Jeremiah 49:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Concerning Edom {H123}, thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Is wisdom {H2451} no more in Teman {H8487}? is counsel {H6098} perished {H6} from the prudent {H995}? is their wisdom {H2451} vanished {H5628}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Concerning Edom, this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: "Is there no wisdom left in Teman? Have her wise men forgotten how to counsel? Has their wisdom vanished?

Berean Standard Bible

Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?

American Standard Version

Of Edom. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:7 delivers a powerful divine oracle against Edom, a nation historically antagonistic to Israel and renowned for its wisdom and strategic counsel. Through a series of rhetorical questions, the LORD of hosts challenges Edom's celebrated intellectual prowess, declaring that its wisdom, once a source of national pride and security, will utterly fail and vanish in the face of God's impending judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the futility of human ingenuity when it stands in opposition to or apart from divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:7 is situated within a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against the Nations"). These oracles demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, proving that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and kingdoms. Specifically, Jeremiah 49 contains prophecies against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. The section concerning Edom (Jeremiah 49:7-22) immediately follows the oracle against Ammon, highlighting a consistent theme of divine judgment against those who have opposed God's people or relied solely on their own strength. The rhetorical questions posed in this verse set a tone of undeniable condemnation and the impending humiliation of Edom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah in a mountainous region, was descended from Esau, Jacob's elder twin brother. This familial connection often belied a deep-seated and persistent animosity towards Israel, exemplified by their refusal to allow Israel passage during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:18](/numbers/20-18 "Numbers 20:18 - Edom's Refusal to Allow Israel Passage")). Edom's hostility culminated in their active participation and gloating during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem ([Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Fall")). Culturally, Edom, particularly its region of Teman, held a significant reputation in the ancient Near East for its wise men, skilled advisors, and strategic acumen, much like Egypt was known for its scribes or Babylon for its astrologers. This reputation is even reflected in the book of Job, where Eliphaz, one of Job's counselors, is identified as a Temanite.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority over all nations, not merely Israel. He is the "LORD of hosts," orchestrating the rise and fall of kingdoms and demonstrating His [sovereign control over all peoples](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - God's Judgment on All Nations"). Second, it highlights **The Failure of Human Wisdom**. Edom prided itself on its strategic and political sagacity, believing its counsel and prudence were impregnable. The rhetorical questions emphatically declare that Edom's intellectual prowess, once a source of its strength and pride, will be utterly useless in the face of God's decree. Finally, the prophecy speaks to **Pride and Humiliation**. Edom's elevated position and reliance on its own wisdom and supposedly impregnable fortresses (referenced elsewhere in prophecies against Edom, e.g., [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Pride and Security")) led to arrogance. This prophecy foretells their profound humiliation as their most valued asset—wisdom—is rendered ineffective and ultimately "vanished."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** This term (H2451) derives from a root meaning "to be wise." It refers to practical skill, discernment, and strategic intelligence, encompassing not only intellectual understanding but also the ability to apply knowledge effectively in practical matters, particularly in governance and statecraft. In this context, it speaks to Edom's supposed cunning in political maneuvering and military strategy, a reputation that is now being directly challenged by divine authority.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** This word (H6098) signifies advice, deliberate planning, and well-thought-out schemes. It implies the collective wisdom of advisors and the strategic decisions made by leaders. The question "is counsel perished from the prudent?" directly targets the very source of Edom's perceived strength—its capacity for sound, strategic planning and the quality of its advisors.
* **Perished (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This powerful verb (H6) means "to wander away" or "lose oneself," and by implication, "to perish" or "to be destroyed." It conveys a sense of utter loss, ruin, and cessation of existence. When applied to counsel, it suggests not merely a failure, but a complete and irreversible disappearance or destruction of the ability to provide effective guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening clause functions as a formal prophetic declaration. "Concerning Edom" immediately identifies the target nation, while "thus saith the LORD of hosts" establishes the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the message. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, underscoring the inevitability of His pronouncements.
* **"[Is] wisdom no more in Teman?":** This is the first of three rhetorical questions, directly challenging Edom's most celebrated attribute. Teman, a prominent city or region within Edom, was synonymous with Edomite wisdom. The question implies that what was once abundant and renowned—Edom's wisdom—is now conspicuously absent or rendered ineffective.
* **"is counsel perished from the prudent?":** The second rhetorical question extends the challenge, focusing on the practical application of wisdom. "Counsel" refers to strategic planning and advice, while "the prudent" denotes those possessing understanding and discernment. The question suggests that even Edom's most insightful and discerning individuals will be incapable of providing effective guidance or formulating successful plans.
* **"is their wisdom vanished?":** The final rhetorical question reiterates and intensifies the preceding points. The verb "vanished" (from H5628, _çârach'_, meaning "to extend to excess," or "banish") implies a complete and utter disappearance or removal of their wisdom, as if it were a tangible thing that has simply ceased to exist or been utterly expelled. This triple rhetorical assault emphasizes the comprehensive and undeniable nature of Edom's intellectual downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:7 is rich in **Rhetorical Questions**, which serve as the primary literary device. The prophet poses three questions ("Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?") not to elicit an answer, but to powerfully assert an undeniable truth: Edom's famed wisdom is indeed gone or rendered useless. This technique creates a sense of dramatic irony, as the very thing Edom prided itself on becomes the focus of its humiliation. The passage also employs **Personification**, treating abstract concepts like "wisdom" and "counsel" as if they are entities that can "perish" or "vanish," making their absence more palpable and impactful. Furthermore, the phrase "thus saith the LORD of hosts" functions as a **Divine Oracle**, lending immense authority and certainty to the prophecy, framing the entire declaration as an unalterable decree from the Almighty. The repetition of "wisdom" also provides **Emphasis**, underscoring the central theme of Edom's intellectual pride and its impending collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:7 stands as a profound theological statement on the limits of human wisdom and the absolute sovereignty of God. It teaches that no amount of human ingenuity, strategic brilliance, or intellectual prowess can ultimately thwart the divine will or withstand God's judgment. Edom, a nation that trusted in its own sagacity and strategic position, serves as a powerful example of how reliance on self, rather than on the Almighty, leads to inevitable downfall. This passage reminds us that true wisdom does not originate from human intellect alone, but from a right relationship with God, acknowledging His supreme knowledge and authority. When human wisdom becomes a source of pride or leads to rebellion against God, it is destined to "perish" and "vanish."

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Folly of the Cross and God's Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 19:11-12](/isaiah/19-11 "Isaiah 19:11-12 - The Folly of Egypt's Wise Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:7 offers a timeless and sobering warning against the dangers of human arrogance and self-reliance, particularly when it comes to intellectual or strategic capabilities. Edom's downfall, despite its esteemed reputation for wisdom, vividly illustrates that no human ingenuity or strength can ultimately thwart divine purpose or withstand God's judgment. In a world that often elevates human intellect, technological advancement, and strategic planning as ultimate solutions, this verse calls us to profound humility. It reminds us that our greatest wisdom lies not in our own cleverness, but in acknowledging God's supreme knowledge and submitting to His will. When faced with challenges, decisions, or even perceived threats, our first recourse should be to seek God's counsel, for His wisdom is infallible, enduring, and infinitely superior to any human design. This passage encourages us to examine where we might be inadvertently placing our trust in our own abilities or the collective wisdom of humanity, rather than in the all-wise Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or decision-making do you tend to rely more on your own intellect or strategic thinking than on seeking God's wisdom and guidance?**
* **How does the world's definition of "wisdom" differ from biblical wisdom, and how might this difference impact your choices?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on God's counsel and less on human ingenuity, especially when facing complex problems?**

### FAQ
**Why was Edom, and specifically Teman, renowned for its wisdom in the ancient world?**

Answer: Edom, and particularly its region of Teman, gained a reputation for wisdom due to its strategic location and possibly its role in trade and diplomacy. Its mountainous terrain provided natural defenses, fostering a sense of security that allowed for the development of intellectual pursuits. The book of Job, for instance, features Eliphaz the Temanite as one of Job's wise counselors, indicating that Teman was associated with profound insight and philosophical discourse. This reputation made the divine judgment against its wisdom in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Edom's Vanished Wisdom") all the more striking and humiliating.

**What is the significance of the phrase "LORD of hosts" in this prophetic declaration?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is a powerful divine epithet that emphasizes God's supreme power and authority. "Hosts" refers to armies, whether heavenly (angels) or earthly (stars, nations). In this prophetic context, the title underscores that the judgment pronounced against Edom is not merely a human prediction but an unchallengeable decree from the sovereign commander of all creation. It highlights that even a nation renowned for its wisdom cannot stand against the omnipotent God who controls all forces, both visible and invisible. This title reinforces the certainty and inevitability of Edom's impending downfall as declared in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - The LORD of Hosts Declares Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:7, with its pronouncement on the vanishing wisdom of Edom, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's revelation of Jesus as the embodiment of God's ultimate wisdom and the triumph of divine purpose over human folly. While Edom's earthly wisdom proved futile against the "LORD of hosts," Christ is revealed as [the power of God and the wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). The world's wisdom, often characterized by human reasoning and self-sufficiency, could not comprehend or accept God's plan of salvation through the cross, which it deemed "foolishness" ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross is Foolishness to Those Who are Perishing")). Yet, it is precisely this "foolishness" of God that is [wiser than human wisdom](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness Wiser Than Human Wisdom"). In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")), demonstrating that true wisdom is found not in human ingenuity or strategic counsel, but in a relationship with Him. The judgment against Edom's prideful wisdom foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all human systems and philosophies that reject God, culminating in the final triumph of Christ, the true King, whose reign is established not by human counsel but by divine decree ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse and Divine Judgment")).

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

Amos 1:11

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

Amos 1:12

But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.

Genesis 36:15

These [were] dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn [son] of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,

Genesis 25:30

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

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.

Jeremiah 25:21

Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon,

Ezekiel 25:12

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;