Moab has been destroyed and its towns have been invaded; the best of its young men have gone down in the slaughter, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts. Moab has been destroyedThe phrase "Moab has been destroyed" refers to the judgment pronounced upon the nation of Moab, a historical enemy of Israel. The Hebrew root for "destroyed" is "שָׁבַר" (shabar), which conveys a sense of being broken or shattered. This destruction is not merely physical but also signifies the collapse of Moab's power and influence. Historically, Moab was a nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. This prophecy highlights the sovereignty of God over nations, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand His judgment. and her towns invaded
The phrase "and her towns invaded" indicates a comprehensive conquest. The Hebrew word for "invaded" is "עָלָה" (alah), meaning to go up or ascend, often used in the context of military campaigns. This suggests a strategic and overwhelming attack on Moab's cities, leading to their capture. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of fortified cities in Moab, which would have been significant targets during invasions. This invasion serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the futility of relying on human defenses. her finest young men have gone down to the slaughter
"Her finest young men have gone down to the slaughter" speaks to the loss of Moab's strength and future. The Hebrew word for "finest" is "בָּחוּר" (bachur), meaning chosen or select, often referring to young men of military age. The imagery of "slaughter" underscores the severity of the judgment, as these young men, the pride and hope of Moab, are cut down. This serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of pride and rebellion against God, as even the strongest and most promising are not spared from divine justice. declares the King
The phrase "declares the King" asserts the authority behind the prophecy. The Hebrew word for "declares" is "נְאֻם" (ne'um), often used to introduce a divine pronouncement. The title "King" here refers to God Himself, emphasizing His ultimate authority over all earthly rulers. In a historical context, kings were seen as the highest authority, but this declaration reminds us that God is the King above all kings, whose decrees are final and unchallengeable. whose name is the LORD of Hosts
"Whose name is the LORD of Hosts" reveals the divine identity and power behind the judgment. The Hebrew term "LORD of Hosts" is "יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת" (YHWH Tseva'ot), signifying God as the commander of heavenly armies. This title underscores His omnipotence and the certainty of His will being accomplished. In the biblical narrative, the "LORD of Hosts" is a warrior God who fights for His people and executes justice. This assurance of God's might and righteousness provides comfort to believers, affirming that He is in control and His purposes will prevail. Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabAn ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a nation that turned away from God and faced His judgment. 2. The LORD of HostsA title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority in executing judgment. 3. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. His role was to call people to repentance and warn them of impending consequences. 4. The Finest Young MenRepresents the strength and pride of Moab, which is now humbled and defeated. This symbolizes the futility of relying on human strength against divine judgment. 5. Destruction and InvasionThe events described are a fulfillment of God's judgment against Moab for their pride and idolatry, as prophesied by Jeremiah. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate authority over all nations. We must recognize His power and submit to His will. The Futility of Human StrengthMoab's finest young men symbolize human pride and strength, which are powerless against God's judgment. We should not rely on our own abilities but trust in God's strength. The Consequences of Pride and IdolatryMoab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. We must examine our lives for areas where we may be placing anything above God. The Certainty of God's WordThe fulfillment of prophecy against Moab demonstrates the reliability of God's Word. We can trust that His promises and warnings will come to pass. Repentance and HumilityThe judgment on Moab calls us to repentance and humility before God. We should seek His forgiveness and align our lives with His commands. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the judgment of Moab in Jeremiah 48:15 reflect God's character as the "LORD of Hosts"? 2. In what ways can we see the futility of relying on human strength in our own lives, and how can we shift our reliance to God? 3. What are some modern-day "idols" that might lead us away from God, similar to Moab's idolatry? 4. How does the prophecy against Moab encourage us to trust in the certainty of God's Word? 5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of repentance and humility in response to God's warnings and judgments? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 15-16These chapters also prophesy the downfall of Moab, highlighting the consistency of God's message through different prophets. Psalm 60:8Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and the fulfillment of God's judgment. Amos 2:1-3Amos also prophesies against Moab, emphasizing God's justice and the consequences of their transgressions. People Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, ZoarPlaces Arnon, Aroer, Beth-diblathaim, Bethel, Beth-gamul, Beth-meon, Bozrah, Dibon, Elealeh, Heshbon, Holon, Horonaim, Jahaz, Jahzah, Jazer, Kerioth, Kir-hareseth, Kiriathaim, Luhith, Madmen, Mephaath, Moab, Nebo, Nimrim, Sea of Jazer, Sibmah, ZoarTopics Affirmation, Almighty, Armies, Best, Choice, Choicest, Chosen, Cities, Death, Declares, Destroyed, Destroyer, Finest, Hosts, Invaded, Laid, Makes, Moab, Says, Slaughter, Smoke, Spoiled, Towns, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:13 8747 false gods Library August 8. "Be Like the Dove" (Jer. Xlviii. 28).
"Be like the dove" (Jer. xlviii. 28). Harmless as a dove, is Christ's interpretation of the beautiful emblem. And so the Spirit of God is purity itself. He cannot dwell in an unclean heart. He cannot abide in the natural mind. It was said of the anointing of old, "On man's flesh it shall not be poured." The purity which the Holy Spirit brings is like the white and spotless little plant which grows up out of the heap of manure, or the black soil, without one grain of impurity adhering to its crystalline …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth How those are to be Admonished who Decline the Office of Preaching Out of Too Great Humility, and those who Seize on it with Precipitate Haste.
(Admonition 26.) Differently to be admonished are those who, though able to preach worthily, are afraid by reason of excessive humility, and those whom imperfection or age forbids to preach, and yet precipitancy impells. For those who, though able to preach with profit, still shrink back through excessive humility are to be admonished to gather from consideration of a lesser matter how faulty they are in a greater one. For, if they were to hide from their indigent neighbours money which they possessed …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
Carried by the Spirit into the far distant future, Balaam sees here how a star goeth out of Jacob and a sceptre riseth out of Israel, and how this sceptre smiteth Moab, by whose enmity the Seer had been brought from a distant region for the destruction of Israel. And not Moab only shall be smitten, but its southern neighbour, Edom, too shall be subdued, whose hatred against Israel had already been prefigured in its ancestor, and had now begun to display Itself; and In general, all the enemies of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Meditations for the Sick.
Whilst thy sickness remains, use often, for thy comfort, these few meditations, taken from the ends wherefore God sendeth afflictions to his children. Those are ten. 1. That by afflictions God may not only correct our sins past, but also work in us a deeper loathing of our natural corruptions, and so prevent us from falling into many other sins, which otherwise we would commit; like a good father, who suffers his tender babe to scorch his finger in a candle, that he may the rather learn to beware …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 48:15 NIVJeremiah 48:15 NLTJeremiah 48:15 ESVJeremiah 48:15 NASBJeremiah 48:15 KJV
Jeremiah 48:15 Commentaries
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