Jeremiah 49:17

"Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.

Study Bible

Edom will become an object of horror.
Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often found itself in conflict with Israel. This prophecy against Edom reflects the judgment of God due to their pride and hostility towards Israel (Obadiah 1:3-4). Historically, Edom was located south of the Dead Sea, in present-day Jordan. The prophecy indicates a complete desolation, aligning with other biblical prophecies (Isaiah 34:5-15). The term "object of horror" suggests a transformation from a once-thriving nation to a desolate wasteland, serving as a warning to other nations about the consequences of opposing God's people.

All who pass by will be appalled
This phrase emphasizes the extent of Edom's destruction. Travelers witnessing the devastation would be shocked and dismayed. This reaction is similar to the response to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-28), where the sight of the ruins served as a testament to divine judgment. The appalling sight would serve as a visual reminder of God's power and justice, reinforcing the seriousness of Edom's sins.

and will scoff at all her wounds.
The scoffing indicates a sense of derision and mockery from onlookers. Edom's wounds symbolize the consequences of their actions and the fulfillment of divine retribution. This mirrors the fate of other nations that opposed Israel, such as Babylon (Isaiah 13:19-22). The wounds also suggest a complete and irreversible downfall, highlighting the futility of opposing God's will. The imagery of wounds can be seen as a type of Christ, who bore wounds for humanity's sins, contrasting Edom's deserved punishment with Christ's redemptive suffering.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom was often in conflict with Israel and is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books as an example of God's judgment against pride and hostility towards His people.

2. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of judgment and hope. He prophesied during the final years of the kingdom of Judah, warning of impending destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness.

3. Judgment of Nations
This event refers to God's pronouncement of judgment against various nations, including Edom, for their sins and opposition to Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Edom's downfall serves as a warning against pride and arrogance. Pride can lead to a nation's or individual's downfall, as it blinds us to our need for God.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The judgment against Edom demonstrates God's control over all nations and His commitment to justice. No nation or person is beyond His reach.

The Importance of Humility
In contrast to Edom's pride, believers are called to live humbly before God, recognizing our dependence on Him for everything.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecies like those against Edom remind us of the importance of listening to God's warnings and aligning our lives with His will.

The Impact of Sin on Communities
Edom's judgment shows how sin can affect entire communities and nations, leading to widespread devastation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the judgment of Edom in Jeremiah 49:17 reflect God's attitude towards pride and arrogance? Can you identify areas in your life where pride might be an issue?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Edom demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations? How can this understanding impact your view of current world events?

3. Compare the judgment of Edom in Jeremiah 49:17 with the prophecy in Obadiah. What similarities and differences do you notice, and what do they teach us about God's justice?

4. How can the downfall of Edom serve as a warning for us today in our personal lives and communities? What steps can we take to avoid similar pitfalls?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of pride or witnessed it in others. How did that situation change your perspective on humility and dependence on God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Obadiah 1
The entire book of Obadiah is a prophecy against Edom, highlighting similar themes of judgment due to pride and violence against Israel.

Isaiah 34
This chapter also speaks of God's judgment against Edom, using vivid imagery to describe its desolation and the consequences of its actions.

Psalm 137
Reflects the animosity between Edom and Israel, where Edom is remembered for its role in the destruction of Jerusalem.