Jeremiah 48:31-41

31 So I cry sadly for Moab, for everyone in Moab. I moan for the people from the town of Kir Hareseth.

32 I cry with the people of the town of Jazer for you, the grapevines of the town of Sibmah. In the past your vines spread all the way to the sea, as far as the sea of Jazer. But the destroyer has taken over your fruit and grapes.

33 Joy and happiness are gone from the large, rich fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the winepresses. No one walks on the grapes with shouts of joy. There are shouts, but not shouts of joy.

34 "Their crying can be heard from Moabite towns, from Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz. It can be heard from Zoar as far away as Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah. Even the waters of Nimrim are dried up.

35 I will stop Moab from making burnt offerings at the places of worship and from burning incense to their gods," says the Lord.

36 "My heart cries sadly for Moab like a flute playing a funeral song. It cries like a flute for the people from Kir Hareseth. The money they made has all been taken away.

37 Every head has been shaved and every beard cut off. Everyone's hands are cut, and everyone wears rough cloth around his waist.

38 People are crying on every roofn in Moab and in every public square. There is nothing but sadness, because I have broken Moab like a jar no one wants," says the Lord.

39 "Moab is shattered! The people are crying! Moab turns away in shame! People all around her make fun of her. The things that happened fill them with great fear."

40 This is what the Lord says: "Look! Someone is coming, like an eagle diving down from the sky and spreading its wings over Moab.

41 The towns of Moab will be captured, and the strong, walled cities will be defeated. At that time Moab's warriors will be frightened, like a woman who is having a baby.

Jeremiah 48:31-41 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.