Jeremiah 49 20

Jeremiah 49:20 kjv

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 49:20 nkjv

Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD that He has taken against Edom, And His purposes that He has proposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out; Surely He shall make their dwelling places desolate with them.

Jeremiah 49:20 niv

Therefore, hear what the LORD has planned against Edom, what he has purposed against those who live in Teman: The young of the flock will be dragged away; their pasture will be appalled at their fate.

Jeremiah 49:20 esv

Therefore hear the plan that the LORD has made against Edom and the purposes that he has formed against the inhabitants of Teman: Even the little ones of the flock shall be dragged away. Surely their fold shall be appalled at their fate.

Jeremiah 49:20 nlt

Listen to the LORD's plans against Edom
and the people of Teman.
Even the little children will be dragged off like sheep,
and their homes will be destroyed.

Jeremiah 49 verses

Jeremiah 49 20 Meaning

Jeremiah 49:20 states: "Hear the counsel of the LORD that he has taken against Edom; his purpose that he has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: surely the least of the flock shall drag them away; surely he shall make desolate their dwelling places with them." This verse signifies a divine judgment against Edom (specifically its stronghold of Teman), predicting its utter destruction. The "least of the flock" implies even the most vulnerable will participate in or witness their downfall, signifying a complete overthrow where the weak prevail over the once proud and strong. Their habitations will become desolate, uninhabitable places.

Jeremiah 49 20 Context

Jeremiah 49 prophesies against various surrounding nations, including Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and notably, Edom. This chapter, like others in Jeremiah, follows a pattern of announcing judgment for their sin and then often a future hope for restoration, though for Edom, the judgment is severe. Edom's animosity towards Israel, dating back to their ancestoral conflict between Jacob and Esau, is a key historical backdrop. Edom had repeatedly acted against God's people, most significantly by refusing passage and aiding their enemies during the exodus and later during the Babylonian exile. This specific prophecy targets Teman, a significant city and region within Edom, highlighting the thoroughness of the impending destruction.

Jeremiah 49 20 Word Analysis

• Hear (שִׁמְע֖וּ - sh'mu): Imperative form of the verb "to hear," commanding attentive listening and obedience to God's word and pronouncements.
• the counsel (עֲצַ֖ת - atzat): Advice, plan, or purpose. Here, it refers to God's divinely ordained judgment.
• of the LORD (יְהוָ֗ה - YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal involvement and authority.
• that he has taken (חָ֥שַׁב - chashav): Conceived, reckoned, devised, purposed. God has actively planned this against Edom.
• against Edom (עֵיד֑וֹם - Edom): Named after Esau, Jacob's twin brother, representing the nation descended from him. Their ongoing hostility toward Israel is the primary reason for this judgment.
• his purpose (מְזִמָּת֤וֹ - mezimato): Scheme, plot, device. This refers to God's intentional and often inscrutable plan.
• that he has purposed (זָמַ֧ם - zamam): Planned, intended, resolved. Reinforces the deliberate nature of God's judgment.
• against the inhabitants of Teman (עַל־יֹשְׁבֵ֤י תֵימָן֙ - al-yoshvei Teman): Teman was a prominent region or city in Edom, known for its wisdom. The prophecy targets this specific, important stronghold.
• surely (כִּֽי־ - ki): An affirmation, emphasizing the certainty of what follows.
• the least of the flock (קָטֹ֤ן מִכִּלְיוֹן֙ - qaton mikulyon): This is a powerful idiom. It can mean the smallest or least valuable sheep, implying that even the weakest and most insignificant individuals (possibly refugees or the lowest class) will be swept up or will cause the downfall of Edom. Alternatively, it could refer to those least expected to have influence.
• shall drag them away (יִסְחָבֵ֣ם - yischavem): To drag, pull away, carry off. This suggests a forceful removal and destruction, implying they will be captured or their power utterly removed.
• surely (כִּֽי־ - ki): Again, emphasizing certainty.
• he shall make desolate (יְשִׁמֵּ֤ם - yeshimmem): To make empty, waste, or desolate. Their homes and land will be uninhabited.
• their dwelling places (נְוֵהֶ֖ם - nevehem): Their encampments, habitations, or dwellings.
• with them (עִמָּ֔ם - immam): Along with them, indicating a complete ruin where the people and their places are simultaneously destroyed and made desolate.

Words-Group Analysis

• "his counsel that he has taken" and "his purpose that he has purposed": These parallel phrases (וַיַּחֲשֹׁב עָלֶיהֶם מְזִמָּתוֹ אֲשֶׁר זָמַם - vayachashov aleihem mezimato asher zamam) strongly emphasize God's sovereign and deliberate plan of judgment against Edom. It is not a haphazard event but a divinely ordained outcome.
• "the least of the flock shall drag them away": This striking image signifies the extent of Edom's ruin. It suggests that the very weak and vulnerable, whom Edom might have overlooked or oppressed, will either play a role in their downfall or will inherit the desolate lands, leaving Edom in utter ruin and disarray. It points to a reversal of fortunes.
• "he shall make desolate their dwelling places with them": This concluding phrase highlights the totality of the judgment. Edom's settlements will be emptied and ruined, and their people will be gone with them, leaving no trace of their presence.

Jeremiah 49 20 Bonus Section

The consistent opposition of Edom towards Israel, rooted in the familial rivalry of Esau and Jacob, forms a theological thread throughout Scripture. Edom's sin was not merely political opposition but a deep-seated hatred and violence directed at their brethren. The language of desolation echoes other prophetic judgments, emphasizing the barrenness that results from sin and defiance of God. The ultimate fulfillment of this judgment and the scattering of the Edomites are seen historically and are woven into broader prophecies concerning the final reckoning of all nations with God.

Jeremiah 49 20 Commentary

Jeremiah 49:20 paints a grim picture of God's judgment on Edom, emphasizing its completeness and the reversal of fortunes. The decree originates from the Lord Himself, who has actively devised and purposed Edom's downfall. The image of the "least of the flock" dragging them away is profound, suggesting that the once mighty will be overcome by the weakest, a clear sign of divine intervention where conventional power structures are overturned. Teman, a symbol of Edom's strength and perhaps its wisdom, will be left desolate. This judgment is a consistent theme throughout the prophetic books, reflecting God's righteousness in punishing nations that oppress His people and reject His sovereignty. The prophecy also speaks to a broader principle: nations that build their strength on violence and injustice, particularly against God's covenant people, will face ultimate ruin.