Jeremiah 48:42-47

42 "Moab will be 1destroyed from being a people Because he has become 2arrogant toward the LORD.
43 "3Terror, pit and snare are coming upon you, O inhabitant of Moab," declares the LORD.
44 "The one who 4flees from the terror Will fall into the pit, And the one who climbs up out of the pit Will be caught in the snare; For I shall bring upon her, even upon Moab, The year of their 5punishment," declares the LORD.
45 "In the shadow of Heshbon The fugitives stand without strength; For a fire has gone forth from Heshbon And a 6flame from the midst of 7Sihon, And it has devoured the 8forehead of Moab And the scalps of the riotous revelers *.
46 "9Woe to you, Moab! The people of 10Chemosh have perished; For your sons have been taken away captive And your daughters into captivity.
47 "Yet I will 11restore the fortunes of Moab In the latter days," declares the LORD. Thus far the judgment on Moab.

Jeremiah 48:42-47 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.

Cross References 11

  • 1. Psalms 83:4; Jeremiah 48:2
  • 2. Isaiah 37:23; Jeremiah 48:26
  • 3. Isaiah 24:17, 18; Lamentations 3:47
  • 4. 1 Kings 19:17; Isaiah 24:18; Amos 5:19
  • 5. Jeremiah 46:21
  • 6. Numbers 21:28, 29
  • 7. Numbers 21:21, 26; Psalms 135:11
  • 8. Numbers 24:17
  • 9. Numbers 21:29
  • 10. Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:7; Jeremiah 48:7
  • 11. Jeremiah 12:14-17; Jeremiah 49:6, 39

Footnotes 4

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