Jeremiah 48:1-9

1 This message is to the country of Moab. This is what the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, says: "How terrible it will be for the city of Nebo, because it will be ruined. captured; the strong city will be disgraced and shattered.

2 Moab will not be praised again. Men in the town of Heshbon plan Moab's defeat. They say, 'Come, let us put an end to that nation!' Town of Madmen, you will also be silenced. The sword will chase you.

3 Listen to the cries from the town of Horonaim, cries of much confusion and destruction.

4 Moab will be broken up. Her little children will cry for help.

5 Moab's people go up the path to the town of Luhith, crying loudly as they go. On the road down to Horonaim, cries of pain and suffering can be heard.

6 Run! Run for your lives! Go like a bush being blown through the desert.

7 You trust in the things you do and in your wealth, so you also will be captured. and his priests and officers with him.

8 The destroyer will come against every town; not one town will escape. The valley will be ruined, and the high plain will be destroyed, as the Lord has said.

9 Give wings to Moab, because she will surely leave her land. Moab's towns will become empty, with no one to live in them.

Jeremiah 48:1-9 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.