Jeremiah 48

It seems the epitome of foolishness but men trust more in their riches, perceived control and power to protect themselves never considering that they are mere mortals wrought from the dust of the earth. God alone in His power, knowing and in His ability to be everywhere has the world in His hands. Thanks be to God that He is just, kind, merciful and forgiving to those who place their trust and hope in Him and in His salvation in Christ Jesus. Our weapons are spiritual for pulling down strongholds, the sword of faith, cleansed in the blood of the perfect sacrifice, Jesus.

Pride refers to the self-indulging, self-honoring haughtiness by which one thinks of oneself as greater than others. Moab's chief sin was pride, considering itself greater than the God of Israel. Its pride would be turned to fear and terror, and then the nation would be taken captive. Jeremiah assured Moab that there is but one true King, Whose name is the Lord of hosts, the all-powerful "God of armies."

Judgment on Moab

48 Against Moab. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:

"Woe to Nebo!

For it is plundered,

Kirjathaim is shamed and taken;

1The high stronghold is shamed and dismayed—

2 No more praise of Moab.

In Heshbon they have devised evil against her:

'Come, and let us cut her off as a nation.'

You also shall be cut down, O Madmen! 

The sword shall pursue you;

3 A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim:

'Plundering and great destruction!'

4 "Moab is destroyed;

Her little ones have caused a cry to be heard;

5 For in the Ascent of Luhith they ascend with continual weeping;

For in the descent of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

6 "Flee, save your lives!

And be like the ijuniper in the wilderness.

7 For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures,

You also shall be taken.

And Chemosh shall go forth into captivity,

His priests and his princes together.

8 And the plunderer shall come against every city;

No one shall escape.

The valley also shall perish,

And the plain shall be destroyed,

As the Lord has spoken.

9 "Give wings to Moab,

That she may flee and get away;

For her cities shall be desolate,

Without any to dwell in them.

10 Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully,

And cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood.

11 "Moab has been at ease from his youth;

He has settled on his dregs,

And has not been emptied from vessel to vessel,

Nor has he gone into captivity.

Therefore his taste remained in him,

And his scent has not changed.

12 "Therefore behold, the days are coming," says the Lord,

"That I shall send him wine-workers

Who will tip him over

And empty his vessels

And break the bottles.

13 Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh,

As the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence.

14 "How can you say, 'We are mighty

And strong men for the war'?

15 Moab is plundered and gone up from her cities;

Her chosen young men have gone down to the slaughter," says the King,

Whose name is the Lord of hosts.

16 "The calamity of Moab is near at hand,

And his affliction comes quickly.

17 Bemoan him, all you who are around him;

And all you who know his name,

Say, 'How the strong staff is broken,

The beautiful rod!'