Jeremiah 48:38-47

38 On all the rooftops of Moab and in her public squares, everyone is mourning because I have shattered Moab like a jar no one wants."[a] [This is] the Lord's declaration.
39 "How broken it is! They wail! How Moab has turned his back! He is ashamed. Moab will become a laughingstock and a shock to all those around him."[b]
40 For this is what the Lord says: He will swoop down like an eagle and spread his wings against Moab.[c]
41 The towns have[d] been captured, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab's warriors will be like the heart of a woman with contractions.
42 Moab will be destroyed as a people because he has exalted himself against the Lord.[e]
43 Panic, pit, and trap await you, resident of Moab. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration.
44 He who flees from the panic will fall in the pit, and he who climbs from the pit will be captured in the trap, for I will bring against Moab the year of their punishment. [This is] the Lord's declaration.[f]
45 Those who flee will stand exhausted in Heshbon's shadow because fire has come out from Heshbon and a flame from within Sihon. It will devour Moab's forehead and the skull of the noisemakers.
46 Woe to you, Moab! The people of Chemosh have perished because your sons have been taken captive and your daughters have gone into captivity.[g]
47 Yet, I will restore the fortunes[h] of Moab in the last days. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration. The judgment on Moab ends here.

Jeremiah 48:38-47 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 8

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