Jeremiah 49:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֞ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

שִׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

Therefore hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עֲצַת

H6098

the counsel

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָעַץ֙

H3289

that he hath taken

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱד֔וֹם

H123

against Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וּמַ֨חְשְׁבוֹתָ֔יו

H4284

and his purposes

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

חָשַׁ֖ב

H2803

that he hath purposed

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

against the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

תֵימָ֑ן

H8487

of Teman

teman, the name of two edomites, and of the region and descendant of one of them

#15

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#16

ל֤וֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

יִסְחָבוּם֙

H5498

shall draw them out

to trail along

#18

צְעִירֵ֣י

H6810

Surely the least

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

#19

הַצֹּ֔אן

H6629

of the flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#20

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#21

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יַשִּׁ֛ים

H8074

desolate

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#23

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#24

נְוֵהֶֽם׃

H5116

surely he shall make their habitations

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 49 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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