Jeremiah 49:7

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

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}?

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?

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?

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

Context

Jeremiah 49:7 is part of a series of prophecies (Jeremiah 46-51) where the prophet Jeremiah declares God's judgment against various foreign nations. This particular section focuses on Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom was often hostile towards Israel, refusing passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:18) and even participating in the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (Psalm 137:7).

Edom, specifically its region of Teman, was renowned in the ancient world for its wisdom, counsel, and skilled advisors, much like Egypt was known for its scribes or Babylon for its astrologers. This verse directly challenges that reputation, highlighting that even Edom's celebrated wisdom will prove futile against the divine decree of the LORD of hosts.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The passage underscores God's absolute authority over all nations, not just Israel. He orchestrates the rise and fall of kingdoms, demonstrating His sovereign control over all peoples.
  • The Failure of Human Wisdom: Edom prided itself on its strategic and political sagacity. The rhetorical questions in the verse ("Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?") 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 judgment.
  • Pride and Humiliation: Edom's elevated position and reliance on its own wisdom and supposed impregnable fortresses (referenced elsewhere in prophecies against Edom, e.g., Obadiah 1:3) led to arrogance. This prophecy foretells their humiliation as their most valued asset—wisdom—is rendered ineffective.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used emphasize the depth of Edom's perceived intellectual strength:

  • "Wisdom" (Hebrew: chokhmah, חָכְמָה): This term refers to practical skill, discernment, and strategic intelligence. Here, it speaks to Edom's supposed cunning in statecraft and military strategy.
  • "Counsel" (Hebrew: etzah, עֵצָה): Implies deliberate planning, advice, and well-thought-out schemes.
  • "Prudent" (Hebrew: nevōnim, נְבֹנִים): Describes those with understanding, discernment, and insight.

The use of rhetorical questions ("Is wisdom no more...?", "is counsel perished...?", "is their wisdom vanished?") is a powerful prophetic device, implying an undeniable negative answer. It signifies that what Edom once boasted in will be completely stripped away or proven utterly inadequate.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 49:7 serves as a timeless warning against relying solely on human intellect, strategic brilliance, or worldly wisdom, especially when it contradicts or ignores the will of God. Edom's downfall, despite its reputation for wisdom, illustrates that no human ingenuity or strength can ultimately thwart divine purpose.

For us today, this verse encourages humility and a recognition that human wisdom, however acclaimed, is ultimately insufficient when it stands against the purposes of the Almighty. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and a willingness to submit to His plans. When facing challenges, we are reminded to seek God's counsel above all, for His wisdom is infallible and enduring.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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