Jeremiah 48:1-7

Prophecies against Moab

1 About Moab, this is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Woe to Nebo, because it is about to be destroyed; Kiriathaim will be put to shame; it will be taken captive. The fortress will be put to shame and dismayed!
2 There is no longer praise for Moab; they plan harm against her in Heshbon: Come, let's cut her off from nationhood. You madmen will also be silenced; the sword will pursue you.
3 A voice cries out from Horonaim: devastation and great disaster!
4 Moab will be shattered; her little ones will cry out.
5 For on the ascent to Luhith they will be weeping continually,[a] and on the descent to Horonaim will be heard cries of distress over the destruction:[b]
6 Flee! Save your lives! Be like a juniper bush[c][d]in the wilderness.
7 Because you trust in your works[e] and treasures, you will be captured also. Chemosh[f] will go into exile with his priests and officials.

Jeremiah 48:1-7 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 6

  • [a]. Lit Luhith, weeping goes up with weeping
  • [b]. Isa 15:5
  • [c]. Or like Aroer; Jr 48:19; Isa 17:2
  • [d]. Jr 17:6
  • [e]. LXX reads strongholds
  • [f]. Jr 48:45-47; Jdg 11:24; 1 Kg 11:7,33
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