Jeremiah 48:40

40 For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab.

Jeremiah 48:40 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 48:40

For thus saith the Lord, behold, he shall fly as an eagle,
&c.] The enemy, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, with his army; who is compared to an eagle for his strength, swiftness, and greediness after the prey: and shall spread his wings over Moab;
as an eagle spreads its wings, which are very large, over the little birds it seizes upon as its prey; so the king of Babylon would bring a numerous army against Moab, and spread it over his country. The Targum is,

``behold, as all eagle which flies, so a king shall come up with his army, and encamp against Moab.''

Jeremiah 48:40 In-Context

38 On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.

39 “How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.”

40 For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab.

41 Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted himself against the LORD.