TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 49:7–22. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The Edomites come next to receive their doom from God, by the mouth of Jeremiah: they also were old enemies to the Israel of God; but their day will come to be reckoned with, and it is now at hand, and is foretold, not only for warning to them, but for comfort to the Israel of God, whose afflictions were very much aggravated by their triumphs over them and joy in their calamity, Psa 137:7. Many of the expressions used in this prophecy concerning Edom are borrowed from the prophecy of Obadiah, which is concerning Edom; for, all the prophets being inspired by one and the same Spirit, there must needs be a wonderful harmony and agreement in their predictions. Now here it is foretold,
I.That the country of Edom should be all wasted and made desolate, that the calamity of Esau should be brought upon him, the calamity he has deserved, and God has long designed him, for his old sins, Jer 49:8. The time is at hand when God will visit him, and call him to an account, and then they shall flee from the sword, turn back from the battle, and dwell deep in some close caverns, where they shall hide themselves. All they have shall be carried off by the conqueror; whereas grape-gatherers will leave some gleanings, and even thieves know when they have enough and will destroy no further, those that destroy them shall never be satiated, (Jer 49:9, Jer 49:10); they shall make Esau quite bare, shall strip the Edomites of all they have, shall find out ways and means to come at their most hidden treasure, shall discover even the secret places where they thought to secure their wealth, and rifle them, so that they shall none of them save their wealth, no, nor save themselves nor their children, that might be concealed in a little room: He shall not be able to hide himself, and his seed too is spoiled. His brethren the Moabites, and his neighbours the Philistines, whom he might have expected succours from, or at least shelter with, are spoiled as well as he and disabled to do him any service. And he is not, or there is not he, there is none to him, none left him, that may say what follows (Jer 49:11), Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive. When they are flying, or dying, there shall be none left, no relation, no friend, no, not so much as any parish officers to take care of their wives and children that they leave behind. Edom is not, he is cut off and gone; nor is there any to say, Leave me thy orphans. If the master of a family be cut off, or forced away, it is some comfort if he have a friend to leave his family with, whom he can confide in; but they shall have none such, for they shall all be involved in the same calamity. The Chaldee makes these to be the words of God to his people, distinguishing them from the Edomites in this calamity; and they read it, "But you, O house of Israel! you shall not leave your orphans; I will secure them, and let your widows rest on my word. Whatever becomes of the widows and fatherless of the Edomites, I will take care of yours." Note, it is an unspeakable comfort to the people of God, when they are dying, that they may leave their surviving relations with God, may, in faith, commit them to him and encourage them to trust in him; and, though they cannot promise themselves great things in the world for them, yet they may hope that he will preserve them alive, always, provided that they trust in him. Let the Edomites, for their part, count upon no other than to be made a desolation and a reproach; for the decree has gone forth; God hath sworn it by himself (Jer 49:13), that their cities shall be wasted, nay, they shall be perpetual wastes, they shall be made mean and despicable; they had made a mighty figure, but God will make them small among the heathen; and those that despised God's people shall themselves be despised among men (Jer 49:15, Oba 1:2), nay, they shall be made monstrous, and even a prodigy (Jer 49:17): Edom shall be such a desolation that every one who goes by shall be astonished; nay, worse yet, they shall be made a terror; Edom shall be made like Sodom and Gomorrah, none shall care for coming near the ruins of it, no man shall abide there (Jer 49:18), such a frightful place shall it be made.
II.That the instruments of this destruction should be very resolute and formidable.
They have their commission from God; he summons them into this service (Jer 49:14): I have heard a rumour, or report, from the Lord, heard it by the prophecy of Obadiah, heard it by a whisper to myself, that an ambassador, or herald, or messenger, is sent to the Gentiles, who are to lay Edom waste, saying, Gather you together, muster all the forces you can, and come against her; for (Jer 49:20) this is the counsel that he hath taken against Edom. The matter is settled, the decree has gone forth, and there is no resisting it. God has determined that Edom shall be laid waste, and then he that is to be employed in wasting it shall come swiftly and strongly. Nebuchadnezzar is he or whom it is here foretold,
1.That he shall come up like a lion, with fierceness and fury, like a lion enraged by the swelling of Jordan overflowing his banks, which forces him out of his covert by the water-side into the higher grounds, Jer 49:19. He shall come roaring, come to devour all that come in his way. He shall come against the habitation of the strong, the forts and castles; and I will cause him to come suddenly into the land (so the next words might well be read), so as to find them unprovided with necessaries for a defence; for I will look out a chosen man to appoint over her, to do this execution, a man fit for the purpose, one chosen out of the people; for when God has work to do he will find out the fittest instruments to be employed in doing it: "Who is like me for choosing the instruments, and spiriting them for the work? And who will appoint me the time? Who will challenge me, and fix a time and place to meet me? Who will join issue with me in battle? And, when I send a lion into the flock, who is that shepherd that can, or dare, stand before me, or against me, to oppose that lion, and think to rescue any of the flock?" Note, When God has work to do of any kind he will soon find those that are able to engage in it, and all the world cannot find those that are able to engage against it. Nay, if God will have Edom destroyed, and their peopled dislodged, there needs not a lion, a fierce lion to do it: Even the least of the flock shall draw them out (Jer 49:20); the meanest servant in Nebuchadnezzar's retinue, the weakest of all that follow his camp, shall draw them out for the slaughter, shall force them to flee, or to surrender, and make their habitations desolate with them. God can bring to pass the greatest works by instruments least likely. When the Chaldean army comes against the Edomites all hands shall be employed and the poorest soldier in it shall have a pluck at them.
2.Nebuchadnezzar shall come, not only like a lion, the king of beasts, but like an eagle, the king of birds (Jer 49:22): He shall fly as the eagle upon his prey, so swiftly, so strongly, shall clap his wings upon Bozrah, to secure it for himself (as before, Jer 48:40), and immediately the hearts of the mighty men shall fail them, for they shall see he is an enemy that it is in vain to struggle with.
III.That the Edomites' confidences should all fail them in the day of their distress.
1.They trusted to their wisdom, but that shall stand them in no stead. This is the first thing fastened upon in this prophecy against Edom, Jer 49:7. That nation used to be famous for wisdom, and their statesmen were thought to excel in politics; and yet now they shall take such wrong measures in all their counsels, and be so baffled in all their designs, that people shall ask, with wonder, What is the matter with the Edomites? Is wisdom no more in Teman? Have the wise men of the east country (Kg1 4:30) become fools? Are those at their wits' end that were thought to have the monopoly of prudence? Has counsel perished from the understanding men? It is so, when God is designing the ruin of a people; for whom he will destroy he infatuates. See Job 12:20. Has their wisdom vanished? Is it tired? (so some); is it worn out? (so others); has it become useless? so others. Yes, it will do them no service when God comes forth to contend with them.
2.They trusted to their strength, but neither shall that avail them, Jer 49:16. They had been a terror to all their neighbours; every body feared them and truckled to them, and this made them proud and conceited of themselves and their own strength, and very secure; because no neighbouring nation durst meddle with them, they thought no nation in the world durst. Their country was much of it mountainous, having many passes which they thought themselves able to make good against any invader; but this terribleness of theirs deceived them, and so did their imaginary inaccessibleness; they did not prove so strong as they were formidable, nor so safe as they were secure. High as they are, God will bring them down; for, as there is no wisdom, so there is no might against the Lord, See these expressions, Oba 1:3, Oba 1:4, Oba 1:8.
IV.That their destruction should be inevitable and very remarkable.
1.God hath determined it (Jer 49:12); he hath said it; nay (Jer 49:13), he hath sworn it, that the Edomites shall not go unpunished, but that they shall drink the cup of trembling, which is put into the hands of all their neighbours; even those whose judgment, or doom, was not to drink of the cup, who had not so well deserved it as they had done, nations that had not been such enemies to Israel as they had been, or Israel itself, that was God's peculiar people, and among whom there were many, very many, who kept his ordinances, upon which account they might have expected an exemption; and yet they had been made to drink of the bitter cup; and shall the Edomites think to pass it? No; they shall surely drink of it. Note, When God punishes the less guilty it is folly for the more guilty to promise themselves impunity; and when judgment begins at God's house it will reach the strangers.
2.All the world shall take notice of it (Jer 49:21): The earth is moved, and all the nations are put into a concern, at the noise of their fall; the news of it shall make them tremble. The noise of the outcry is heard to the Red Sea, which flowed upon the coasts of Edom. So loud shall be the shouts of the conquerors and the shrieks of the conquered, and such a mighty noise shall the news of this destruction of Idumea make in the nations, that is shall be heard among the ships that lie in the Red Sea to take in lading (Kg1 9:26), and then they shall carry the news of it to the remotest shore. Note, The fall of those who have affected to make a noise with their pomp and power will make so much the greater noise.
Continue studying Jeremiah 49:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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 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. 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) 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. 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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. Here, it vividly portrays the speed, height, and destructive force of the impending attack on Edom, emphasizing its inescapable and overwhelming nature.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Who is "he" that shall come up and fly as the eagle?
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.
Why is Bozrah specifically mentioned?
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?
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.
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), 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), 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). The final judgment, vividly described in passages like Revelation 20:11-15, 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.