Jeremiah 48:15-25

15 The destroyer of Moab and her towns has arrived. Her best young men will be killed!" says the King, whose name is the Lord All-Powerful.

16 "The end of Moab is near, and she will soon be destroyed.

17 All you who live around Moab, all you who know her, cry for her. Say, 'The ruler's power is broken; Moab's power and glory are gone.'

18 "You people living in the town of Dibon, come down from your place of honor and sit on the dry ground, because the destroyer of Moab has come against you. And he has destroyed your strong, walled cities.

19 You people living in the town of Aroer, stand next to the road and watch. See the man running away and the woman escaping. Ask them, 'What happened?'

20 Moab is filled with shame, because she is ruined. Cry, Moab, cry out! that Moab is destroyed.

21 People on the high plain have been punished. Judgment has come to these towns: Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath;

22 Dibon, Nebo, and Beth Diblathaim;

23 Kiriathaim, Beth Gamul, and Beth Meon;

24 Kerioth and Bozrah. Judgment has come to all the towns of Moab, far and near.

25 Moab's strength has been cut off, and its arm broken!" says the Lord.

Jeremiah 48:15-25 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.