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 49:20KJVWhat 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.