Jeremiah 49:22
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The stunning image of an eagle swooping down captures not just the speed of the attacker but also their territorial reach, as their wings are spread over Bozrah. This means the terror isn't just an assault, but a complete engulfment of the city, making the warrior's fear relatable as it mirrors the profound, overwhelming pain of a woman in labor.
Behold, one shall mount up and fly swiftly like an eagle and spread his wings against Bozrah, and the heart of the warriors of Edom shall be in that day like the heart of a woman in her birth pains.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah here turns his prophecy of judgment to the nation of Edom, specifically its city Bozrah. He paints a vivid picture of an unstoppable invader, compared to an eagle swooping down, who will utterly conquer them. This swift and devastating attack will strike terror into the hearts of even the bravest Edomite warriors, leaving them weak and terrified like a woman in labor.
Jeremiah uses a powerful image of an eagle to describe an approaching enemy. What does this symbol tell us about God's judgment?
The Eagle's Swoop
The prophet compares the invading force to an eagle in swift flight. Eagles are known for their incredible speed and sharp vision as they survey their territory before diving. This imagery highlights the sudden, decisive, and overwhelming nature of the judgment coming against Edom.
This wasn't just any enemy; it was a force that would arrive with the terrifying efficiency of a predator. The eagle emblem suggests a powerful ruler, likely Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, descending upon Bozrah, a key city in Edom. The swiftness implies that escape would be difficult and resistance futile.
The mightiest warriors are reduced to trembling fear. What causes such profound terror?
Laboring Hearts
The verse paints a vivid picture of the Edomite warriors' terror: 'the heart of the mighty men of Edom shall be in that day like the heart of a woman in her birth pains.' This isn't just fear; it's a deep, debilitating dread that paralyzes them.
The comparison to a woman in labor speaks to intense, unavoidable pain and helplessness. Birth pains are relentless and consume every thought, leaving no room for bravery or strategic thinking. This signifies a complete breakdown of their courage and capacity to fight, showing that human strength is no match for God's judgment when it falls.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
nesher · Hebrew Noun
A bird of prey often used in Scripture as a symbol of swiftness, divine judgment, or God’s protective care over His people.
Botsrah · Hebrew Noun
The capital city of Edom; symbolically represents a place of security and pride that will be brought down by divine judgment.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, it refers to the inner self, the seat of the mind, will, and emotions, serving as the command center of human life and moral choice.
tsir · Hebrew Noun
The act of giving birth, often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe intense, unavoidable, and sudden pain or distress during times of judgment or transition.
This prophecy against Edom, specifically targeting Bozrah, speaks of swift judgment delivered by Nebuchadnezzar. The imagery of an eagle swooping down highlights the speed and terror of the invasion, while the comparison to a woman in labor captures the intense fear and helplessness of the Edomite warriors facing the overwhelming might of Babylon.
c. 605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar, crown prince of Babylon, decisively defeats the Egyptian and Assyrian forces, establishing Babylonian dominance over the Near East.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem and deports a significant portion of the population, including King Jehoiachin, to Babylon. This event signifies the growing power of Babylon and the vulnerability of Judah.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its temple, exiling more Judeans to Babylon. This marks the end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah as an independent entity.
c. 582 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaigns in surrounding regions
Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar campaigns against various nations, including Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Tyre, bringing them under Babylonian control.
This passage uses nearly identical imagery of an eagle swooping down to describe judgment against Moab, highlighting a pattern of God's judgment on surrounding nations.
Ezekiel 17:3This prophecy also uses the powerful image of an eagle to represent a powerful king (Nebuchadnezzar) who comes to judge and conquer, mirroring the swift and decisive nature of the attack described against Bozrah.
Isaiah 13:6-8This passage describes the terror and agony of the Day of the Lord with similar imagery of birth pangs, emphasizing the overwhelming fear and distress that accompanies God's judgment.
Psalm 75:7-8This psalm speaks of God as the ultimate judge who lifts up one and casts down another, providing a theological backdrop to why nations like Edom would face such swift and devastating judgment.
clarkeJeremiah 49:22: "Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs."
He shall come up and fly as the eagle - Nebuchadnezzar. See Jeremiah 48:40 .
pulpitJeremiah 49:22: "Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs."
Verse 22. - Behold, he shall come up... Bozrah. Repeated from Jeremiah 48:40, with the substitution of "Bozrah" for "Moab," and the addition of "and he shall come up" from ver. 19. For "Bozrah," see on ver. 13. And at that day. Repeated from Jeremiah 48:41 (latter half), with the exception that "Edo…
The stunning image of an eagle swooping down captures not just the speed of the attacker but also their territorial reach, as their wings are spread over Bozrah. This means the terror isn't just an assault, but a complete engulfment of the city, making the warrior's fear relatable as it mirrors the profound, overwhelming pain of a woman in labor.
Jeremiah here turns his prophecy of judgment to the nation of Edom, specifically its city Bozrah. He paints a vivid picture of an unstoppable invader, compared to an eagle swooping down, who will utterly conquer them. This swift and devastating attack will strike terror into the hearts of even the bravest Edomite warriors, leaving them weak and terrified like a woman in labor.
Jeremiah here turns his prophecy of judgment to the nation of Edom, specifically its city Bozrah. He paints a vivid picture of an unstoppable invader, compared to an eagle swooping down, who will utterly conquer them. This swift and devastating attack will strike terror into the hearts of even the bravest Edomite warriors, leaving them weak and terrified like a woman in labor.
"Behold, one shall mount up and fly swiftly like an eagle and spread his wings against Bozrah, and the heart of the warriors of Edom shall be in that day like the heart of a woman in her birth pains.”" — The stunning image of an eagle swooping down captures not just the speed of the attacker but also their territorial reach, as their wings are spread over Bozrah. This means the terror isn't just an…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
