Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 49

Verses 1-39

Against the children of Ammon Jeremiah raised a protest because their king was in possession of Gad. He declared that by the fierce judgment of war, they were to be dispossessed and driven forth. The message ends with a gleam of hope, in which the prophet foretold that again the children of Ammon would be made captive.

Concerning Edom, destruction is foretold, in spite of her wisdom. The reference to wisdom in Teman may be a satirical literary allusion to the fact that it was the birtbplace of Eliphaz, the counselor of Job. The destruction is described in figurative language, and the prophet declared that notwithstanding the arrogancy and security of the people, Jehovah would bring them down into the dust. The destruction of Edom is intended to be a warning to the whole earth.

Damascus is described in her decay, and in the destruction determined against her by the Lord of hosts. This reference to Damascus is brief, for it does not seem that in Jeremiah's time there was anything like intimate relationship of any sort between her and the chosen people. It is evident, however, that as his vision swept the horizon, Jeremiah saw that she also was within the circle of the divine government, and that judgment was determined against her.

Kedar and Hazor represent the Arab peoples, the former such as were nomadic, the latter those who dwelt in settled centers, and yet not in walled cities. Against both of these Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was to be the instrument of judgment.

The prophecy against Elam is of a judgment, ending once more with a gleam of hope. Of Elam nothing can be said with any certainty. Again, it is evident in the far-reaching vision of Jeremiah she was seen as under divine displeasure, and consequently to be visited by divine judgment.