Jeremiah 49:20 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Surely. — Literally, If not...” — the strongest Hebrew idiom of asseveration.

The least of the flock shall draw them out... — The English is obscure, probably because the object of the verb has been taken as its subject. Better, Surely they (i.e., the Chaldæan invaders) will vex them, the feeble ones of the flock; surely he will make their pasturage terror-stricken at them. The thought expressed is that the very fields of Edom would, as it were, shudder at the cruelty of their conquerors. It is noticeable that the whole passage is repeated in Jeremiah 50:44-45, and is there applied to Babylon.

Jeremiah 49:20

20 Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.