Jeremiah 49:8

KJV

Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time [that] I will visit him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Flee {H5127} ye, turn back {H6437}, dwell {H3427} deep {H6009}, O inhabitants {H3427} of Dedan {H1719}; for I will bring {H935} the calamity {H343} of Esau {H6215} upon him, the time {H6256} that I will visit {H6485} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Flee! Turn back! Hide yourselves well, you who live in D'dan; for I am bringing calamity on 'Esav, when the time for me to punish him comes.

Berean Standard Bible

Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him.

American Standard Version

Flee ye, turn back, dwell in the depths, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I shall visit him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:8 delivers a stark prophetic warning and divine decree of judgment against the inhabitants of Dedan. They are commanded to "flee," "turn back," and "dwell deep," vivid imperatives that underscore the desperate and ultimately futile attempt to escape an impending, divinely orchestrated catastrophe. This coming destruction is explicitly identified as "the calamity of Esau," thereby linking Dedan's fate to the severe and comprehensive judgment destined for Edom, a nation characterized by its enduring pride and hostility towards God's people. The verse concludes by emphasizing the certainty and precise timing of this judgment, asserting God's direct and active role in bringing about this "visitation."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a larger tapestry of prophetic oracles against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, it follows a detailed and severe pronouncement against Edom in [Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7-22 "Jeremiah 49:7-22 - Prophecy Against Edom"). The inclusion of Dedan immediately after the Edomite oracle highlights the interconnectedness of these nations, suggesting shared alliances, commercial interests, or perhaps similar patterns of sin that warrant divine wrath. This section of Jeremiah serves to demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, asserting His authority not only over Israel but over all peoples and their kingdoms. The overarching narrative flow emphasizes that no nation, however powerful or remote, is beyond the reach of God's justice, and His plans for judgment are meticulously executed, often involving the downfall of one nation as a warning or consequence for others.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Dedan was an influential ancient Arabian tribe and a prominent trading hub located in the northern Arabian Peninsula, often associated with the region of Edom. Historically, Dedan was renowned for its integral role in the lucrative incense and spice trade routes that connected southern Arabia with Mesopotamia and the Levant, fostering wealth and influence. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, inhabited the rugged, mountainous terrain south of the Dead Sea. Their relationship with Israel was consistently fraught with animosity, rooted in the ancient sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau, and escalating into active hostility, as evidenced in passages like [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage") and [Amos 1:11](/amos/1-11 "Amos 1:11 - Edom's Cruelty"). Edom's pride, self-sufficiency, and especially their gloating over Judah's misfortunes during the Babylonian invasion (cf. [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery")) made them a frequent target of prophetic condemnation. Dedan's inclusion in this prophecy likely stems from their close geographical, economic, and possibly political ties to Edom, implying a shared destiny or culpability in the face of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme permeating [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Oracles Against Nations") and powerfully articulated in this verse is **Divine Judgment and Universal Accountability**. God's pronouncements against nations like Edom and Dedan unequivocally assert His absolute sovereignty over all peoples, demonstrating that no nation is exempt from His righteous standards or His ultimate justice. The urgent commands to "flee" and "dwell deep" vividly convey the inescapable nature of this judgment, emphasizing that no earthly refuge can withstand God's wrath. Another significant theme is **The Calamity of Esau (Edom)**, which serves as a potent illustration of the severe consequences of national pride, persistent hostility towards God's purposes, and cruelty towards His people. Edom's prophesied downfall, a recurring motif in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 34:5-10](/isaiah/34-5-10 "Isaiah 34:5-10 - God's Vengeance on Edom")), functions as a dire warning to all who oppose divine will. Finally, the concluding phrase "the time that I will visit him" highlights **God's Sovereignty and Perfect Timing**. This judgment is not a random or impulsive act but a meticulously planned and precisely executed act of God's righteous governance, occurring at His divinely appointed time, thereby demonstrating His active involvement in the unfolding of history and the administration of justice across all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** (H5127) This primitive root signifies "to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)." In Jeremiah 49:8, the imperative "Flee ye" conveys an urgent, desperate command for immediate and rapid escape. It paints a picture of chaotic, panicked flight, indicating the overwhelming and terrifying nature of the impending judgment from which there is no safe haven. The very act of fleeing implies an acknowledgment of an unstoppable, destructive force.
* **Calamity (Hebrew, _ʼêyd'_):** (H343) Derived from a root suggesting "bending down," this noun denotes "oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin." It encompasses concepts of disaster, destruction, and a crushing downfall. The phrase "the calamity of Esau" therefore refers to the devastating, divinely orchestrated ruin that will comprehensively befall Edom. This is not a mere misfortune but a divinely appointed, inescapable destruction brought about by God's righteous judgment against their wickedness and pride.
* **Visit (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** (H6485) This multifaceted primitive root means "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc." While it can signify benevolent care or appointment, in contexts of judgment, as it is used here, it implies a divine inspection or reckoning that leads to punishment. God's "visitation" upon Dedan and Esau signifies His active intervention to bring about the prophesied consequences, holding them accountable for their actions and executing His righteous judgment with precision and certainty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan;":** This opening clause is a series of urgent, desperate imperatives directed at the people of Dedan. "Flee ye" (נוּסוּ, _nûsû_) commands immediate and rapid flight, emphasizing the extreme danger and the need for swift evasion. "Turn back" (פְּנוּ, _pěnû_) suggests a reversal of their normal course of life or retreat from their established homes and lucrative trade routes, indicating a disruption of their entire existence. "Dwell deep" (עַמְּקוּ לָשֶׁבֶת, _ʿamməqū lāšeḇeṯ_) is a vivid and desperate instruction to seek refuge in the most hidden, inaccessible places—perhaps deep caves, remote desert recesses, or fortified underground dwellings—highlighting the utter lack of safety from the coming judgment. The direct address "O inhabitants of Dedan" pinpoints the specific target of this dire warning, signifying that their usual security and prosperity will be utterly shattered.
* **"for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him,":** This clause provides the divine rationale and the source of the preceding commands. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _kî_) introduces the reason: God Himself is the active agent ("I will bring," אָבִיא, _ʾāḇîʾ_) of this impending doom. The phrase "the calamity of Esau" (אֵיד עֵשָׂו, _ʾêḏ ʿēśāw_) explicitly links Dedan's fate to the severe and comprehensive judgment already decreed for Edom, the descendants of Esau. This connection implies that Dedan, perhaps due to its close ties, alliances, or shared patterns of wickedness with Edom, will suffer a similar, devastating fate, experiencing a divinely orchestrated ruin.
* **"the time [that] I will visit him.":** This concluding phrase powerfully underscores the certainty, precision, and divine origin of the judgment. "The time" (עֵת, _ʿēṯ_) emphasizes that this is not a random or arbitrary event but an appointed moment within God's sovereign plan, a fixed point in history for this reckoning. "I will visit him" (פְּקַדְתִּיו, _pəqaḏtîw_) reiterates God's personal and active involvement in executing this judgment. The "visitation" here is unequivocally hostile, signifying a divine reckoning where accountability is demanded, and punishment is meted out, leaving no doubt about the source or the inevitability of the impending destruction for Dedan and Edom.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:8 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message of impending doom. The most striking are the series of **Imperative verbs**—"Flee ye," "turn back," "dwell deep"—which create an immediate sense of urgency and desperation, directly addressing the inhabitants of Dedan and underscoring the immediate and inescapable nature of the threat. This rapid succession of commands heightens the dramatic tension and emphasizes the futility of resistance. The instruction to "dwell deep" also functions as **Hyperbole**, suggesting an impossible depth of concealment, thereby emphasizing that no place will be safe or secure from divine wrath. Furthermore, the expression "the calamity of Esau" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "Esau" (the progenitor) stands in for the entire nation of Edom (his descendants), and "calamity" represents the comprehensive, divinely ordained judgment destined for them. This device powerfully links Dedan's fate directly to Edom's, implying shared guilt or consequence. Finally, the entire verse is framed as a **Divine declaration**, with God Himself speaking directly ("I will bring," "I will visit"), lending ultimate authority, certainty, and inevitability to the prophecy, making the judgment both personal and absolute.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:8 serves as a profound theological statement on God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice across all nations. It reveals that no people, however remote, prosperous, or seemingly secure, are beyond the reach of divine accountability. The "calamity of Esau" underscores that God judges not only His covenant people but also the surrounding nations based on their actions, particularly their pride, violence, and persistent hostility towards His chosen ones. This prophetic word reminds us that God's "visitation" is a dual-edged sword, bringing either blessing or judgment, and in this context, it is a definitive act of reckoning for wickedness. It teaches that divine judgment is not arbitrary or impulsive but is executed at a divinely appointed "time," demonstrating God's meticulous governance of history and His perfect timing in bringing all things to account. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately set all wrongs right, providing both a solemn warning to the wicked and profound comfort to the righteous who trust in His ultimate justice and sovereign control over all affairs.

* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near") - "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Judgment") - "The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands."
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord Will Not Acquit the Wicked") - "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:8, though addressed to an ancient Arabian tribe, carries timeless spiritual weight and profound implications for contemporary believers. It powerfully reminds us that God is actively and intimately involved in the affairs of all nations and individuals, and His justice is both certain and comprehensive. This verse challenges any notion of human autonomy, self-sufficiency, or perceived invulnerability that ignores divine authority. It calls us to soberly examine our own lives and communities for any attitudes of pride, hostility, exploitation, or self-reliance that might mirror the characteristics of Edom, which invited such severe judgment. For those who feel secure in their own strength, wealth, or hidden from divine scrutiny, this passage serves as a stark warning: there is no "dwelling deep" enough, no earthly refuge, that can ultimately escape the reach of God's righteous hand. Conversely, for those who trust in God, it offers profound assurance that evil will not ultimately prevail, and justice will be served in God's perfect time. It compels us to align our lives with God's revealed purposes, to live righteously, and to find our true and lasting refuge not in fleeting earthly hiding places but in the eternal sovereignty and unfailing faithfulness of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "visitation" in judgment, as seen in this verse, challenge or deepen your understanding of His character and His active involvement in world affairs?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, exhibit attitudes similar to Edom's pride, self-reliance, or hostility towards others that could invite divine correction or judgment?**
* **What comfort or warning does this verse offer regarding God's ultimate sovereignty over global events and the certainty of His justice for all nations and individuals?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Dedanites, and why are they mentioned here?**

Answer: The Dedanites were an ancient Arabian tribe, renowned for their significant role in lucrative trade, particularly along the incense routes that crisscrossed the Arabian Peninsula. They are referenced in the Bible as descendants of either Cush ([Genesis 10:7](/genesis/10-7 "Genesis 10:7 - Descendants of Cush")) or Abraham through Keturah ([Genesis 25:3](/genesis/25-3 "Genesis 25:3 - Descendants of Abraham and Keturah")). They are mentioned in Jeremiah 49:8 primarily due to their close geographical proximity, economic ties, and likely political alliances with the Edomites (descendants of Esau). As such, they were considered to share in Edom's fate of divine judgment, facing similar destruction due to their associations and potentially their own wickedness or opposition to God's people and purposes.

**What does "the calamity of Esau" refer to?**

Answer: "The calamity of Esau" refers to the severe, divinely ordained destruction and ruin prophesied for the nation of Edom, who were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had a long and consistent history of animosity and hostility towards Israel, often gloating over their misfortunes and even participating in their oppression, as vividly described in the prophetic Book of [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "Obadiah - Prophecy Against Edom"). This phrase in Jeremiah 49:8 signifies that the judgment coming upon Dedan will be as devastating and comprehensive as the judgment God had decreed for Edom, highlighting the intensity, certainty, and divine origin of the impending punishment.

**Is God's "visitation" always negative?**

Answer: No, God's "visitation" (Hebrew: _pâqad_) is not always negative; the term is multifaceted and can carry both positive and negative connotations in the Bible. It can refer to God's benevolent attention, care, or intervention, such as when He "visited" Sarah with a child ([Genesis 21:1](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1 - God Visits Sarah")) or when He "visited" His people to deliver them from bondage ([Exodus 3:16](/exodus/3-16 "Exodus 3:16 - God's Promise to Visit Israel")). It can also refer to God's act of mustering, appointing, or overseeing. However, in contexts like Jeremiah 49:8, where it is explicitly linked to "calamity" and judgment, it clearly denotes a hostile visitation, signifying a divine reckoning where accountability is demanded, and punishment is executed for wickedness. The specific context always determines the nature and outcome of God's "visitation."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment pronounced upon Dedan and Edom in Jeremiah 49:8, while historically specific, finds its ultimate theological fulfillment and profound spiritual significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophecies of divine judgment against nations, particularly those characterized by pride, self-sufficiency, and opposition to God, foreshadow the ultimate cosmic judgment to be administered by Christ. The "calamity" that God brings upon Esau and Dedan points to the inescapable reality of divine wrath against sin, a wrath that was fully poured out upon the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ made a way of escape from this ultimate calamity for all who believe. In Christ, humanity is offered a refuge far deeper and more secure than any cave or desert hideaway; He is the [strong tower](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower") into which the righteous run and are safe. The prophetic command to "flee" from impending judgment is realized in the New Covenant as a call to flee from sin and the wrath to come, finding salvation and eternal security in Christ's finished work. His first coming was a "visitation" of grace and salvation ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), bringing light to those in darkness. However, His second coming will be a "visitation" of righteous judgment, where He will [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead") ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day of Judgment")). Thus, Jeremiah 49:8 ultimately directs us to Christ as both the one who bore the "calamity" of sin for us and the sovereign Judge who will bring all things to their final, just conclusion, ensuring that true justice prevails.

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 25:23

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

Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.

Isaiah 21:13

¶ The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.

Jeremiah 49:30

Flee, get you far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor, saith the LORD; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you.

Jeremiah 49:32

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.

Jeremiah 48:28

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove [that] maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.

Amos 9:1

¶ I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.