Jeremiah 48:4-14

4 Moab will be broken. Its little ones will cry out.

5 People go up the pass of Luhith, crying bitterly as they go. On the road down to Horonaim they have heard the distressful cry of destruction.

6 "Run away! Run for your lives! Run like a wild donkey in the desert."

7 Since you trust the things you do and your treasures, you will be captured. Chemosh will go into captivity with all its priests and officials.

8 The destroyer will come to every city, and no city will escape. The valley will be destroyed, and the plain will be laid waste as the LORD has threatened.

9 Put salt on Moab. It will be destroyed. Its cities will become deserted ruins.

10 Cursed are those who neglect doing the LORD's work. Cursed are those who keep their swords from killing.

11 "Moab has lived securely ever since it was young. Its people are like wine left to settle in a jar. They aren't poured from one jar to another. They haven't gone into captivity. That is why its flavor has remained the same, and its aroma hasn't changed.

12 That is why the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will send people to pour Moab out of its jars and to smash its pitchers.

13 Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh as the nation of Israel was ashamed when it trusted Bethel.

14 "How can you say, 'We are soldiers and warriors'?

Jeremiah 48:4-14 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.