Jeremiah 48:17

17 All you who live around it, sob over its people. Be sad, you who know how famous Moab is. Say, 'Its powerful ruler's rod is broken! His glorious staff is smashed.'

Jeremiah 48:17 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 48:17

All ye that are about him, bemoan him
The neighbouring nations, such as the Ammonites, and others, are called upon to condole the sad case of Moab; all upon the borders of the country of Moab, either within them or without them: and all ye that know his name;
not only that had heard of his fame and glory, but knew in what grandeur and splendour he lived; these have a form of condolence given them: say, how is the strong staff broken, [and] the beautiful rod!
the mighty men of war, the staff of the nation, in which they trusted, destroyed; their fortified cities demolished; the powerful kingdom, which swayed the sceptre, and ruled in great glory, and was terrible and troublesome to others, now pulled down. The Targum is,

``how is the king broken that did evil, the oppressing ruler!''

Jeremiah 48:17 In-Context

15 Moab will be destroyed. Its enemies will march into its towns. Her finest young men will die in battle," announces the King. His name is The LORD Who Rules Over All.
16 "The fall of Moab is near. Its time of trouble will come quickly.
17 All you who live around it, sob over its people. Be sad, you who know how famous Moab is. Say, 'Its powerful ruler's rod is broken! His glorious staff is smashed.'
18 "Come down from your glorious city, you who live in Dibon. Come and sit on the thirsty ground. The one who destroys your country will come up and attack you. Your enemies will destroy your cities that have high walls around them.
19 Stand by the road and watch, you who live in Aroer. Ask the men who are running away. Ask the women who are escaping. Ask them, 'What has happened?'
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