ירמיהו, פרק מ״ט, פסוק כ׳

A divine plan of absolute destruction is set in motion against a powerful nation. God's decree against Edom and Teman, an area south of Israel under Edomite control, is final [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because no force can stop or challenge Him, all are summoned to hear the unfolding of His design. The prophecy distinguishes between the ultimate goal and the methods used to achieve it. The final purpose is the complete downfall of Edom, while the specific means describe exactly how this destruction will be carried out [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

With the force of an unbreakable oath, God declares that this outcome is an absolute certainty [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. The people of Edom will face a brutal defeat, forcefully dragged and trampled across the ground by their enemies [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון].

The identity of those driving this downfall is a subject of rich discussion. One perspective highlights the ultimate humiliation of Edom, suggesting they will be so weakened that the most despised nations [רש״י] or young, inexperienced soldiers [ביאור שטיינזלץ] will easily drag them away like prey. Another approach sees a direct reference to the people of Israel, who have historically been viewed as the younger and weaker nation. Specifically, this points to the descendants of Rachel—Joseph and Benjamin—echoing the ancient dynamic where the younger Jacob ultimately overcomes the older Esau [רד״ק]. A third view identifies the attackers as the Persian Empire, noted in tradition as the youngest of Japheth's lineage [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Conversely, some commentators argue that the young and weak are not the attackers at all, but rather the victims. In this view, the people of Edom themselves will be the ones dragged away like helpless sheep by mighty empires [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

Regardless of who strikes the final blow, the end result is total devastation. God will turn their land and homes into an absolute wasteland. The destruction will be so complete and forced upon them that their former dwelling places will not even be fit to serve as a resting area for a flock of sheep [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].