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Jeremiah 49:13

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For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

For I have sworn {H7650} by myself, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that Bozrah {H1224} shall become a desolation {H8047}, a reproach {H2781}, a waste {H2721}, and a curse {H7045}; and all the cities {H5892} thereof shall be perpetual {H5769} wastes {H2723}.

For I have sworn by myself," says ADONAI, "that Botzrah will become a ruin and an object of astonishment, reproach and cursing; all its cities will be ruins forever."

For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.”

For I have sworn by myself, saith Jehovah, that Bozrah shall become an astonishment, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 49 is part of a larger section in the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations. This particular chapter focuses on God's judgment against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Verse 13 specifically addresses the nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, who were known for their pride, dwelling in the rocky strongholds of Seir, and their historical animosity towards Israel (e.g., their refusal to allow Israel passage during the Exodus, and their participation in the destruction of Jerusalem).

Bozrah was a significant and ancient city in Edom, likely its capital or a major fortress, symbolizing the nation's strength and perceived invulnerability. The prophecy here foretells its complete and utter destruction, a stark contrast to Edom's self-assuredness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Unquestionable Judgment: The phrase "I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD" underscores the absolute certainty and divine authority of this prophecy. It signifies that God's word and His decree are immutable and will surely come to pass, as there is no higher authority by whom He can swear (Hebrews 6:13). This emphasizes God's supreme control over nations and their destinies.
  • Consequences of Pride and Injustice: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of prophecies against Edom (e.g., Obadiah 1:3-4, Jeremiah 49:16) reveals that their downfall was a direct result of their arrogance, their trust in their own strength, and their malicious actions against Israel. God's judgment is a righteous response to such rebellion and injustice.
  • Utter and Perpetual Desolation: The repeated terms "desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse" vividly describe a state of complete ruin, shame, and abandonment. The addition "and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes" extends this judgment beyond Bozrah, indicating a comprehensive and long-lasting devastation of the entire Edomite territory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I have sworn by myself" in Hebrew is nishba'ti bi (נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי בִּי), which emphatically stresses the divine oath. It's the strongest possible assurance from God, indicating His unchangeable purpose, much like His covenant oath to Abraham (Genesis 22:16). The terms used for destruction—"desolation" (shammah), "reproach" (cherpah), "waste" (charbah), and "curse" (qelalah)—are powerful Hebrew words that collectively paint a picture of utter ruin, ignominy, and divine abandonment, signifying a complete reversal of their former glory.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:13 reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, whether in promise or in judgment. It teaches us that:

  • God's Word is True and Reliable: Just as God's prophecies of judgment against Edom were fulfilled, so too are His promises of salvation and blessing for those who trust Him. His character ensures the certainty of His declarations.
  • Pride Precedes a Fall: The judgment on Bozrah and Edom serves as a timeless warning against arrogance and self-reliance. Nations and individuals who defy God's authority and oppress others will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
  • Divine Justice Prevails: Even when human justice seems absent or delayed, this verse affirms that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring about justice for all wrongdoing. This can offer comfort and hope to those who suffer injustice, knowing that God sees and acts.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 36:33 (4 votes)

    And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

  • Genesis 22:16 (4 votes)

    And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

  • Isaiah 34:6 (4 votes)

    The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

  • Amos 6:8 (3 votes)

    ¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

  • Isaiah 34:9 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

  • Isaiah 34:15 (3 votes)

    There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

  • Jeremiah 44:26 (3 votes)

    Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, The Lord GOD liveth.