Jeremiah 49:22

KJV

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, he shall come up {H5927} and fly {H1675} as the eagle {H5404}, and spread {H6566} his wings {H3671} over Bozrah {H1224}: and at that day {H3117} shall the heart {H3820} of the mighty men {H1368} of Edom {H123} be as the heart {H3820} of a woman {H802} in her pangs {H6887}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like a vulture he will soar, swoop down and spread out his wings against Botzrah. On that day the hearts of Edom's warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

Berean Standard Bible

Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

American Standard Version

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread out his wings against Bozrah: and the heart of the mighty men of Edom at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:22 delivers a vivid and chilling prophecy of the swift, overwhelming judgment destined for Edom, particularly its formidable capital, Bozrah. Employing the powerful imagery of a predatory eagle's descent, the verse foretells an invasion so absolute that it will utterly dismantle Edom's celebrated strength, reducing its mightiest warriors to a state of helpless terror akin to the agonizing throes of childbirth. This divine declaration serves as an unyielding testament to God's supreme sovereignty and the inevitable downfall awaiting national pride and any opposition to His righteous purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:22 is strategically placed within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophetic book (chapters 46-51), which is dedicated to oracles against various foreign nations. This specific chapter focuses on several neighboring peoples, including Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam, each receiving a detailed pronouncement of impending divine judgment. The prophecies often follow a consistent literary pattern: identifying the nation, describing the nature and instrument of judgment (frequently Babylon, God's chosen tool), and highlighting the reasons for their downfall, such as pride or hostility towards Israel. For Edom, the preceding verses in [Jeremiah 49:7-21](/jeremiah/49-7-21 "Jeremiah 49:7-21 - Prophecy Against Edom") specifically address their renowned wisdom and perceived invincibility, which God explicitly promises to shatter. Verse 22 acts as a climactic and graphic depiction of this promised destruction, echoing the broader themes of judgment and desolation that permeate Jeremiah's prophecies, not least those directed at Judah and Jerusalem in earlier chapters, demonstrating God's universal dominion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, a mountainous kingdom situated to the south and southeast of Judah, traced its lineage back to Esau, Jacob's twin brother. Despite this familial tie, a deep-seated and often violent animosity characterized their relationship with Israel throughout history, marked by frequent conflicts and acts of betrayal, particularly during Judah's times of distress. Edom's capital, Bozrah, was a strategically vital city, likely heavily fortified and a potent symbol of Edomite strength, independence, and self-reliance. The Edomites were infamous for their immense pride, which stemmed from their seemingly impregnable rock-hewn dwellings in the rugged terrain of Seir, as well as their reputation for wisdom and military prowess, as vividly described in [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3-4 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - Edom's Pride and Downfall"). This hubris led them to believe they were impervious to any external threat. Jeremiah's prophecy directly confronts this arrogance, declaring that even their formidable defenses and valiant warriors would be utterly overwhelmed, most likely by the Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar, whom God consistently used as His instrument of judgment against many nations in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, illustrating God's unwavering justice against nations that oppose His will, embody excessive pride, or mistreat His covenant people. Edom's long history of animosity and even gloating over Judah's misfortunes (e.g., [Obadiah 1:11-14](/obadiah/1-11-14 "Obadiah 1:11-14 - Edom's Cruelty to Judah")) provides a crucial backdrop for this severe judgment. Secondly, the prophecy highlights the profound theme of the **Humiliation of Human Pride and Self-Reliance**. Edom's overconfidence in its military might, strategic location, and inherent wisdom is exposed as utterly futile when confronted by God's decree. The stark image of mighty warriors reduced to helpless terror vividly illustrates that no human power or perceived security can withstand divine judgment, a principle consistently affirmed in biblical wisdom, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Finally, the imagery of the swift, predatory eagle emphasizes the **Overwhelming Nature of God's Instruments of Judgment**, often foreign empires, which are depicted not as independent agents but as unstoppable forces carrying out His sovereign purposes (e.g., the Chaldeans in [Habakkuk 1:6-8](/habakkuk/1-6-8 "Habakkuk 1:6-8 - The Swiftness of the Chaldeans")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_):** from an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle (or other large bird of prey); eagle. In biblical contexts, the _nesher_ (often translated as eagle or vulture) frequently symbolizes swiftness, power, and predatory might. It is commonly used to describe a formidable and devastating invading army, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:49](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49 - The Eagle as a Symbol of Invasion"). Here, it vividly portrays the speed, height, and destructive force of the impending attack on Edom, emphasizing its inescapable and overwhelming nature.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** or גִּבֹּר; (shortened) intensive from the same as גֶּבֶר; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant; champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. This term refers to the elite warriors, champions, or valiant men of Edom—those who were considered the strongest, most courageous, and most capable of defending the nation. Their reduction to a state of utter terror underscores the complete and humiliating reversal of Edom's perceived strength, pride, and military prowess.
* **pangs (Hebrew, _tsârar'_):** a primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive; adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. This word describes intense, debilitating pain and distress, specifically associated with the sudden, overwhelming, and uncontrollable agony of childbirth. Its use here emphasizes the profound, incapacitating terror that will seize Edom's warriors, rendering them utterly helpless and vulnerable, a stark contrast to their usual proud and defiant demeanor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle,"**: This opening clause serves as a dramatic and urgent announcement, designed to capture immediate attention. It heralds the imminent and swift arrival of an unnamed invader, personified as a powerful, predatory force. The vivid simile "as the eagle" immediately conveys a sense of unparalleled speed, an approach from above, and an inescapable, swooping attack, suggesting an enemy that descends unexpectedly and with overwhelming, aerial-like force, leaving no time for defense.
* **"and spread his wings over Bozrah:"**: This continues and expands upon the avian imagery, portraying the invader's complete dominance and the comprehensive nature of the conquest. Just as a bird of prey spreads its wings to cover its victim or to descend upon it for a kill, the enemy will metaphorically "spread its wings" over Bozrah, Edom's capital. This signifies a total and inescapable envelopment and subjugation of the city, implying a widespread and comprehensive conquest that will leave no part of Edom's heartland untouched and no escape route open.
* **"and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs."**: This climactic declaration describes the profound, debilitating psychological impact of the invasion. "That day" refers to the divinely appointed day of judgment and reckoning. The "mighty men of Edom," renowned throughout the ancient world for their bravery, military strength, and defiant pride, will experience a terror so intense and incapacitating that it is likened to the sudden, agonizing, and overwhelming pain of a woman in childbirth. This powerful simile emphasizes not only the severity of their fear but also their utter helplessness, vulnerability, and loss of control, a stark and humiliating contrast to their usual proud and formidable demeanor.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:22 is exceptionally rich in powerful **Imagery** and striking **Simile**, meticulously crafted to convey a vivid and impactful prophecy. The initial comparison of the invader to an "eagle" (or vulture, _nesher_) immediately conjures a mental picture of rapid, high-altitude approach, keen predatory vision, and a sudden, devastating swoop. This **Simile** powerfully underscores the speed, overwhelming power, and inescapable nature of the coming judgment. The subsequent phrase, "spread his wings over Bozrah," extends this avian imagery, functioning as a potent **Metaphor** for the complete engulfment and subjugation of the city, much like a bird of prey completely covers its victim. The most arresting and impactful device is the **Simile** comparing the hearts of Edom's mighty men to "the heart of a woman in her pangs." This creates a profound **Contrast** between the expected valor, strength, and stoicism of seasoned warriors and the debilitating, uncontrollable agony of childbirth, highlighting the utter humiliation, terror, and helplessness that will overcome even the most formidable Edomites. This stark juxtaposition also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and unprecedented degree of their fear and vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:22 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to executing justice in the earth. The prophecy against Edom, a nation historically characterized by its arrogant pride, self-reliance, and persistent animosity towards Israel, powerfully illustrates that no human power, no matter how formidable, strategically secure, or militarily strong, can ultimately withstand or thwart divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that God, in His sovereign wisdom, uses various instruments—even pagan empires like Babylon—to execute His righteous decrees against those who defy Him, embody hubris, or oppress His covenant people. The humiliating reduction of Edom's mighty men to utter terror highlights the profound futility of trusting in human strength, military prowess, or self-derived wisdom rather than in the omnipotent Lord. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true security, lasting peace, and genuine wisdom are found not in human might or strategic advantage, but in humble submission to God's supreme will and His righteous governance over all creation.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons; He Removes Kings and Sets Up Kings")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near for All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Jeremiah 49:22 is a specific prophecy directed at ancient Edom, its core message resonates with profound and timeless lessons for all individuals, communities, and nations today. It compels us to deeply examine the foundations of our trust and security. Do we, like the Edomites, tend to rely on our own strength, accumulated resources, intellectual prowess, or perceived invincibility, or do we humbly acknowledge and submit to God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty? The verse serves as a stark reminder that pride, whether individual or national, is a perilous foundation, inevitably leading to a humbling fall. It calls us to recognize that true peace, enduring security, and genuine flourishing are found not in human might or strategic advantage, but in a right and reverent relationship with the God who orchestrates the rise and fall of kingdoms and holds all of history in His hands. Furthermore, this prophecy encourages us to reflect on the absolute certainty of God's Word—both His solemn warnings and His glorious promises—and to live our lives in light of His perfect justice and boundless mercy, understanding that all actions have consequences, and ultimately, every knee will bow before His majestic authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or in my cultural context do I observe a tendency to rely on human strength, wisdom, or resources rather than on God's divine provision and guidance?**
* **How does the swift and overwhelming nature of God's judgment on Edom challenge or deepen my understanding of divine justice and His active involvement in human history?**
* **What "mighty men" or sources of pride, whether personal achievements, societal structures, or nationalistic ideals, might be vulnerable to God's humbling hand in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **How can the unwavering certainty of God's prophecies, both fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, strengthen my faith, cultivate a spirit of humility, and encourage me to live more obediently and dependently on Him?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he" that shall come up and fly as the eagle?**

Answer: While the verse does not explicitly name "he," biblical scholars, in light of the broader historical and prophetic context of Jeremiah, generally understand "he" to refer to the invading force that God would sovereignly use to execute judgment upon Edom. This is most commonly interpreted as the formidable Babylonian army, led by King Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonians were renowned for their swiftness, overwhelming military power, and comprehensive conquests, and they are frequently depicted in prophetic literature as God's chosen instrument of judgment against various nations in the ancient Near East. The powerful imagery of the eagle perfectly captures their rapid, powerful, and comprehensive conquest, as seen in other prophecies concerning the Chaldeans in [Habakkuk 1:6-8](/habakkuk/1-6-8 "Habakkuk 1:6-8 - The Swiftness of the Chaldeans").

**Why is Bozrah specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Bozrah was not merely any city; it was a highly significant urban center, widely considered the capital or a major stronghold of Edom. Its specific mention in the prophecy highlights that the impending judgment would not be a mere border skirmish or a minor setback, but a direct, devastating, and decisive blow to the very heart of Edom's power, pride, and national identity. Targeting the capital signifies a complete and decisive conquest, symbolizing the utter humiliation and subjugation of the entire nation. Just as a predatory eagle targets the vital parts of its prey, the invader would strike at Edom's most vital and symbolic center, ensuring their complete subjugation and the undeniable fulfillment of God's prophetic word against them.

**What is the significance of the "heart of a woman in her pangs" imagery?**

Answer: This vivid and visceral imagery is a powerful simile employed to convey the extreme, sudden, and utterly debilitating terror that would grip Edom's mighty warriors. Childbirth pangs are universally understood as intensely painful, agonizing, uncontrollable, and all-consuming. By comparing the valiant "mighty men," who were the epitome of strength and courage, to a woman in such profound distress, the prophecy emphasizes the complete and humiliating reversal of their expected strength and courage into utter helplessness, vulnerability, and profound fear. It underscores the depth of their fear and the overwhelming nature of the divine judgment, demonstrating that even the most formidable human strength is no match for God's decree. This imagery is also used elsewhere in Jeremiah to describe intense, inescapable fear and distress, such as in [Jeremiah 6:24](/jeremiah/6-24 "Jeremiah 6:24 - Distress Like a Woman in Labor").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:22 directly prophesies a specific historical judgment upon ancient Edom, its profound themes find their ultimate and most comprehensive Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader redemptive narrative of the Bible. The swift and overwhelming judgment depicted here foreshadows the decisive and final victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual enemies and the ultimate judgment of all who persistently oppose God's reign. Just as the "eagle" swooped down on Bozrah to execute divine judgment, so too will Christ, the true "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), return with overwhelming power and glory to establish His eternal kingdom and bring all things into submission to His righteous rule. The humiliation of Edom's mighty men, their vaunted strength dissolving into abject terror, powerfully points to the ultimate futility of all human pride, self-reliance, and rebellion against the Creator. In Christ, we witness the perfect embodiment of humility and obedience, a stark contrast to Edom's arrogance. His sacrificial death on the cross disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")), ensuring that those who place their trust in Him will not face the terror of divine wrath, but rather experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). The final judgment, vividly described in passages like [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"), will see all earthly powers, pride, and human boasting brought to nothing, and only those found secure in Christ will stand, fulfilling the ultimate triumph of God's justice and grace through His beloved Son.

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 48:40

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

Jeremiah 48:41

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Isaiah 13:8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Jeremiah 30:6

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.