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 49:20KJV
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Jeremiah 49:20 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:20 mean?

Jeremiah 49:20 declares that God has made a decision against Edom and its people in Teman, saying that even the weakest or least important among them will be able to drive out the rest, and their land will be left empty and ruined. The verse shows that God’s judgment is certain and will leave Edom desolate, no matter how strong they think they are.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the nation of Edom, specifically to those living in Teman, a well-known city in Edom. The message is a warning: God’s “counsel” or plan is set, and even those considered insignificant (“the least of the flock”) will be the means by which Edom is brought down. This is part of a larger prophecy where Jeremiah announces judgment against several nations.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:20

  • counsel (עֵצָה, etsah): This word means advice, plan, or purpose. Here, it emphasizes that what is happening to Edom is not random but comes from God’s deliberate decision.
  • least (צָעִיר, tsa`ir): This word refers to the smallest or least important. The verse highlights that even the weakest can be used to accomplish God’s purpose, showing how complete Edom’s downfall will be.
  • flock (צֹאן, tson): Often used for sheep, here it likely refers to the people of Edom. The image suggests vulnerability and the idea that the whole group will be affected.
  • habitations (נָוֶה, naveh) and desolate (שָׁמֵם, shamem): These words together stress that Edom’s homes and lands will be left empty and ruined, underlining the totality of the judgment.

Why Jeremiah 49:20 matters

  • Jeremiah 49:20 clarifies that God’s judgment is not just a vague threat but a specific, thought-out plan (“counsel”) that will certainly happen.
  • The verse emphasizes that Edom’s downfall will be so complete that even the least significant person or group can bring it about, showing how powerless Edom will be before God’s decision.
  • This verse connects to the larger section where Jeremiah warns other nations, showing that no nation is beyond God’s reach or justice, no matter their pride or strength.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H5498 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
  • Jeremiah 15:3 And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.
  • Jeremiah 22:19 He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

“Teman” Hebrew H8487 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 36:11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:36 The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
  • Ezekiel 25:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.

“least” Hebrew H6810 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 19:31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:
  • Genesis 48:14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
  • Psalms 68:27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

“habitations” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.