Jeremiah 49:20
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Jeremiah 49:20
20 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.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 49 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, faith, fellowship. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 49:20
20 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.
Analysis
Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD (לָכֵן שִׁמְעוּ עֲצַת־יְהוָה, lakhen shim'u atzat-YHWH)—The imperative shim'u demands attention to divine deliberation. Atzah (counsel) appears in divine council contexts (see Jeremiah 23:18, 22), revealing that God's judgments proceed from sovereign deliberation, not capricious wrath. His purposes against the inhabitants of Teman (מַחְשְׁבוֹתָיו, machsh'votav)—divine 'thoughts' are effective purposes, not mere intentions.
Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out (צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן, tse'irei hatson)—Even the weakest soldiers will drag away Edom's mighty warriors. This humiliating reversal—shepherd boys defeating warrior-shepherds—emphasizes total defeat. Teman, synonymous with Edom and famous for wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7), will learn that wisdom apart from God's fear is folly. Their desolate habitations testify that human cunning cannot forestall divine decree.
Historical Context
Teman was a district and city in Edom, renowned for wisdom traditions (Obadiah 8-9). Eliphaz, Job's 'wise' friend who was later rebuked by God, was a Temanite (Job 2:11). This ironic detail suggests Edom's celebrated wisdom was ultimately insufficient.
Reflection
- What does God's 'counsel' reveal about the intentionality and justice of His judgments?
- How does the promise that 'the least' will triumph deconstruct worldly measures of strength and capability?
- In what ways might human wisdom become foolishness when divorced from the fear of the Lord?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 49:7, 50:45