Jeremiah 48:1-6

Prophecy against Moab

1 Concerning 1Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Woe to 2Nebo, for it has been destroyed; 3Kiriathaim has been put to shame, it has been captured; The lofty stronghold has been put to shame and shattered.
2 "There is praise for Moab no longer; In 4Heshbon they have devised calamity against her: 'Come and let us cut her off from being a nation!' You too, Madmen, will be silenced; The sword will follow * after you.
3 "The sound of an outcry from 5Horonaim, 'Devastation and great destruction!'
4 "Moab is broken, Her little ones have sounded out a cry of distress.
5 "For by the ascent of 6Luhith They will ascend with continual weeping; For at the descent of Horonaim They have heard the anguished cry of destruction.
6 "7Flee, save your lives, That you may be like a juniper in the wilderness.

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 7

  • 1. Isaiah 15:1; Ezekiel 25:9
  • 2. Numbers 32:3, 38; Jeremiah 48:22
  • 3. Numbers 32:37; Jeremiah 48:23; Ezekiel 25:9
  • 4. Numbers 21:25; Jeremiah 48:34, 45; Jeremiah 49:3
  • 5. Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:5, 34
  • 6. Isaiah 15:5
  • 7. Jeremiah 51:6

Footnotes 3

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