Jeremiah 49:14-16 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:14-18

Based at first on the older prophecy (see Obadiah 1:1-4 ); then follow two verses in Jeremiah's peculiar manner. As yet Edom feels himself secure in his rocky home. But a Divine impulse already stirs the nation, through whom Jehovah wills to humble the proud. Edom shall become a second Sodom. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:16

Thy terribleness. This is certainly the best rendering of this ἅπαξ λεγόμενον . The "terribleness" of Edom consisted in the fact that the other nations shrank from disturbing her in her rocky fastness. In the clefts of the rock. Probably with an allusion to the rock city Sela, or Petra ("rock"); as perhaps in "the height of the hill" to the situation of Bozrah; see on Jeremiah 49:13 (Graf). As the eagle. Not any eagle is meant, but the griffon ( Gypsfulvus ) , or great... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:16

A people deceived by its own terribleness. I. THEY WHO ARE A TERROR TO ALL HUMAN FOES MUST ULTIMATELY TREMBLE BEFORE SPIRITUAL FOES . Edom was to fall before Babylon, in spite of her terrible aspect. Much more must the fierce, proud sinner succumb to the unseen angel of Divine judgment. The rocks that keep back an army cannot retard the onrush of the heavenly host. II. THEY WHO NOW STAND HIGHEST IN PRIDE AND POWER WILL FALL LOWEST AT... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:16

Vain confidences. "Thy terribleness hath deceived thee," etc. Taking the different expressions in this verse, we can see how such confidences are begotten in men's minds. I. THEIR FELLOW MEN HELP TO DECEIVE THEM . "Thy terribleness," etc. All around them held them in terror, were afraid of them, deemed them too mighty to be overcome. And the consciousness of this kept in them a confidence which now was to be shown to be but vain. II. MEN 'S OWN PRIDE . "The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:16

The pride of apparent security. I. THE REAL EXTENT OF THE SECURITY . Not without some cause did Edom pride itself on its position. Security is a relative word. Mountain fastnesses are a sufficient defence against such attacks as Edom can measure and understand. Mountain fastnesses have done much for the cause of national liberty and independence. They ought not to be the shelter and home of brigands; but it is right to notice their glorious place in history as the shelter and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 49:7-22

Edom stretched along the south of Judah from the border of Moab on the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean and the Arabian deserts, and held the same relation to Judah which Moab held toward the kingdom of Israel. Although expressly reserved from attack by Moses Deuteronomy 2:5, a long feud caused the Edomites to cherish so bitter an enmity against Judah, that they exulted with cruel joy over the capture of Jerusalem by the Chaldaeans, and showed great cruelty toward those why fled to them for... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 49:14-16

Jeremiah 49:14-16. I have heard a rumour Hebrew, שׁמועה , a report or message, from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen. Obadiah begins his prophecy against Edom in similar words. The prophets, it must be observed, “often represent God as summoning armies, and setting them in array of battle against those people whom he has decreed to destroy. And his stirring up men’s spirits to invade such countries, is described here as if he had sent an ambassador to the Chaldeans... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 49:7-22

A message concerning Edom (49:7-22)The Edomites, the descendants of Esau, prided themselves that they were cleverer than peoples of surrounding nations. They were confident that their country was safe against attack because its rugged mountains provided it with a good defence system. The prophet tells them that neither their wisdom nor their defences will save them from the destruction that God has determined for them (7-8).A vineyard worker picks the grapes that are ripe but leaves the rest; a... read more

E.W. Bullinger