Jeremiah 49

19–22 The Lord will come like a lion and scatter the sheep—the people—of Edom (verses 19–20). An eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) will swoop down, and the warriors of Edom will no more be able to escape it than a woman in labor can escape her pains (verse 22).

A Message About Damascus (49:23–27)

23–27 This judgment is against the kingdom of Aram (presentday Syria); Aram is represented here by its capital city, Damascus.¹²⁸ Damascus, together with Hamath and Arpad (two other Syrian cities) will be overthrown (verse 23). Even the fortresses of Ben–Hadad, Syria’s royal dynasty, will be consumed (verse 27).

A Message About Kedar and Hazor (49:28–33)

28–33 Kedar and Hazor were nomadic kingdoms in the Arabian Desert (see Isaiah 21:13–17). Even their remote location would not save them from Nebuchadnezzar, God’s agent of judgment. The Lord instructs Nebuchadnezzar to attack a nation at ease¹²⁹ (verse 31). The Arabian nomads lived “at ease”; they lived in confidence, thinking they were safe from attacks. They had neither gates nor bars: their tents and villages had no walls. The desert was their protection—until the coming of Nebuchadnezzar.

A Message About Elam (49:34–39)

34–39 Elam was an ancient kingdom east of Babylon, which had come under the control of Nebuchadnezzar. The Elamites were famous for their skill in archery, but the Lord would break the bow of Elam (verse 35). The Lord would destroy the king and officials of Elam and set His own throne there (verse 38); that is, He would act in judgment against Elam. But in days to come (verse 39), He would restore Elam’s fortunes¹³⁰ (see Jeremiah 48:47 and comment).