Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Edom from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? And what shepherd can stand against me?” New Living Translation I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan, leaping on the sheep in the pasture. I will chase Edom from its land, and I will appoint the leader of my choice. For who is like me, and who can challenge me? What ruler can oppose my will?” English Standard Version Behold, like a lion coming up from the jungle of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly make him run away from her. And I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me? Berean Standard Bible Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” Berean Literal Bible Behold, like a lion he will come up from the height of the Jordan against the enduring habitation, but I will act in an instant and make him run away from her. Who is the chosen one over her that I may assign, for who is like Me? And who would appoint Me? And who is this shepherd who can stand before My face?” King James Bible Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? New King James Version “Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the floodplain of the Jordan Against the dwelling place of the strong; But I will suddenly make him run away from her. And who is a chosen man that I may appoint over her? For who is like Me? Who will arraign Me? And who is that shepherd Who will withstand Me?” New American Standard Bible Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will chase him away from it, and I will appoint over it whoever is chosen. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?” NASB 1995 “Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make him run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?” NASB 1977 “Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I shall make him run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?” Legacy Standard Bible Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against an enduring pasture; for in an instant I will make him run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?” Amplified Bible See, one will come like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan against the enduring habitation [of Edom] and its watered pastures; for in an instant I will make him (Edom) run from his land. I will appoint over him the one whom I choose. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me [into court] and prosecute Me [for this]? Who is the [earthly] shepherd who can stand [defiantly] before Me?” Berean Annotated Bible Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan (flowing down) to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” Christian Standard Bible “Look, it will be like a lion coming from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered grazing land. I will chase Edom away from her land in a flash. I will appoint whoever is chosen for her. For who is like me? Who will issue me a summons? Who is the shepherd who can stand against me? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible “Look, it will be like a lion coming from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered grazing land. Indeed, I will chase Edom away from her land in a flash. I will appoint whoever is chosen for her. For who is like Me? Who will summon Me? Who is the shepherd who can stand against Me?” American Standard Version Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that will stand before me? Contemporary English Version I, the LORD, will attack you like a lion from the forest, attacking sheep in a meadow along the Jordan. In a moment the flock runs, and the land is empty. Who will I choose to attack you? I will do it myself! No one can force me to fight or chase me away. English Revised Version Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of Jordan against the strong habitation: but I will suddenly make him run away from her; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over her: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that will stand before me? GOD'S WORD® Translation "I will suddenly chase them from their places like a lion coming out of the jungle along the Jordan River into pastureland. I will appoint over Edom whomever I choose. Who is like me? Who can challenge me? Is there any leader who can stand up to me?" Good News Translation Like a lion coming out of the thick woods along the Jordan River up to the green pasture land, I will come and make the Edomites run away suddenly from their country. Then the leader I choose will rule the nation. Who can be compared to me? Who would dare challenge me? What ruler could oppose me? International Standard Version Look, like a lion comes up from the thicket of the Jordan to a pasture that grows year round, so I'll drive them away from her in an instant, and I'll appoint whomever is chosen over her. Indeed, who is like me? Who gives me counsel? Who is the shepherd who will stand against me?" NET Bible "A lion coming up from the thick undergrowth along the Jordan scatters the sheep in the pastureland around it. So too I will chase the Edomites off their land. Then I will appoint over it whomever I choose. For there is no one like me, and there is no one who can call me to account. There is no ruler who can stand up against me. New Heart English Bible Look, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? And who will appoint me a time? And who is the shepherd who will stand before me? Webster's Bible Translation Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBehold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” World English Bible “Behold, he will come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation; for I will suddenly make them run away from it, and whoever is chosen, I will appoint him over it. For who is like me? Who will appoint me a time? Who is the shepherd who will stand before me?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBehold, he comes up as a lion, "" Because of the rising of the Jordan, "" To the enduring habitation, "" But I cause to rest, "" I cause him to run from off her, "" And who is chosen? I lay a charge concerning her, "" For who is like Me? And who convenes Me? And who [is] this shepherd who stands before Me? Berean Literal Bible Behold, like a lion he will come up from the height of the Jordan against the enduring habitation, but I will act in an instant and make him run away from her. Who is the chosen one over her that I may assign, for who is like Me? And who would appoint Me? And who is this shepherd who can stand before My face?” Young's Literal Translation Lo, as a lion he cometh up, Because of the rising of the Jordan, Unto the enduring habitation, But I cause to rest, I cause him to run from off her, And who is chosen? concerning her I lay a charge, For who is like Me? and who conveneth Me? And who is this shepherd who standeth before Me? Smith's Literal Translation Behold, as the lion he shall come up from the excellency of Jordan against the habitation of strength: for I will wink, I will cause him to run from her: and who the chosen I shall appoint to her? for who like me? and who shall testify for me? and who this shepherd which shall stand before me? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBehold one shall come up as a lion from the swelling of the Jordan, against the strong and beautiful: for I will make him run suddenly upon her: and who shall be the chosen one whom I may appoint over her? for who is like to m? and who shall abide me? and who is that shepherd that can withstand my countenance? Catholic Public Domain Version Behold, he will ascend like a lion from the arrogance of the Jordan, against the robust beauty. For I will cause him to rush against her suddenly. And who will be the elect one, whom I may appoint over her? For who is like me? And who can endure me? And who is that pastor who can withstand my countenance? New American Bible As when a lion comes up from a thicket of the Jordan to a permanent pasture, So in an instant, I will chase them off; I will establish there whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who holds me accountable? What shepherd can stand against me? New Revised Standard Version Like a lion coming up from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly chase Edom away from it; and I will appoint over it whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who can summon me? Who is the shepherd who can stand before me? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the sheepfold of Atan; but I will suddenly make them run away from her; and I will charge young warriors against her; for who is like me? And who shall testify against me? And who is that leader who can prevail against me? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Behold, as a lion ascends from the strong current of the Jordan to the sheepfold of Athan, also I shall quickly chase them from her, and I shall command young men against her. For who is like me, or who will testify against me, or who is the Shepherd who shall stand before me? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Behold, he shall come up like a lion From the thickets of the Jordan Against the strong habitation; For I will suddenly make him run away from it, And whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it; For who is like Me? and who will appoint Me a time? And who is that shepherd that will stand before Me? Brenton Septuagint Translation Behold, he shall come up as a lion out of the midst of Jordan to the place of Aetham: for I will speedily drive them from it, and do ye set the young men against her: for who is like me? and who will withstand me? and who is this shepherd, who shall confront me? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Judgment on Edom…18As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. 19Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” 20Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Edom and the strategies He has devised against the people of Teman: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them.… Cross References Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. Jeremiah 12:5 “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? Jeremiah 4:7 A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. Micah 5:8 Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Obadiah 1:1-4 This is the vision of Obadiah: This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD; an envoy has been sent among the nations to say, “Rise up, and let us go to battle against her!”— / “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. / The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ … Ezekiel 35:3-9 and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. / I will turn your cities into ruins, and you will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD. / Because you harbored an ancient hatred and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster at the final stage of their punishment, … Malachi 1:3-4 but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” / Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Isaiah 44:28 who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’” Isaiah 45:1-4 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. … Ezra 1:1-4 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. / Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. … For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? Isaiah 45:9 Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? What shepherd can stand against Me?” Ezekiel 34:10-16 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’ / For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. … Zechariah 11:15-17 And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd. / For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. / Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!” Job 41:10-11 No one is so fierce as to rouse Leviathan. Then who is able to stand against Me? / Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine. Jeremiah 50:44 Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” Treasury of Scripture Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? he shall come Jeremiah 4:7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. Jeremiah 50:44 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? Zechariah 11:3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled. the swelling Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? Joshua 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) 1 Chronicles 12:15 These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. who is like Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Psalm 89:6,8 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? … Psalm 113:5,6 Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, … appoint me the time. Job 9:19,21 If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? … Job 23:3-7 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! … Job 40:3-5 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, … that shepherd Jeremiah 30:21 And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD. Job 41:10 None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Psalm 76:7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? Jump to Previous Appoint Chosen Habitation Jordan Lion Pride Run Shepherd Stand Strong Suddenly Swelling Thickets TimeJump to Next Appoint Chosen Habitation Jordan Lion Pride Run Shepherd Stand Strong Suddenly Swelling Thickets TimeJeremiah 49 1. The judgment of the Ammonites6. Their restoration 7. The judgment of Edom 23. of Damascus 28. of Kedar 30. of Hazor 34. and of Elam 39. The restoration of Elam Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. This phrase evokes the imagery of a powerful and unstoppable force, likened to a lion emerging from the dense vegetation along the Jordan River. The Jordan River's thickets were known for their dense growth, providing cover for predators. The lion symbolizes strength and authority, often used in Scripture to represent kings or conquering nations (e.g., Hosea 5:14). The "watered pasture" suggests a place of abundance and prosperity, indicating that the coming force will invade and take over fertile lands. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of God's judgment executed through powerful nations or leaders. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” Persons / Places / Events 1. LionSymbolizes a powerful and fierce invader or leader, often used in the Bible to depict strength and authority. 2. Thickets of the Jordan Refers to the dense, bushy areas along the Jordan River, often associated with danger and unpredictability. 3. Perennially Watered Pasture Symbolizes a place of abundance and prosperity, often targeted by invaders. 4. The Invader Represents God's chosen instrument of judgment, possibly referring to Nebuchadnezzar or another powerful leader. 5. God The ultimate authority who appoints leaders and orchestrates events according to His sovereign will. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control of nations and leaders. He appoints and removes according to His will. Divine Judgment God's judgment is inevitable and just. He uses various means to accomplish His purposes. Human Limitations No human leader or power can stand against God's plans. Our trust should be in Him alone. God's Unique Authority The rhetorical questions highlight God's unmatched power and wisdom. We should revere and submit to His authority. Trust in God's Plan Even in times of uncertainty, believers can trust that God is working for His glory and our good. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 49:19?2. How does Jeremiah 49:19 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? 3. What can we learn about God's judgment from Jeremiah 49:19? 4. How does Jeremiah 49:19 connect with God's promises in Genesis 12:3? 5. In what ways can we trust God's timing as seen in Jeremiah 49:19? 6. How should Jeremiah 49:19 influence our view of current world events? 7. What is the historical context of Jeremiah 49:19? 8. How does Jeremiah 49:19 reflect God's sovereignty? 9. What is the significance of the lion imagery in Jeremiah 49:19? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 49? 11. What prompted God's judgment on Edom? 12. Could the metaphorical language in Ezekiel 19 reflect scientific or historical inaccuracies about the fate of these “lion cubs”? 13. (Jeremiah 49:7-22) Why does the foretold permanent desolation of Edom not seem to match evidence of later settlements and Edomite culture? 14. Since Obadiah 1:1-9 forecast dire outcomes for Edom, why aren't parallels clearly found in verifiable historical documents outside the Bible? What Does Jeremiah 49:19 Mean Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture• Picture the sudden, unstoppable lunge of a predator. Scripture often uses the Jordan’s dense brush as a setting for ambush (Jeremiah 12:5; Zechariah 11:3). • The “lion” is a real-world conqueror—historically fulfilled in Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Jeremiah 27:6; 43:10). God shows that human power, though terrifying, is ultimately His tool. • The “watered pasture” evokes Edom’s complacent security. Just as sheep feel safe until the lion pounces, Edom assumed its rocky terrain and alliances made it untouchable (Obadiah 1:3–4). • Underlying truth: when God appoints judgment, no earthly refuge can shield the sinner (Psalm 46:1–2). For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land • “In an instant” underscores both speed and certainty (Isaiah 29:5; 47:9). • God, not chance, is the active subject—“I will chase.” Though Babylon wielded the sword, the Lord directed the outcome (Proverbs 21:1). • Edom’s expulsion mirrors how Israel once dispossessed Canaan’s nations (Deuteronomy 9:3). God applies the same standard to every nation, including those related to Israel by blood (Genesis 25:30). • Fulfillment: Historical records show Edom fell, first to Babylon and later was absorbed by Arab and Nabatean peoples, disappearing as a distinct nation—exactly as foretold (Malachi 1:3–4). Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? • God raises a specific instrument—Babylon’s king then, Christ ultimately. – Immediate layer: Nebuchadnezzar, called “My servant” (Jeremiah 25:9). – Prophetic horizon: Messiah, the perfect Judge who will finish all earthly judgments (Revelation 19:11–16). • The question is rhetorical; God alone selects His agents (Isaiah 45:1–4). • Application: He still appoints leaders and events to accomplish His will, whether blessing or discipline (Romans 13:1). For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? • The theme of divine uniqueness resounds throughout Scripture (Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 46:9–10). • Challenge God? Nations tried—Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Caesar—but every attempt ended in humiliation (2 Chron. 32:20–22; Acts 12:21–23). • Assurance for believers: the God who judges wickedness also defends His people. No enemy can overturn His decrees (Romans 8:31). What shepherd can stand against Me? • “Shepherd” was a common term for kings (2 Samuel 5:2). Even the mightiest ruler is a mere hireling before the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). • No political, military, or spiritual leader can block God’s purposes (Daniel 4:35). • Encouragement: if He is for us, every earthly shepherd must ultimately serve His redemptive plan, willingly or not (Proverbs 19:21). summary Jeremiah 49:19 portrays God’s decisive judgment on Edom through a lion-like conqueror, historically Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar and ultimately foreshadowing Christ’s final victory. The passage declares that God alone initiates, directs, and completes judgment; no nation, leader, or power can resist His sovereign will. For the faithful, this is both a warning against complacency and a comfort that the Lord’s righteous plans cannot be thwarted. (19) Like a lion from the swelling of Jordan.--Better, as in Jeremiah 12:5, the pride of Jordan--i.e., the thick jungle-forests which were the glory of its banks.Against the habitation of the strong.--Better, against the evergreen pasturage. The word for "habitation" is that used in Jeremiah 6:2 for the place where shepherds encamp, the other substantive conveys the idea of permanence rather than strength, and the image by which the prophet paints the Chaldaean invasion is that of a lion (comp. Jeremiah 5:6) making its way through the jungle, and rushing upon the flocks and herds in one of the meadow tracts along the course of the Jordan. But I will suddenly make him run away from her.--Literally, I will wink, I will make him . . . The pronouns are obscure in the Hebrew as in the English, but the meaning seems to be, "I will, as in the twinkling of an eye, drive him (Edom) away from it" (his pasturage, or habitation). And who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her?--Better, who is a chosen one, and I will appoint him . . .? The word translated "chosen one" is commonly associated with the idea of youth, the flower of a nation's strength, its chosen champions. Commentators for the most part apply it to Nebuchadnezzar as being, in the full vigour of his strength, the chosen ruler whom Jehovah would appoint over Edom. The interrogative form, however, and the implied negative answer to the questions that follow suggest a different interpretation. "Who," the prophet asks in a tone of scorn, as though Jehovah spoke by him, "is a chosen champion of Edom? and I will appoint him." The implied answer is that Edom has no such champion. Compare the taunting words uttered by Jehu (2Kings 10:2-3)--"Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons"--and Rabshakeh (2Kings 18:23). . . . Verses 19-22. - Figures descriptive of the unique physical qualities of the destined conqueror of Edom. Both figures have been used before (see Jeremiah 4:7; Jeremiah 48:40). Verse 19. - He shall some. The subject is withheld, as in ch. 46:18 (see note); 48:40. The swelling of Jordan; rather, the pride of Jordan; i.e. the luxuriant thickets on its banks. See on Jeremiah 12:5, where the phrase first occurs. Against the habitation of the strong; rather, to the evergreen pasture. The word rendered "evergreen" is one of those which are the despair of interpreters, from their fulness of meaning. The root-meaning is simply "continuance," whether it be continuance of strength (comp. Micah 6:2, Hebrew) or of the flow of a stream (Deuteronomy 21:4; Amos 5:24), or, as here, of the perennial verdure of a well watered pasturage. But I will suddenly make him run away from her. Make whom? The lion? Such is the natural inference from the Authorized Version, but the context absolutely forbids it. It seems useless to mention the crowd of explanations which have been offered of this "obscure and much-vexed passage," as old Matthew Poole calls it, since in Jeremiah 50:44 we have precisely the same phrase, but with another suffix, which clears up the meaning. We may, therefore, either read (with the Septuagint and the Syriac Version), "For I will suddenly make them run away from it" (viz. the pasture), or keep the old reading "him" for "them," and explain "him" as meaning the Edomites. The expression used for "suddenly" is very forcible; we might render, with Ewald, "in the twinkling of an eye." And who is a chosen man, etc.? A still more difficult clause. If the text is correct, which cannot be assumed as certain, we should probably render, with Ewald, "and will appoint over it [i.e. the land of Edom] him who is chosen," viz. Nebuchadnezzar. Who will appoint me the time? The same phrase is rendered in Job 9:19, "Who shall set me a time to plead?" (comp. the Latin phrase dicur dicere). To drag a defendant before the tribunal implies equality of rank. One might venture to do this with Nebuchadnezzar, if he were not the representative of One still mightier. Finally, Who is that shepherd that will stand before me? The land of Edom has been likened to a pasture; it is natural that the ruler should be now described as a shepherd (comp. Jeremiah 29:34)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Behold,הִ֠נֵּה (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! one will come up יַעֲלֶ֨ה (ya·‘ă·leh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively like a lion כְּאַרְיֵ֞ה (kə·’ar·yêh) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 738: A lion from the thickets מִגְּא֣וֹן (mig·gə·’ō·wn) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament of the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּן֮ (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the watered pasture. נְוֵ֣ה (nə·wêh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5116: Abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation Indeed, כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I will chase [Edom] אֲרִיצֶ֨נּוּ (’ă·rî·ṣen·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7323: To run from [its land] מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ (mê·‘ā·le·hā) Preposition-m | third person feminine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against in an instant. אַרְגִּ֤יעָה (’ar·gî·‘āh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 7280: To toss violently and suddenly, to settle, quiet, to wink Who וּמִ֥י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is the chosen one בָח֖וּר (ḇā·ḥūr) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 970: Selected, a youth I will appoint אֶפְקֹ֑ד (’ep̄·qōḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit for this? אֵלֶ֣יהָ (’ê·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction who מִ֤י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is like Me? כָמ֙וֹנִי֙ (ḵā·mō·w·nî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 3644: Like, as, when Who וּמִ֣י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix will summon Me? יֹעִידֶ֔נִּי (yō·‘î·ḏen·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 3259: To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage And what וּמִי־ (ū·mî-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix shepherd רֹעֶ֔ה (rō·‘eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with can stand יַעֲמֹ֖ד (ya·‘ă·mōḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations against Me?” לְפָנָֽי׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāy) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 6440: The face Links Jeremiah 49:19 NIVJeremiah 49:19 NLT Jeremiah 49:19 ESV Jeremiah 49:19 NASB Jeremiah 49:19 KJV Jeremiah 49:19 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 49:19 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 49:19 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 49:19 French Bible Jeremiah 49:19 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 49:19 Behold he shall come up like (Jer.) |
    |