Jeremiah 49:32

KJV

And their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil: and I will scatter into all winds them [that are] in the utmost corners; and I will bring their calamity from all sides thereof, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And their camels {H1581} shall be a booty {H957}, and the multitude {H1995} of their cattle {H4735} a spoil {H7998}: and I will scatter {H2219} into all winds {H7307} them that are in the utmost {H7112} corners {H6285}; and I will bring {H935} their calamity {H343} from all sides {H5676} thereof, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their camels will be booty, their many cattle a spoil. I will scatter to the winds those who shave the sides of their heads; From every direction I will bring their disaster on them," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Their camels will become plunder, and their large herds will be spoil. I will scatter to the wind in every direction those who shave their temples; I will bring calamity on them from all sides,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil: and I will scatter unto all winds them that have the corners of their hair cut off; and I will bring their calamity from every side of them, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:32 is a stark prophecy declaring God's comprehensive judgment against specific nomadic Arabian tribes, likely Kedar and Hazor, who are identified as dwelling in "utmost corners." The verse vividly portrays the complete plundering of their wealth—camels and cattle—and the utter dispersion of their people "into all winds," signifying a total loss of their economic base, social cohesion, and identity. This divine pronouncement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even those perceived as secure due to their isolation, and highlights the inescapable nature of His declared judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of Jeremiah's prophecies concerning various foreign nations, spanning chapters 46 through 51. Following pronouncements against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, and Ammon, Jeremiah 49 specifically addresses Edom (vv. 7-22), Damascus (vv. 23-27), and then, in verses 28-33, the desert tribes of Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor. This placement emphasizes God's universal dominion, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and their destinies. The immediate verses, [Jeremiah 49:28-31](/jeremiah/49-28 "Jeremiah 49:28-31 - Prophecy Against Kedar and Hazor"), set the stage by describing Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of these tribes, whom God commands to be attacked due to their perceived security and self-reliance. Verse 32 then details the specific nature of their impending destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Kedar and Hazor were prominent nomadic Arabian tribes inhabiting the desert regions east of Israel. They were known for their wealth in livestock, particularly camels and cattle, which formed the backbone of their economy and nomadic lifestyle. Their dwelling in "utmost corners" (v. 32) refers to their remote, isolated desert encampments, which they likely considered impregnable. Culturally, the phrase "utmost corners" may also allude to a specific practice of trimming hair at the temples, identifying certain desert dwellers (cf. [Jeremiah 9:26](/jeremiah/9-26 "Jeremiah 9:26 - Circumcision of the Heart")). Historically, these prophecies were largely fulfilled through the campaigns of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, whom God frequently used as an instrument of His judgment against both Israel and surrounding nations, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, unequivocally stating "saith the LORD," which underscores God's ultimate authority over all nations and their destinies, demonstrating that no people or place is beyond His reach or accountability. Another crucial theme is **Comprehensive Devastation**, as the prophecy describes a thorough stripping away of their material wealth ("camels shall be a booty," "cattle a spoil") and the complete scattering of their people ("scatter into all winds"). This signifies a total loss of their economic base, social structure, and identity. Finally, the phrase "them that are in the utmost corners" highlights the theme of **Inescapable Judgment**, pointing to people who felt secure in their remote or isolated dwellings. God's judgment reaches even those who believe themselves to be untouchable or hidden from His sight, bringing "calamity from all sides thereof," challenging any notion of self-reliance apart from God, a recurring warning throughout Jeremiah, such as in [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to toss about," this term vividly describes a complete dispersion, akin to winnowing chaff in the wind. It implies a violent, widespread scattering of a people, leaving them without cohesion, unity, or a homeland. This imagery is often used in prophetic literature to denote severe judgment and exile.
* **calamity (Hebrew, _ʼêyd'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "bending down" or "oppression," this word signifies misfortune, ruin, or a devastating event that brings about severe suffering and destruction. Its use here emphasizes the overwhelming and destructive nature of the judgment that will befall these tribes.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal name of Israel's God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. Its inclusion at the end of the verse, "saith the LORD," powerfully underscores that the judgment is not random or merely the result of geopolitical forces, but a deliberate, certain, and authoritative act of the sovereign God who governs all nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil":** This opening clause details the economic devastation that will befall the nomadic tribes. Camels and cattle represented their primary wealth, means of transport, and sustenance. The terms "booty" (H957, _baz_) and "spoil" (H7998, _shâlâl_) are strong synonyms emphasizing complete plunder, confiscation, and capture of their material assets by an invading force. This signifies the utter destruction of their economic foundation.
* **"and I will scatter into all winds them [that are] in the utmost corners":** This part describes the dispersion of the people themselves. "Scatter into all winds" (H2219, _zârâh_; H7307, _rûwach_) signifies a complete and widespread dispersal, leaving no remnant united or secure. "Utmost corners" (H7112, _qâtsats_; H6285, _pêʼâh_) refers both to their remote, isolated dwellings which they considered safe, and culturally to a specific practice of trimming hair at the temples, identifying certain desert tribes. The phrase highlights that God's judgment reaches even the most hidden and seemingly secure, exposing their vulnerability.
* **"and I will bring their calamity from all sides thereof, saith the LORD":** This final clause emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment. "Calamity" (H343, _ʼêyd_) signifies overwhelming misfortune and ruin. "From all sides thereof" (H5676, _ʻêber_) indicates that the destruction will be inescapable, coming from every direction, leaving no avenue for escape or refuge. The concluding "saith the LORD" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_; H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) powerfully affirms the divine origin and certainty of this prophecy, leaving no doubt that this is God's decree.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:32 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of inescapable divine judgment. **Imagery** is central, particularly with phrases like "scatter into all winds," which evokes the vivid picture of winnowing chaff, symbolizing a complete and violent dispersal of a people, leaving them without cohesion or a homeland. The description of "camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil" uses **concrete nouns** to represent the total economic ruin of these nomadic tribes, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible. The phrase "them that are in the utmost corners" functions as a form of **metonymy**, referring to the people by their perceived secure location or a distinguishing cultural characteristic (hair trimmed at the temples), thereby emphasizing that no place or identity can shield them from God's reach. Finally, the concluding declaration, "saith the LORD," serves as a powerful **divine oracle formula**, authenticating the prophecy and underscoring the absolute authority and certainty of the divine pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:32 profoundly illustrates God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice, even over nations seemingly beyond His direct covenantal relationship. It asserts that no people, regardless of their perceived strength, wealth, or geographical isolation, are exempt from divine accountability. The thoroughness of the judgment—affecting both material possessions and personal existence—serves as a stark reminder that true security rests not in earthly provisions or strategic remoteness, but solely in the recognition and submission to the Almighty God. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is the Lord of history, orchestrating events and raising up or bringing down nations according to His righteous purposes.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:32 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's absolute dominion over all creation and His unyielding commitment to justice. It challenges any human tendency toward self-reliance, pride in material possessions, or a false sense of security derived from isolation or perceived strength. For individuals, this means recognizing that our true refuge and provision come from God alone, not from our accumulated wealth or strategic positioning in life. For communities and nations, it serves as a sober warning against defiance of divine principles and a call to humility and repentance. The certainty of God's word, as declared by "saith the LORD," should inspire both reverent awe and a deep trust in His ultimate control, even amidst the chaos of human affairs. It prompts us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and to align our lives with His righteous will, knowing that true peace and security are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate security and trust? Is it in my possessions, my relationships, my perceived independence, or in God alone?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Kedar and Hazor challenge my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty over all nations?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on my own "utmost corners"—my comfort zones, my self-sufficiency—rather than leaning fully on God's provision and protection?**

### FAQ
**What does "them that are in the utmost corners" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "them that are in the utmost corners" (Hebrew: _qetsutsê pe'ah_) has a dual meaning. Firstly, it refers to the geographical isolation of these nomadic tribes, who lived in remote desert regions, believing themselves to be secure and untouchable by external threats. Secondly, it likely alludes to a specific cultural practice of certain desert dwellers, including Kedar, of trimming or shaving the hair at their temples. This practice distinguished them culturally and religiously from the Israelites, for whom such a practice was forbidden ([Leviticus 19:27](/leviticus/19-27 "Leviticus 19:27 - Do Not Mar the Corners of Your Beard")). Thus, the phrase identifies both their perceived security and their distinct cultural identity, both of which God declares will be utterly exposed and destroyed.

**How was this prophecy fulfilled?**

Answer: This prophecy, like many others against surrounding nations in Jeremiah, was primarily fulfilled through the military campaigns of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. God used Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument of judgment ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")) to bring about the devastation and dispersion described. Historical records and archaeological evidence corroborate Babylonian campaigns into Arabia during this period, which would have targeted such wealthy nomadic tribes, plundering their resources and scattering their people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:32 speaks of God's judgment on specific nations, it points to a broader theological truth concerning God's absolute sovereignty over all humanity and His righteous response to sin and rebellion. The "calamity" brought upon Kedar and Hazor foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all unrighteousness, a judgment fully and perfectly borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. He, the innocent [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate "spoil" and "booty" of divine wrath, taking upon Himself the "calamity" of humanity's sin so that those who believe might escape eternal dispersion and ruin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the scattering of these tribes "into all winds" finds its redemptive reversal in Christ, who gathers those who were scattered by sin and alienation into one new humanity, breaking down dividing walls ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, Christ is the one in whom all nations will find their true security and blessing ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")), and He is the righteous Judge before whom all will stand, ensuring that His kingdom, unlike earthly strongholds, will never be plundered or scattered ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")).

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 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

Jeremiah 25:23

Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all [that are] in the utmost corners,

Ezekiel 12:14

And I will scatter toward every wind all that [are] about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

Ezekiel 12:15

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.

Jeremiah 49:36

And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.

Ezekiel 5:10

Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds.

Ezekiel 5:12

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.