Jeremiah 49:20

Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.

Therefore hear {H8085} the counsel {H6098} of the LORD {H3068}, that he hath taken {H3289} against Edom {H123}; and his purposes {H4284}, that he hath purposed {H2803} against the inhabitants {H3427} of Teman {H8487}: Surely the least {H6810} of the flock {H6629} shall draw them out {H5498}: surely he shall make their habitations {H5116} desolate {H8074} with them.

So hear the plan of ADONAI that he has devised against Edom, and his purpose that he will accomplish against those who live in Teman: the least of the flock will drag them away; their own pasture will be in shock at them.

Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Edom and the strategies He has devised against the people of Teman: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them.

Therefore hear ye the counsel of Jehovah, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely they shall drag them away, even the little ones of the flock; surely he shall make their habitation desolate over them.

Jeremiah 49:20 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign judgment against the nation of Edom, a long-standing adversary of Israel. It emphasizes the certainty and completeness of their impending desolation, a consequence of their pride and hostility.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies in the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) detailing God's judgment against various foreign nations. Following prophecies against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, and Ammon, Jeremiah turns his attention to Edom. Historically, Edom was descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, and their relationship with Israel was often marked by animosity and conflict (see Numbers 20:14-21). Edom was known for its seemingly impregnable rock fortresses, especially in the region of Teman, a prominent city within Edom. Their geographical security often fueled their arrogance, leading them to believe they were untouchable. This prophecy serves as a divine counter to their self-assuredness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Counsel and Purpose: The verse opens by highlighting that the judgment against Edom is not arbitrary but is the result of the LORD's deliberate "counsel" (Hebrew: 'etsah) and "purposes" (Hebrew: machashabah). This signifies God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations, demonstrating that His plans are unchangeable and will be executed (compare Isaiah 46:10).
  • Edom's Inevitable Desolation: Despite their perceived strength and security, God declares that Edom will be utterly defeated and their habitations made desolate. The phrase "the least of the flock shall draw them out" is particularly striking. It conveys the idea that even an insignificant or weak force, or perhaps the mere presence of an invader's 'flock' (a metaphor for their camp or people), will be sufficient to utterly rout and destroy Edom. This emphasizes the ease and certainty of their downfall, highlighting their humiliation and the overwhelming power of God's judgment.
  • God's Justice: This prophecy underscores God's justice in holding nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and their treatment of His people. The judgment on Edom was a direct consequence of their hostility towards Israel and their boastful self-reliance (as seen more extensively in Obadiah 1:3-4).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "counsel" ('etsah) and "purposes" (machashabah) emphasize a well-thought-out, deliberate plan, not a spontaneous reaction. This reinforces the idea of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. The phrase "least of the flock" (Hebrew: tza'ir ha-tso'n) is often interpreted as a humble or insignificant instrument used by God to bring about a mighty downfall, or that even the weakest among the invading forces would be enough to accomplish their destruction, further highlighting Edom's utter humiliation.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:20 serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • God's Sovereignty Prevails: No nation or individual can ultimately thwart God's plans. His counsel and purposes will always stand, regardless of human strength or arrogance.
  • Pride Precedes a Fall: Edom's downfall is a classic example of how pride and self-sufficiency lead to destruction. This is a timeless warning against trusting in one's own power or resources rather than in God.
  • Justice Will Be Served: God is a righteous judge who holds all accountable. While His patience is great, His justice is certain, and those who oppose Him and His people will face consequences. This offers comfort to those who suffer injustice, knowing that God sees and will act in His time.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 50:45

    Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make [their] habitation desolate with them.

  • Malachi 1:3

    And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.

  • Malachi 1:4

    Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

  • Jeremiah 49:7

    ¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

  • Acts 4:28

    For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

  • Isaiah 14:24

    ¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

  • Isaiah 14:27

    For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

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