Jeremiah 49:21

KJV

The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

The earth {H776} is moved {H7493} at the noise {H6963} of their fall {H5307}, at the cry {H6818} the noise {H6963} thereof was heard {H8085} in the Red {H5488} sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The earth quakes at the sound of their fall; their cry can be heard at the Sea of Suf.

Berean Standard Bible

At the sound of their fall the earth will quake; their cry will resound to the Red Sea.

American Standard Version

The earth trembleth at the noise of their fall; there is a cry, the noise whereof is heard in the Red Sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:21 powerfully depicts the catastrophic downfall of Edom, a divine judgment so profound and far-reaching that its reverberations are felt across vast distances. The verse utilizes vivid auditory imagery—the "noise of their fall" and a desperate "cry"—to convey the utter devastation and widespread impact of God's retribution against this proud nation, signaling a collapse of epic proportions that even the distant Red Sea "hears."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:21 is situated within a significant prophetic section of the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) dedicated to pronouncements of judgment against foreign nations. Specifically, verses 7-22 of chapter 49 focus on the coming judgment against Edom, the descendants of Esau. This particular oracle follows prophecies against formidable nations such as Egypt, Philistia, Moab, and Ammon, and precedes those against Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Babylon. The inclusion of these foreign nation oracles serves a crucial theological purpose: to underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty, demonstrating that He is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all peoples and kingdoms, holding them accountable for their actions. The severity of the language in this specific verse against Edom highlights the deep-seated animosity and historical conflict between Israel and Edom, often portrayed as a perpetual sibling rivalry that devolved into bitter hostility and treachery.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah in the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, was a nation characterized by its seemingly impregnable fortresses (like Petra, often referred to as "Sela") and its reputation for wisdom, as noted in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Edom's Wisdom Challenged"). As descendants of Esau, they shared a familial connection with Israel (descendants of Jacob) but were consistently hostile neighbors. Their pride and self-reliance, coupled with their opportunistic exploitation of Judah's misfortunes (e.g., during the Babylonian siege, vividly condemned in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Judah")), incurred severe divine wrath. The imagery of a "fall" and a "cry" would have resonated deeply with ancient Near Eastern audiences familiar with the dramatic collapses of empires and the lamentations that invariably followed military defeat and national destruction. The reference to the "Red Sea" (Yam Suph) emphasizes the extreme geographical distance, highlighting the widespread knowledge and profound impact of Edom's demise, extending far beyond its immediate borders and serving as a universal warning.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Magnitude of Divine Judgment**, portraying God's retribution as a cataclysmic event of immense scale and severity, ensuring a complete and irreversible collapse for those who oppose His will and persecute His people. Secondly, it reinforces God's **Universal Sovereignty**, demonstrating unequivocally that His authority extends over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, pride, and perceived strength or wisdom. The judgment on Edom, a nation that considered itself secure, serves as a stark reminder that no one is beyond God's reach, a theme echoed consistently in other prophecies against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Prophecies Against Nations"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Far-Reaching Consequences of Sin**, particularly the sins of pride, hostility, and treachery. Edom's downfall, marked by a "noise" heard far away, serves as a powerful testament to the widespread, undeniable, and enduring repercussions of defying God's purposes and actively persecuting His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_ H776):** From an unused root probably meaning to be firm, this word refers to the land or ground, but often, as here, to the entire earth or a specific country. In this context, it signifies the very ground beneath Edom, which is depicted as being physically affected by the magnitude of their fall. It underscores the profound, almost geological, impact of the judgment, suggesting a disturbance of the natural order.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_ H5307):** A primitive root meaning "to fall," this verb carries a wide range of applications including to collapse, perish, be overthrown, or die. Here, it denotes the complete and utter destruction of Edom as a nation, a comprehensive collapse from their position of pride and strength. It implies a dramatic and irreversible descent from their former state of security and power.
* **Red sea (Hebrew, _yâm çûwph'_ H3220, H5488):** Literally "sea of reeds," this refers to a large body of water, specifically the Red Sea. Its inclusion here is a powerful hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme geographical distance over which the sound of Edom's fall is heard. It signifies that the judgment is not a localized event but one of such immense magnitude that its echoes reach the farthest known boundaries, making it universally acknowledged and undeniable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The earth is moved at the noise of their fall":** This clause vividly portrays the immediate and profound impact of Edom's downfall. The "earth" (referring to the land of Edom, or perhaps even the world at large) is depicted as physically "moved" or trembling, as if in response to a seismic event. This movement is directly attributed to the "noise of their fall," suggesting that the collapse of Edom is not a quiet demise but a cataclysmic event accompanied by a thunderous sound, indicative of utter devastation and the shattering of their power and perceived invincibility.
* **"at the cry":** This short, impactful phrase adds another layer to the auditory imagery, focusing on the human element of suffering. The "cry" refers to a shriek or wail of distress, lamentation, or agony emanating from the Edomites themselves. It complements the "noise of their fall," indicating that the destruction is not impersonal but involves the widespread anguish and despair of the people as their nation is destroyed and their lives are shattered. This "cry" is an integral part of the overall soundscape of their judgment.
* **"the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea":** This final clause extends the reach of Edom's judgment to an extraordinary degree, employing powerful hyperbole. The "noise" (referring back to the combined sounds of their fall and cry) is so immense and far-reaching that it is heard all the way in the distant Red Sea. This signifies the unparalleled scale, notoriety, and undeniable nature of Edom's destruction, implying that the judgment will be widely known and serve as a stark, inescapable warning to other nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:21 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of overwhelming judgment and its far-reaching consequences. **Hyperbole** is prominently used, particularly in the assertion that the "noise" of Edom's fall is heard all the way in the "Red sea." This deliberate exaggeration underscores the immense scale and notoriety of the impending destruction, implying that its impact will be felt and known far beyond Edom's immediate borders, serving as a universal warning. The verse also employs powerful **Auditory Imagery**, focusing on the "noise" and "cry" of the fall. These vivid sounds evoke a sense of chaos, devastation, and widespread lamentation, allowing the reader to viscerally "hear" the catastrophe unfolding. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification** in "The earth is moved," as if the land itself reacts with trembling or fear to the divine judgment unfolding upon it. This device imbues the natural world with a responsiveness to God's actions, highlighting the cosmic significance of Edom's downfall and the profound impact of God's righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:21 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering justice. It reveals that no nation, however proud, geographically secure, or historically significant, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. The catastrophic nature of Edom's fall underscores the seriousness with which God views national pride, hostility towards His people, and unrepentant sin. This judgment is not merely punitive but also revelatory, demonstrating that the Lord is the God of all the earth, executing righteous judgment according to His perfect will. The far-reaching sound of their demise ensures that this divine act will serve as a universal testimony to the consequences of opposing God's purposes and defying His authority.

* [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 34:5-6](/isaiah/34-5-6 "Isaiah 34:5-6 - God's Judgment on Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:21 stands as a stark and enduring reminder of God's unyielding justice and the inevitable consequences of national and individual pride that sets itself against divine will. For us today, it prompts a sober reflection on the nature of our own hearts and societies. Are we prone to the same self-reliance and hostility that characterized Edom? Do we acknowledge God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, or do we build our own fortresses of perceived security and wisdom, apart from Him? The "noise" and "cry" of Edom's fall serve as a powerful warning: sin, especially pride, animosity, and the persecution of others, has far-reaching and devastating repercussions that cannot be hidden or ignored. This passage calls us to humility, repentance, and a deep, abiding trust in God's righteous governance over all things, knowing that while His patience is vast, His justice is certain. It encourages us to align our lives and our communities with His purposes, lest we too experience the shaking of the earth beneath our feet, not in judgment, but in a call to re-evaluate our foundations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, exhibit the kind of pride and self-reliance that characterized Edom, trusting in human strength rather than divine sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of the "earth being moved" and a "noise heard in the Red Sea" deepen my understanding of the seriousness of sin and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment?**
* **What specific actions can I take to live in greater humility and submission to God's sovereign will, both personally and corporately, in light of the consequences of unrepentant pride?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Red Sea mentioned in relation to Edom's fall?**

Answer: The mention of the Red Sea (Hebrew: *Yam Suph*) in [Jeremiah 49:21](/jeremiah/49-21 "Jeremiah 49:21 - Edom's Fall Heard in the Red Sea") is a powerful literary device, specifically **hyperbole**. Edom was located in the mountainous region southeast of Judah, far from the Red Sea. The prophet uses this geographical exaggeration to emphasize the immense scale and notoriety of Edom's impending destruction. It signifies that the "noise of their fall" will be so catastrophic and widely known that its echoes will reach even the most distant and seemingly unrelated places, making the judgment undeniable and universally acknowledged. It underscores that God's judgment on Edom will be a public and profound event, serving as a warning to all nations about the consequences of pride and opposition to God.

**What was Edom's primary sin that led to such a severe judgment?**

Answer: Edom's primary sin, as depicted throughout prophetic literature, was their **pride** and their **hostility towards Israel, God's chosen people**. [Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Presumption") explicitly mentions their "presumption of your heart" and their dwelling in "the clefts of the rock," highlighting their arrogance in their perceived impregnability and wisdom ([Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Edom's Wisdom Challenged")). Furthermore, they actively rejoiced in and even participated in the destruction of Judah by foreign invaders, as vividly described in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Indifference and Cruelty"). This animosity towards God's people, despite their familial ties, provoked God's stern and comprehensive judgment, demonstrating that God holds nations accountable for their treatment of His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:21 speaks specifically of God's judgment upon Edom, it ultimately points to the broader biblical narrative of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, which finds its full realization in Jesus Christ. The "noise of their fall" and the "cry" of destruction foreshadow the ultimate judgment that will be meted out against all sin, pride, and opposition to God's reign. Yet, Christ does not merely bring judgment; He first bore it. The "fall" of humanity into sin brought a cry of despair across the earth, a condition that only the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") could remedy. Jesus, through His crucifixion, took upon Himself the full weight of divine wrath, experiencing a "fall" into death that paradoxically led to the ultimate victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

The "earth being moved" at the noise of Edom's fall finds its most profound echo in the New Testament when the earth literally shook at the death of Christ ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Earthquake at the Crucifixion")) and again at His resurrection ([Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - The Earthquake at the Resurrection")). These seismic events signify not judgment, but the breaking of sin's power and the dawn of a new creation. Ultimately, the judgment prophesied against Edom points forward to the final, universal judgment where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/phil/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). For those who are in Christ, the "noise of their fall" is not a sound of dread but a reminder of the secure foundation they have in Him, the one who has already triumphed over all the forces of darkness and promises a future where there will be no more crying or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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 50:46

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

Ezekiel 21:16

Go thee one way or other, [either] on the right hand, [or] on the left, whithersoever thy face [is] set.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Isaiah 14:4

¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Isaiah 14:15

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Ezekiel 32:10

Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

Ezekiel 26:15

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?