Jeremiah 48:37-47

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.

42 The nation of Moab will be destroyed, because they thought they were greater than the Lord.

43 Fear, deep pits, and traps wait for you, people of Moab," says the Lord.

44 "People will run from fear, but they will fall into the pits. Anyone who climbs out of the pits will be caught in the traps. I will bring the year of punishment to Moab," says the Lord.

45 "People have run from the powerful enemy and have gone to Heshbon for safety. But fire started in Heshbon; a blaze has spread from the hometown of Sihon king of Moab. and destroyed those proud people.

46 How terrible it is for you, Moab! been destroyed. Your sons have been taken captive, and your daughters have been taken away.

47 "But in days to come, I will make good things happen again to Moab," says the Lord. This ends the judgment on Moab.

Jeremiah 48:37-47 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.