The oracle against Edom is brought to a conclusion with the word therefore.
The Lord’s plans for the nation are clear. The historical events that will unfold are not random; they are controlled by the Lord as he achieves his purposes.1 The city or region of Teman once again represents the entire country (see Jeremiah 49:7). The little ones of the flock
refers to the people of Edom and they will be dragged away and the flock destroyed. News of Edom’s fall will cause the earth to tremble.
The impact will be felt far and wide, all the way down to the Red Sea which marks the southern part of Edomite territory.2 Babylon will rise like an eagle against Bozrah, which once again represents the whole nation of Edom (see Jeremiah 49:13) and the courage of Edom’s warriors will melt away and they will become like a woman in her birth pains.
Edom will be totally overwhelmed, not just by Babylon, but by the Lord himself.
20 Therefore hear the plan that the LORD has made against Edom and the purposes that he has formed against the inhabitants of Teman: Even the little ones of the flock shall be dragged away. Surely their fold shall be appalled at their fate.