Jeremiah 48:13-23

13 And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence.

14 How do ye say, We are mighty and strong men for the war?

15 Moab is spoiled, and his cities destroyed, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, said the King whose name is the LORD of the hosts.

16 The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hastens fast.

17 All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken: the beautiful rod!

18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab has come against thee and has dissipated thy strong holds.

19 O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way and watch; ask her that flees and her that escapes and say, What has happened?

20 Moab is confounded, for it is broken down; howl and cry; tell it in Arnon that Moab is spoiled,

21 and judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

22 and upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,

23 and upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,

Jeremiah 48:13-23 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.