• Warning Against Pride: Edom's downfall was largely attributed to its arrogance and self-reliance. This prophecy warns against the dangers of pride, which often precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
• Consequences of Malice: Edom's malicious actions against Judah contributed to their severe judgment. The passage underscores that ill-will and active opposition to God's people or His will carry severe consequences.
• Trust in Divine Sovereignty: For those facing opposition or injustice, this prophecy provides comfort that God is sovereign over all nations and events. He sees injustice and will act in His perfect timing to bring about His purposes, ensuring that true justice is served.