Jeremiah 48:21-31

21 Judgment has been poured out on the towns of the plateau— on Holon and Jahaz and Mephaath,
22 on Dibon and Nebo and Beth-diblathaim,
23 on Kiriathaim and Beth-gamul and Beth-meon,
24 on Kerioth and Bozrah— all the towns of Moab, far and near.
25 “The strength of Moab has ended. His arm has been broken,” says the LORD .
26 “Let him stagger and fall like a drunkard, for he has rebelled against the LORD . Moab will wallow in his own vomit, ridiculed by all.
27 Did you not ridicule the people of Israel? Were they caught in the company of thieves that you should despise them as you do?
28 “You people of Moab, flee from your towns and live in the caves. Hide like doves that nest in the clefts of the rocks.
29 We have all heard of the pride of Moab, for his pride is very great. We know of his lofty pride, his arrogance, and his haughty heart.
30 I know about his insolence,” says the LORD, “but his boasts are empty— as empty as his deeds.
31 So now I wail for Moab; yes, I will mourn for Moab. My heart is broken for the men of Kir-hareseth.

Jeremiah 48:21-31 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 2

  • [a]. Hebrew Jahzah, a variant spelling of Jahaz.
  • [b]. Hebrew Kir-heres, a variant spelling of Kir-hareseth; also in 48:36 .
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