Jeremiah 48:11-21

11 Mo'av has been at ease from his youth, and he has settled on his lees, and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither has he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remains in him, and his scent is not changed.

12 Therefore, behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will send to him those who pour off, and they shall pour him off; and they shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles in pieces.

13 Mo'av shall be ashamed of Kemosh, as the house of Yisra'el was ashamed of Beit-El their confidence.

14 How say you, We are mighty men, and valiant men for the war?

15 Mo'av is laid waste, and they are gone up into his cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, says the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts.

16 The calamity of Mo'av is near to come, and his affliction hurries fast.

17 All you who are round about him, bemoan him, and all you who know his name; say, How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod!

18 You daughter who dwells in Divon, come down from your glory, and sit in thirst; for the destroyer of Mo'av is come up against you, he has destroyed your strongholds.

19 Inhabitant of `Aro`er, stand by the way, and watch: ask him who flees, and her who escapes; say, What has been done?

20 Mo'av is put to shame; for it is broken down: wail and cry; tell you it by the Arnon, that Mo'av is laid waste.

21 Judgment is come on the plain country, on Holon, and on Yahtzah, and on Mefa`at,

Jeremiah 48:11-21 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.