Jeremiah 49:1-6

Prophecies against Ammon

1 About the Ammonites, this is what the Lord says: Does Israel have no sons? Is he without an heir? Why then has Milcom^[a][b]dispossessed Gad and his people settled in their cities?

2 Therefore look, the days are coming- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration- when I will make the shout of battle^[c] heard against Rabbah of the Ammonites. It will become a desolate mound, and its villages will be burned down. Israel will dispossess their dispossessors, says the Lord.

3 Wail, Heshbon, for Ai is devastated; cry out, daughters of Rabbah! Clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and lament; run back and forth within your walls,^[d] because Milcom will go into exile together with his priests and officials.

4 Why do you brag about your valleys, your flowing valley,^[e] you faithless daughter? You who trust in your treasures [and boast]: Who can attack me?

5 Look, I am about to bring terror on you- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the declaration of the Lord, the God of Hosts- from all those around you. You will be banished, each man headlong, with no one to gather up the fugitives.

6 But after that, I will restore the fortunes^[f] of the Ammonites. [This is] the Lord's declaration.

Jeremiah 49:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 49

This chapter contains prophecies concerning the judgments of God on several nations and kingdoms, chiefly bordering on the land of Israel; on the Ammonites, Jer 49:1-6; on the Edomites, Jer 49:7-22; on the kingdom of Damascus, or the Syrians, Jer 49:23-27; on the Kedarenes or Arabians, Jer 49:28-33; and on the Elamites or Persians, Jer 49:34-39.

Footnotes

• [a]. LXX, Syr, Vg; MT reads Malkam
• [b]. Molech; 1 Kg 11:5
• [c]. Jr 4:19
• [d]. Or sheep pens
• [e]. Or about your strength, your ebbing strength
• [f]. Or will end the captivity