God’s judgment is certain, encompassing, and unparalleled in its devastation.
“Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with its neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it.” (v.18) In this prophecy against Edom, the prophet Jeremiah draws a startling comparison to the calamity that befell Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate the extent of judgment soon to come upon this nation. Historically, Jeremiah lived during the late seventh century BC and prophesied leading up to Jerusalem’s fall under King Nebuchadnezzar. Here, his words focus on Edom—a land located east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by descendants of Esau—warning them that their land will be left utterly desolate, just as was done to the wicked cities on the plains. Jeremiah’s strong language reveals the seriousness of Edom’s sins and the thoroughness of God’s plan to punish their pride and transgressions.
By referencing Sodom and Gomorrah, Jeremiah evokes the memory of cities that were so consumed with wickedness that God completely destroyed them by raining brimstone and fire from heaven (Genesis 19:24-25). Just as those cities became a perpetual symbol of divine wrath, Edom’s territory would be depopulated, showing that no human effort can stand against the LORD’s power once He has resolved to bring justice. This vivid portrayal underscores that the same God who humbled Sodom and Gomorrah still judges nations who persist in corruption and refuse to acknowledge His authority.
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Jeremiah 49:18 meaning
“Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with its neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it.” (v.18) In this prophecy against Edom, the prophet Jeremiah draws a startling comparison to the calamity that befell Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate the extent of judgment soon to come upon this nation. Historically, Jeremiah lived during the late seventh century BC and prophesied leading up to Jerusalem’s fall under King Nebuchadnezzar. Here, his words focus on Edom—a land located east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by descendants of Esau—warning them that their land will be left utterly desolate, just as was done to the wicked cities on the plains. Jeremiah’s strong language reveals the seriousness of Edom’s sins and the thoroughness of God’s plan to punish their pride and transgressions.
By referencing Sodom and Gomorrah, Jeremiah evokes the memory of cities that were so consumed with wickedness that God completely destroyed them by raining brimstone and fire from heaven (Genesis 19:24-25). Just as those cities became a perpetual symbol of divine wrath, Edom’s territory would be depopulated, showing that no human effort can stand against the LORD’s power once He has resolved to bring justice. This vivid portrayal underscores that the same God who humbled Sodom and Gomorrah still judges nations who persist in corruption and refuse to acknowledge His authority.