Jeremiah 48:17-27

17 Mourn for her, all who live around her, all who know her fame; say, ‘How broken is the mighty scepter, how broken the glorious staff!’
18 “Come down from your glory and sit on the parched ground, you inhabitants of Daughter Dibon, for the one who destroys Moab will come up against you and ruin your fortified cities.
19 Stand by the road and watch, you who live in Aroer. Ask the man fleeing and the woman escaping, ask them, ‘What has happened?’
20 Moab is disgraced, for she is shattered. Wail and cry out! Announce by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed.
21 Judgment has come to the plateau— to Holon, Jahzah and Mephaath,
22 to Dibon, Nebo and Beth Diblathaim,
23 to Kiriathaim, Beth Gamul and Beth Meon,
24 to Kerioth and Bozrah— to all the towns of Moab, far and near.
25 Moab’s horn[a] is cut off; her arm is broken,” declares the LORD.
26 “Make her drunk, for she has defied the LORD. Let Moab wallow in her vomit; let her be an object of ridicule.
27 Was not Israel the object of your ridicule? Was she caught among thieves, that you shake your head in scorn whenever you speak of her?

Jeremiah 48:17-27 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.

Cross References 29

  • 1. 2 Kings 3:4-5
  • 2. S Psalms 110:2
  • 3. Isaiah 47:1
  • 4. S Numbers 21:30; S Joshua 13:9
  • 5. ver 8
  • 6. S Numbers 32:34; Deuteronomy 2:36
  • 7. S Isaiah 16:7
  • 8. S Numbers 21:13
  • 9. S Joshua 13:9,21
  • 10. S Joshua 15:51
  • 11. S Numbers 21:23; S Isaiah 15:4
  • 12. S Joshua 13:18
  • 13. S Numbers 21:30; S Joshua 13:9,17
  • 14. S Numbers 32:38
  • 15. S Numbers 32:37; S Joshua 13:19
  • 16. S Joshua 13:17
  • 17. Amos 2:2
  • 18. Jeremiah 49:13
  • 19. S Isaiah 15:1
  • 20. Psalms 75:10
  • 21. Psalms 10:15; Psalms 37:17; Ezekiel 30:21
  • 22. Jeremiah 25:16,27; Jeremiah 51:39
  • 23. ver 42; 1 Samuel 17:26
  • 24. S Isaiah 28:8
  • 25. ver 39
  • 26. S Jeremiah 2:26
  • 27. 2 Kings 17:3-6
  • 28. S Job 16:4; Psalms 44:14; Jeremiah 18:16
  • 29. S Deuteronomy 28:37; Micah 7:8-10; Zephaniah 2:8,10

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. "Horn" here symbolizes strength.
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.