Jeremiah 49:21

At the sound of their fall the earth will quake; their cry will resound to the Red Sea.

Study Bible

At the sound of their fall
This phrase refers to the impending judgment and downfall of Edom, a nation often in conflict with Israel. The "sound" signifies the magnitude of the event, suggesting a significant and impactful collapse. Historically, Edom was a powerful nation, but its fall was prophesied due to its pride and hostility towards Israel. This echoes the broader biblical theme of divine justice against nations that oppose God's people, as seen in other prophetic books like Obadiah.

the earth will quake
The imagery of the earth quaking symbolizes the severity and widespread impact of Edom's destruction. Earthquakes in the Bible often accompany divine intervention or judgment, as seen in Exodus 19:18 during the giving of the Law at Sinai. This phrase emphasizes the power of God's judgment, affecting not just the immediate area but having a broader, possibly even cosmic, significance.

their cry will resound
The cry of Edom's fall is depicted as loud and far-reaching, indicating the distress and despair of the nation. This cry can be seen as a metaphor for the realization of their impending doom and the consequences of their actions. It also serves as a warning to other nations about the seriousness of opposing God's will, similar to the cries of other judged nations in Isaiah and Ezekiel.

to the Red Sea
The mention of the Red Sea highlights the geographical extent of the impact, suggesting that the news of Edom's fall will travel far. The Red Sea is significant in biblical history as the site of the Israelites' miraculous escape from Egypt (Exodus 14). This connection may imply that just as God delivered His people from Egypt, He will also deliver them from their enemies, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance and judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often at odds with Israel. In this passage, Edom is the subject of God's judgment.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the nations, including Edom.

3. The Red Sea
A significant body of water in biblical history, symbolizing deliverance and judgment. Here, it marks the extent of the impact of Edom's fall.

4. The Earthquake
Symbolic of the magnitude of Edom's downfall, indicating a significant and far-reaching event.

5. The Cry
Represents the distress and lamentation of Edom's people as they face God's judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's judgment is comprehensive and reaches even the most powerful nations. We must recognize His authority over all nations and peoples.

The Consequences of Pride
Edom's downfall serves as a warning against pride and arrogance. We should cultivate humility and dependence on God.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Sin
The imagery of the earth quaking and the cry reaching the Red Sea illustrates how sin and its consequences can affect many. Our actions have broader implications than we might realize.

The Certainty of God's Promises
Just as God fulfilled His promise of judgment against Edom, He will fulfill all His promises, both of judgment and salvation. We can trust in His faithfulness.

The Call to Repentance
Observing Edom's fate should lead us to examine our own lives and turn from sin, seeking God's mercy and grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fall of Edom in Jeremiah 49:21 illustrate the broader theme of God's judgment throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can pride lead to downfall, both personally and nationally, as seen in the example of Edom?

3. How does the imagery of the earth quaking and the cry reaching the Red Sea help us understand the seriousness of sin's consequences?

4. What lessons can we learn from Edom's judgment about the importance of humility and reliance on God?

5. How can we apply the certainty of God's promises, as demonstrated in His judgment of Edom, to our daily lives and spiritual walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 34
This chapter also speaks of God's judgment against Edom, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution.

Obadiah 1
The entire book of Obadiah is a prophecy against Edom, highlighting their pride and eventual downfall.

Ezekiel 25
Contains prophecies against Edom, reinforcing the message of judgment due to their actions against Israel.

Psalm 137
Reflects on Edom's role in the destruction of Jerusalem, providing context for their judgment.

Revelation 18
Describes the fall of Babylon, drawing parallels to the fall of Edom as a symbol of God's ultimate justice.