Jeremiah 48:1-6

Judgment on Moab

1 1Concerning Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Woe to 2Nebo, for it is laid waste! 3Kiriathaim is put to shame, it is taken; the fortress is put to shame 4and broken down;
2 the renown of Moab is no more. In 5Heshbon they planned disaster against her: 'Come, let us cut her off 6from being a nation!' You also, O 7Madmen, shall be brought to silence; the sword shall pursue you.
3 "A voice! A cry from 8Horonaim, 'Desolation and great destruction!'
4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones have made a cry.
5 9For at the ascent of Luhith they go up weeping;[a] for 10at the descent of Horonaim they have heard the distressed cry[b] of destruction.
6 Flee! Save yourselves! You will be like 11a juniper in the desert!

Jeremiah 48:1-6 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.

Cross References 11

  • 1. Jeremiah 25:21; 2 Kings 24:2; See Isa. 15 - 16; Ezekiel 25:8-11; Amos 2:1-3; Zephaniah 2:8, 9
  • 2. ver. 22; Numbers 32:3
  • 3. ver. 23; Numbers 32:37; Joshua 13:19; Ezekiel 25:9
  • 4. ver. 20, 39
  • 5. ver. 34, 45; Jeremiah 49:3; Numbers 32:37; Isaiah 15:4
  • 6. [Jeremiah 31:36]
  • 7. [Isaiah 10:31]
  • 8. Isaiah 15:5; [ver. 34]
  • 9. [See ver. 3 above]
  • 10. [See ver. 3 above]
  • 11. Jeremiah 17:6

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Hebrew weeping goes up with weeping
  • [b]. Septuagint (compare Isaiah 15:5) heard the cry
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.