Jeremiah 49:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 49:17
17 Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 49 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, faith, mercy. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 49:17
17 Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.
Analysis
Edom shall be a desolation (לְשַׁמָּה תִּהְיֶה, l'shammah tihyeh)—The noun shammah denotes horrified astonishment at judgment, used frequently in Jeremiah's oracles (see 2:15, 18:16). Every one that goeth by it shall be astonished (יִשֹּׁם, yisshom)—travelers will hiss (שָׁרַק, sharaq), a sound expressing derision and horror, drawing attention to God's judicial handiwork.
This prophetic perfect tense treats future judgment as accomplished fact, demonstrating Yahweh's sovereign control over history. The clause all the plagues thereof (מַכּוֹתֶיהָ, makkoteha) employs Exodus language, suggesting Edom's judgment mirrors Egypt's—covenant breakers face covenant curses. Edom's ruins become a teaching tool, a perpetual sermon on pride's consequences.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern travelers would 'hiss' at ruins as both a protective gesture (warding off evil) and a moral commentary. Edom's desolate cities became proverbial. Malachi 1:2-4 confirms God's perpetual anger against Edom ('the people with whom the LORD is indignant forever').
Reflection
- How do historical ruins and failed civilizations serve as 'witnesses' to God's justice?
- What distinguishes astonishment at judgment from genuine repentance—and which does God desire?
- How should Christians respond when witnessing the downfall of the proud and mighty?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 18:16, 49:13, 50:13, 51:37, 1 Kings 9:8, Ezekiel 35:7