Jeremiah 49:19

KJV

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her? for who [is] like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, he shall come up {H5927} like a lion {H738} from the swelling {H1347} of Jordan {H3383} against the habitation {H5116} of the strong {H386}: but I will suddenly {H7280} make him run away {H7323} from her: and who is a chosen {H977} man, that I may appoint {H6485} over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time {H3259}? and who is that shepherd {H7462} that will stand {H5975} before {H6440} me?

Complete Jewish Bible

It will be like a lion coming up from the thickets of the Yarden against a strong settlement: in an instant I will chase him away and appoint over it whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who can call me to account? What shepherd can stand up to me?"

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?”

American Standard Version

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that will stand before me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:19 presents a powerful prophetic declaration of Yahweh's unassailable sovereignty and His impending judgment upon a proud nation, most likely Edom. Through the vivid imagery of a lion emerging with terrifying force from the Jordan's thickets, the Lord announces His orchestration of an overwhelming invading army. The passage culminates in a series of profound rhetorical questions that emphatically assert God's unique, incomparable authority, challenging any human or national entity to stand against His decreed will, dictate His timing, or rival His power, thereby underscoring the absolute futility of human pride and strength in the face of divine omnipotence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:19 is strategically placed within Jeremiah's extensive collection of prophecies against foreign nations, which spans chapters 46-51. Specifically, this verse is part of the oracle directed against Edom (Jeremiah 49:7-22), a nation frequently condemned for its pride, its reliance on its seemingly impregnable mountain fortresses (such as Sela/Petra), and its long-standing animosity towards Israel. The striking imagery of a lion emerging from the "swelling of Jordan" is a potent and recurring motif in Jeremiah's prophecies of divine judgment. This nearly identical phrase also appears in [Jeremiah 50:44](/jeremiah/50-44 "Jeremiah 50:44 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), where it describes the Lord's judgment against Babylon, indicating a common prophetic idiom employed to convey the sudden, overwhelming, and devastating nature of an invasion orchestrated by God. This repetition underscores the universal scope and irresistible force of God's judgment across all nations, regardless of their perceived strength or geographical advantages.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies recorded in the book of Jeremiah were delivered during a period of immense geopolitical instability in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a time that saw the decline of Assyria, the rise of Babylon, and ultimately, the Babylonian exile of Judah. The "he" in the verse, depicted as coming up "like a lion," is widely interpreted by scholars as a reference to Nebuchadnezzar and his formidable Babylonian army. God frequently used Babylon as His chosen instrument of judgment against both His covenant people, Israel, and the surrounding nations. The "swelling of Jordan" refers to the Jordan River's annual overflow, which typically occurred during the spring harvest (around March-April). This phenomenon was caused by the melting snows from Mount Hermon, leading to the inundation of the dense, lion-infested thickets (the "pride" or "majesty" of the Jordan) that lined its banks. This annual flooding would drive the lions out of their lairs with sudden ferocity, forcing them into inhabited areas. This was a well-known and terrifying natural event for the ancient inhabitants of the region, making it an exceptionally powerful and visceral metaphor for an unstoppable, terrifying, and unexpected invasion. Edom, with its capital in Sela (Petra), was renowned for its rugged, mountainous terrain, which its inhabitants considered an unassailable natural defense, making the divine promise of its sudden and complete overthrow even more impactful and ironic.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:19 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, which asserts God's absolute and unchallengeable control over the destinies of nations. He is depicted as the one who raises up and casts down empires, using them as instruments of His righteous judgment, as famously illustrated by His use of Assyria as "the rod of my anger" in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod") and Babylon as His "servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Another crucial theme is the **Futility of Human Pride and Strength**. Despite Edom's perceived invincibility, its "strong habitation," the verse unequivocally declares that their defenses are utterly useless against God's decree. This powerful message resonates with the broader biblical warning against self-reliance and arrogance, echoing the timeless truth articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Finally, the series of rhetorical questions underscores God's **Incomparable Power and Unchallengeable Authority**, a foundational theme consistently emphasized throughout Scripture, from the foundational declarations of His uniqueness in [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Alone is God") to the prophetic challenges against idolatry in [Isaiah 40:18](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18 - To Whom Will You Liken God?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swelling (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this word denotes "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament," and is also translated as "pride, pomp." In the context of the "swelling of Jordan," it refers to the dense, luxuriant thickets and vegetation along the riverbanks, which were considered the "pride" or "majesty" of the Jordan due to their lushness and the formidable creatures they harbored. These thickets were a natural habitat for lions, and their seasonal flooding would drive the lions out, making the imagery a powerful symbol of a sudden, terrifying, and overwhelming force emerging from an unexpected, yet formidable, place.
* **Habitation (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** From H5116, this term signifies "a home, of God (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild animals (den)." When paired with "strong" (H386, _ʼêythân'_ - meaning permanent, mighty, or strong), "habitation of the strong" refers to a secure, seemingly impregnable dwelling place or fortress. In the specific context of Edom, it points to their fortified cities and mountainous strongholds, which they believed offered ultimate protection and invulnerability. This highlights the stark contrast between human perceived security and the irresistible force of divine judgment.
* **Shepherd (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, this primitive root means "to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule." In the powerful rhetorical question, "who is that shepherd that will stand before me?", "shepherd" functions as a metaphor for a ruler, leader, or king. The question challenges any earthly authority, no matter how powerful or protective of their "flock" (their people), to withstand or even confront the incomparable might and authority of God. It underscores the ultimate subservience of all human leadership to divine sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong:"** This clause dramatically sets the stage for God's impending judgment. "Behold" (or "Look!") serves as an imperative, demanding immediate attention to a momentous and terrifying event. The "he" refers to the chosen instrument of God's judgment, widely understood to be Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. The vivid simile "like a lion" powerfully emphasizes the ferocity, suddenness, and destructive power of the impending invasion. The "swelling of Jordan" provides a culturally resonant and terrifying image of a sudden, overwhelming emergence, as lions would be driven from their dense riverbank lairs by the annual flood. This unstoppable force is directed "against the habitation of the strong," targeting the seemingly secure and fortified dwelling places, specifically those of Edom, a nation renowned for its impregnable mountain fortresses and perceived invulnerability.
* **"but I will suddenly make him run away from her:"** This pivotal phrase reveals God's ultimate and absolute control, even over the destructive force He employs. Despite the lion-like ferocity and overwhelming power of the invader, it is God Himself who orchestrates its sudden departure or retreat from the conquered land. This demonstrates unequivocally that the "lion" (the invading army) is merely an instrument in God's hand, entirely subject to His divine will and timing. It highlights His absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations and their instruments, asserting His control over both the initiation and cessation of judgment.
* **"and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her?"** This is the first in a series of profound rhetorical questions, designed to emphasize God's unique and unchallenged authority. It challenges any human or angelic being to suggest an alternative leader or ruler whom God might choose to govern the now-conquered nation. It powerfully underscores that God alone possesses the prerogative to select, commission, and establish those who will execute His will and govern the aftermath of His judgments, demonstrating His unchallenged right in establishing and deposing leaders.
* **"for who [is] like me?"** This is a profound and foundational theological declaration of God's utter incomparability. It asserts His unique nature, boundless power, infinite wisdom, and supreme authority, challenging any created being or earthly power to stand in comparison to Him. This question serves as the foundational premise for the subsequent rhetorical challenges, establishing God's absolute and peerless supremacy as the Almighty.
* **"and who will appoint me the time?"** This question further emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, particularly over the unfolding of time and events. It challenges any entity to dictate, influence, or even suggest the timing of God's actions or judgments. God alone is the sovereign master of history, orchestrating all events according to His perfect, unchangeable, and unchallengeable timetable, thereby demonstrating His omnipotence and omniscience over all of creation.
* **"and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?"** This final rhetorical question directly challenges any human leader, king, or ruler (represented by the "shepherd," a common biblical metaphor for leadership) to oppose, withstand, or even stand in the presence of God's overwhelming power and authority. It underscores the utter futility of human resistance against the divine will, reinforcing the theme that no earthly power, no matter how mighty or seemingly secure, can contend with or stand against the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:19 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, primarily through the vivid depiction of the "lion from the swelling of Jordan." The **Lion** symbolizes a fierce, predatory, and unstoppable invading force, while the "swelling of Jordan" provides a specific, terrifying natural phenomenon that evokes sudden, overwhelming emergence and destruction. The "habitation of the strong" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** to represent the fortified nation itself, emphasizing its perceived invincibility and the irony of its vulnerability. The verse also employs a powerful series of **Rhetorical Questions** ("who is a chosen man...?", "who is like me?", "who will appoint me the time?", "who is that shepherd that will stand before me?"). These questions are not posed to elicit an answer but serve to emphatically assert God's unique, unparalleled, and unchallengeable sovereignty, omnipotence, and omniscience, driving home the profound theological point through the very act of questioning. The use of **Contrast** is also evident, juxtaposing the perceived strength and security of the "habitation of the strong" with the irresistible power of God's judgment and His absolute ability to control even the "lion" He sends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:19 profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, particularly over the rise and fall of nations and the intricate course of human history. It reveals a God who is not a passive observer but an active orchestrator, using even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment and divine purpose. This passage unequivocally underscores that no human power, no matter how fortified, proud, or seemingly invincible, can ultimately withstand the sovereign will of the Almighty. The rhetorical questions elevate God's transcendence, demonstrating His incomparability and His sole prerogative to appoint, to judge, and to determine the times and seasons. This divine control offers both a solemn warning to the proud and a deep comfort to the faithful, assuring them that God remains eternally enthroned above all earthly chaos, human machinations, and geopolitical shifts.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Both Good and Calamity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:19 calls us to a profound humility and an unwavering trust in God's sovereign control over all things. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and the rise and fall of powerful entities, this verse serves as a potent reminder that God remains the ultimate authority, orchestrating all events according to His perfect and unchangeable plan. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and security – whether in human strength, financial stability, national power, or in the unshakeable might of the Almighty. For those who rely on their own wisdom, perceived invincibility, or self-sufficiency, it serves as a sober warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, reminding us that all human endeavors are ultimately fragile and fleeting before the divine will. For believers, conversely, it offers immense comfort and profound peace, knowing that our God is not only powerful enough to bring down nations but is also intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives, working all things for His glory and our ultimate good. It invites us to surrender our anxieties and fears, resting in the assurance that the One who controls the "lion" and "appoints the time" is our faithful, all-powerful Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my trust and security in times of uncertainty – in human systems and strengths, or in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of God controlling both the "lion" and its "running away" deepen my understanding of His absolute power and intricate wisdom?**
* **What "strong habitations" or areas of self-reliance in my own life might God be challenging me to surrender completely to His divine authority?**
* **How do the rhetorical questions about God's incomparability shape my worship, my understanding of His unique nature, and my response to His commands?**

### FAQ
**What is the "swelling of Jordan" and why is it significant in this verse?**

Answer: The "swelling of Jordan" (Hebrew: _geon hayYarden_) refers to the annual overflow of the Jordan River, typically occurring in the spring due to melting snows from Mount Hermon. This overflow would inundate the dense, lush thickets along the riverbanks, which were a natural habitat for lions. When the waters rose, these lions would be driven out of their lairs and into populated areas, causing terror and destruction. The significance in [Jeremiah 49:19](/jeremiah/49-19 "Jeremiah 49:19 - Prophecy Against Edom") is its powerful and terrifying metaphorical use for a sudden, overwhelming, and destructive invading force, often identified as the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar. It vividly portrays the unexpected and ferocious nature of God's judgment, emerging from a seemingly natural phenomenon. The phrase itself, "the pride of the Jordan," also carries a subtle double meaning, hinting at the arrogance of nations that would be brought low, just as the "pride" of the river was disrupted.

**Who is the "shepherd" mentioned in the verse, and what does it mean that no shepherd can "stand before" God?**

Answer: In biblical literature, a "shepherd" is a common and evocative metaphor for a leader, ruler, or king who guides, protects, and cares for their people (their "flock"). In [Jeremiah 49:19](/jeremiah/49-19 "Jeremiah 49:19 - Prophecy Against Edom"), the question "who is that shepherd that will stand before me?" is a profound rhetorical challenge issued by God Himself. It means that no earthly ruler, no matter how powerful, wise, or protective of their nation, can possibly withstand, oppose, or contend with the supreme authority and irresistible power of God. It underscores the utter futility of human resistance against divine judgment and highlights God's absolute supremacy over all earthly powers and authorities. It is a resounding declaration that all human leadership is ultimately subservient to and accountable before the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:19, while a stark prophecy of divine judgment against a proud nation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereign control over history for the sake of His redemptive plan, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The terrifying "lion" imagery, initially a symbol of destructive judgment, is powerfully inverted and transformed in the New Testament, where Jesus Himself is hailed as the triumphant "Lion of the tribe of Judah" in [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"). This is not a lion of judgment *against* God's people, but one who triumphs *for* them, breaking the seals and opening the scroll of God's redemptive purposes, thereby securing salvation. The profound rhetorical questions asserting God's unparalleled authority—"who is like me?", "who will appoint me the time?", "who is that shepherd that will stand before me?"—are fully and perfectly answered in Christ. He is the unique Son who perfectly reflects the Father's nature and glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), the one who declares with absolute authority, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Jesus is the ultimate "chosen man" whom God has appointed not merely "over her" (a specific nation) but as King over all creation, the Good Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), and who stands eternally before the Father as our faithful advocate ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). Thus, the terrifying sovereignty of God revealed in judgment in Jeremiah becomes the comforting, redemptive sovereignty exercised through Christ, ensuring that all history moves towards His glorious reign and the ultimate salvation of His people.

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

Jeremiah 12:5

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

Jeremiah 30:21

And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Joshua 3:15

And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

Job 41:10

None [is so] fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?

Job 9:19

If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]?

Jeremiah 50:44

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her? for who [is] like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?