Jeremiah 49:13

13 For I have sworn by my own name,” says the LORD, “that Bozrah will become an object of horror and a heap of ruins; it will be mocked and cursed. All its towns and villages will be desolate forever.”

Jeremiah 49:13 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 49:13

For I have sworn by myself, saith the Lord
This he did, because he could swear by no greater, and to show the certain and infallible accomplishment of the event, and the importance of it; and which was so extraordinary, that it was scarce thought credible, and therefore an oath is used to confirm it: that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a
curse;
not Rome, as Abarbinel; nor Jerusalem, as Cocceius; nor Bozrah of Moab, ( Jeremiah 48:24 ) ; but Bozrah of Idumea, ( Isaiah 63:1 ) ; the royal city of Edom, as Kimchi; this should be utterly destroyed, and be spoken of contemptibly, and used proverbially, to express a curse; the Lord curse thee as Bozrah is cursed. It may be put for the whole country of Edom, of which it was the metropolis, since it follows, and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes;
either those in the neighbourhood of it, and belonging to it, it being the capital or mother city; or all the cities in the land of Edom; so general should be the desolation.

Jeremiah 49:13 In-Context

11 But I will protect the orphans who remain among you. Your widows, too, can depend on me for help.”

12 And this is what the LORD says: “If the innocent must suffer, how much more must you! You will not go unpunished! You must drink this cup of judgment!

13 For I have sworn by my own name,” says the LORD, “that Bozrah will become an object of horror and a heap of ruins; it will be mocked and cursed. All its towns and villages will be desolate forever.”

14 I have heard a message from the LORD that an ambassador was sent to the nations to say, “Form a coalition against Edom, and prepare for battle!”

15 The LORD says to Edom, “I will cut you down to size among the nations. You will be despised by all.