Jeremiah 48:17-27

17 Mourn for him, all you surrounding [nations], everyone who knows his name. Say: How the mighty scepter[a] is shattered, the glorious staff!
18 Come down from glory; sit on parched ground, resident of the daughter of Dibon,[b] for the destroyer of Moab has come against you; he has destroyed your fortresses.
19 Stand by the highway and look, resident of Aroer! Ask him who is fleeing or her who is escaping, What happened?
20 Moab is put to shame, indeed dismayed. Wail and cry out! Declare by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed.
21 "Judgment has come to the land of the plateau[c]-to Holon, Jahzah, Mephaath,
22 Dibon, Nebo, Beth-diblathaim,
23 Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, Beth-meon,
24 Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the towns of the land of Moab, those far and near.
25 Moab's horn is chopped off; his arm is shattered." [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration.
26 "Make him drunk, because he has exalted himself against the Lord. Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock.
27 Wasn't Israel a laughingstock to you? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake [your head]."

Jeremiah 48:17-27 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 3

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