Jeremiah 48:9-19

9 Make Moab a salt marsh,[a][b] for she will run away;[c] her towns will become a desolation, without inhabitant.
10 Cursed is the one who does the Lord's business deceitfully,[d] and cursed is the one who withholds his sword from bloodshed.
11 Moab has been left quiet since his youth, settled [like wine] on its dregs.[e] He hasn't been poured from one container to another or gone into exile. So his taste has remained the same, and his aroma hasn't changed.
12 Therefore look, the days are coming- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration- when I will send those to him, who will pour him out. They will empty his containers and smash his jars.
13 Moab will be put to shame because of Chemosh, just as the house of Israel was put to shame because of Bethel[f] that they trusted in.
14 How can you say, We are warriors- mighty men [ready] for battle?
15 The destroyer of Moab and its towns has come up,[g] and the best of its young men have gone down to slaughter. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the King's declaration; the Lord of Hosts is His name.[h]
16 Moab's calamity is near at hand; his disaster is rushing swiftly.
17 Mourn for him, all you surrounding [nations], everyone who knows his name. Say: How the mighty scepter[i] is shattered, the glorious staff!
18 Come down from glory; sit on parched ground, resident of the daughter of Dibon,[j] 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?

Jeremiah 48:9-19 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 10

  • [a]. LXX reads a sign; Vg reads a flower; Syr, Tg read a crown; others read Moab fly away
  • [b]. to make a conquered city uninhabitable; Jdg 9:45
  • [c]. Hb obscure
  • [d]. Or negligently
  • [e]. Ps 75:8; Zph 1:12
  • [f]. Hs 4:15; Am 3:14; 4:4
  • [g]. Or Moab is destroyed; he has come up against its city
  • [h]. Jr 46:18; 51:57
  • [i]. Ps 110:2; Ezk 19:11-12,14
  • [j]. Jos 13:8-9
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