Jeremiah 49:19
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
Jeremiah 49:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah describes the power and authority of a chosen man appointed by the Lord to come against the strong and mighty forces. The image of a lion coming up from the swelling of the Jordan river symbolizes the strength and ferocity with which the chosen man will rise against his enemies. Despite the initial seeming success of the habitation of the strong, the Lord declares that he will make this chosen man run away suddenly. The verse also highlights the uniqueness and unmatched power of the Lord, as no one can appoint a time for him or stand before him like a shepherd. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God over all things. The language used in this verse is rich in symbolism and portrays a powerful message about the divine plan and intervention in the affairs of mankind.
Theological Overview
With a theological interpretation, the verse from the Book of Jeremiah chapter 49 verse 19 speaks of a powerful image likening a lion coming up from the swelling waters of the Jordan River to attack the stronghold of the strong. The lion symbolizes a mighty force that seeks to overpower and conquer. However, the verse also conveys the message that even the strongest of adversaries can be defeated by the will of God. The sudden retreat of the lion signifies the power and authority of God over all creatures, no matter how fierce they may seem. The question posed in the verse about who is like God, who can appoint Him a time, and who can stand before Him as a shepherd, highlights the infinite superiority and sovereignty of God. It emphasizes that there is no one comparable to God and that His plans and appointments are beyond human understanding.
Jeremiah 49:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that will stand before me?
World English Bible
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who will stand before me?
Douay-Rheims
Behold one shall come up as a lion from the swelling of the Jordan, against the strong and beautiful: for I will make him run suddenly upon her: and who shall be the chosen one whom I may appoint over her? for who is like to me? and who shall abide me? and who is that shepherd that can withstand my countenance?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde, hee shall come vp like a lyon from the swelling of Iorden vnto the strong dwelling place: for I will make Israel to rest, euen I will make him to haste away from her, and who is a chosen man that I may appoynt against her? for who is like mee? and who will appoint me the time? and who is the shepheard that will stande before me?