Jeremiah 48:10-20

10 Cursed is the one who is halfhearted in doing the LORD's work. Cursed is the one who restrains the sword from bloodshed.
11 From early on Moab has been at ease, like wine left to settle on its sediment. It hasn't been poured into jars; nor has Moab been taken into exile. Therefore, its taste is still pleasant, and its aroma is the same.
12 But the time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him someone to spill it—to pour out his wine and to smash his jars.
13 And Moab will be put to shame on account of Chemosh, just as the people of Israel were put to shame on account of Bethel, in which they trusted.
14 How can you claim, "We're soldiers; we're war heroes"?
15 Moab is doomed; its towns will surrender; its elite forces will go down in defeat, declares the king whose name is the LORD of heavenly forces.
16 Moab's destruction is near; its downfall approaches rapidly.
17 Grieve for this nation, you neighbors of Moab, all you who know his name. Proclaim how its mighty scepter and magnificent staff are shattered!
18 Come down from your lofty place and sit in the dust, you inhabitants of Daughter Dibon; because Moab's destroyer has arrived to level your fortresses.
19 Stand by the roads and watch, you inhabitants of Aroer. Ask the men who flee and the women who run off, "What's happened?"
20 Moab is shamed and shocked; weep and wail! Tell it by the Arnon River: Moab's been destroyed!

Jeremiah 48:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 48

This chapter contains a prophecy of the destruction of Moab, and of the mourning that should be for it; and not only its destruction in general is predicted, but particular places are mentioned, on which it should fall, Jer 48:1-5; the causes of which were their confidence in their works and riches, their carnal ease and security, and their idolatry, they should now be ashamed of, Jer 48:6-13; and this destruction is represented both as certain and as near, notwithstanding their mighty warriors and choice young men, Jer 48:14-17; and then other cities are particularly named, that should share in the calamity, Jer 48:18-25; and all this because of their insolence to the Lord; their contempt of his people; their pride, arrogance, and haughtiness; their wrath, and their lies, Jer 48:26-30; and this destruction is further exaggerated by the lamentation of the prophet over Moab in general, and over several particular cities; and by the lamentation of the inhabitants of them, because of the spoiling of their vines, their fruits, and their riches, Jer 48:31-39; and this is confirmed by the Lord, as to the swiftness of the enemy that should destroy them; the consternation and fear that should seize them; the flight they should be put to; and the consumption and captivity of them, Jer 48:40-46; and the chapter is concluded with a promise of the return of their captivity in the latter day, Jer 48:47.

Footnotes 5

  • [a]. Heb lacks like wine.
  • [b]. Or And Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh just as the people of Israel were ashamed of Bethel, in which they trusted.
  • [c]. Heb uncertain
  • [d]. Or thirst
  • [e]. Heb uncertain, or residing Daughter Dibon
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