Jeremiah 48:1-5

A Message About Moab

1 Concerning Moab: This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be ruined. Kiriathaim will be disgraced and captured; the stronghold^[a] will be disgraced and shattered.

2 Moab will be praised no more; in Heshbon^[b] people will plot her downfall: ‘Come, let us put an end to that nation.’ You, the people of Madmen,^[c] will also be silenced; the sword will pursue you.

3 Cries of anguish arise from Horonaim, cries of great havoc and destruction.

4 Moab will be broken; her little ones will cry out.^[d]

5 They go up the hill to Luhith, weeping bitterly as they go; on the road down to Horonaim anguished cries over the destruction are heard.

Jeremiah 48:1-5 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

• 1. S Genesis 19:37; S Deuteronomy 23:6
• 2. S Numbers 32:38
• 3. S Numbers 32:37; S Joshua 13:19
• 4. Isaiah 16:14
• 5. S Numbers 21:25; S Joshua 13:26
• 6. ver 42
• 7. S Isaiah 15:5
• 8. Isaiah 15:5
• 9. ver 3

Footnotes

• [a] Or "captured;" / "Misgab"
• [b] The Hebrew for "Heshbon" sounds like the Hebrew for "plot" .
• [c] The name of the Moabite town Madmen sounds like the Hebrew for "be silenced."
• [d] Hebrew; Septuagint "/ proclaim it to Zoar"