Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 49:20. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic statement about God’s plan for the future. Here's a breakdown in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deliberately setting events in motion to punish Edom – a nation that was previously allied with Abraham and later, the Israelites. He’s planning to make Edom’s land desolate and uninhabitable. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD…” - This is God speaking directly to us, acknowledging His plan. “…that he hath taken against Edom…” – God is actively opposing Edom. He's choosing to fight against them. "...and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out.” - This is where it gets a little more metaphorical. “Teman” refers to a specific group of people in ancient Near Eastern history – they were a tribe located near Edom. God has designed a plan for him to make Edom’s land and their people suffer. The phrase "draw them out" means to drive them away or destroy them. What does this mean practically? The verse suggests a future conflict between God and Edom. It’s not just about a war; it's a systematic effort by God to punish those who were previously allied with him. It implies a period of intense hardship and destruction for the Edomites. Important Context (Briefly): Jeremiah was writing during a time of great political upheaval in Judah. The Israelites were experiencing a period of exile, and there was growing tension between them and their neighbors. This verse is part of a larger narrative about God’s judgment and the restoration of His people. In essence, this verse paints a picture of God's righteous anger and a deliberate plan for retribution. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss the historical context of the verse? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?