Jeremiah 48:26-36

26 "Get the people of Moab drunk; they have spoken against the LORD. They will wallow in their own vomit, and people will laugh at them.

27 People of Moab, didn't you laugh at the people of Israel? Were they caught among thieves? Whenever you talk about them you shake your heads in contempt.

28 People of Moab, abandon your cities. Live among the cliffs. Be like doves that make their nests at the entrance of a cave.

29 "We have heard about the arrogance of Moab's people. They are very arrogant. They are very arrogant, conceited, and boastful.

30 I know how arrogant they are," declares the LORD, "but it isn't right. They brag and don't do what they say.

31 That is why I will weep for Moab and cry for all of Moab. I will moan for the people of Kir Hareseth.

32 I will cry for you as Jazer cries. I will cry for you, grapevines of Sibmah. Your branches [once] spread as far as the sea, and they reached as far as the sea of Jazer. The destroyer will destroy your ripened fruits and your grapes.

33 Joy and gladness have disappeared from the orchards and fields of Moab. I will stop the wine flowing from the winepresses. No one will stomp on grapes with shouts of joy. There will be shouts, but not shouts of joy.

34 "The cry will be heard from Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz. It will be heard from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah. Even the streams of Nimrim will dry up.

35 I will stop those in Moab who come to worship sites, those who bring offerings to their gods," declares the LORD.

36 "That is why I moan for Moab like a flute. I sound like a flute for the people of Kir Hareseth. The wealth they gained has disappeared.

Jeremiah 48:26-36 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.