Jeremiah 48:1-10

1 Of Mo'av. Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Yisra'el: Woe to Nevo! for it is laid waste; Kiryatayim is put to shame, it is taken; Misgav is put to shame and broken down.

2 The praise of Mo'av is no more; in Heshbon they have devised evil against her: Come, and let us cut her off from being a nation. You also, Madmen, shall be brought to silence: the sword shall pursue you.

3 The sound of a cry from Horonayim, desolation and great destruction!

4 Mo'av is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.

5 For by the ascent of Luchit with continual weeping shall they go up; for at the descent of Horonayim they have heard the distress of the cry of destruction.

6 Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.

7 For, because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you also shall be taken: and Kemosh shall go forth into captivity, his Kohanim and his princes together.

8 The destroyer shall come on every city, and no city shall escape; the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed; as the LORD has spoken.

9 Give wings to Mo'av, that she may fly and get her away: and her cities shall become a desolation, without any to dwell therein.

10 Cursed be he who does the work of the LORD negligently; and cursed be he who keeps back his sword from blood.

Jeremiah 48:1-10 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.