Jeremiah 48:19
Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping, 'What has happened?'
Stand by the road and watch
This phrase calls for vigilance and awareness. The Hebrew root for "stand" (עָמַד, 'amad) implies a firm, resolute position, suggesting a readiness to observe and understand unfolding events. In a historical context, roads were vital for communication and trade, and standing by the road symbolizes being at the crossroads of significant events. Spiritually, it encourages believers to be watchful and discerning, ready to perceive God's movements and the signs of the times.

O dweller of Aroer
Aroer was a city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, marking the boundary of Moab. The term "dweller" (יֹשֵׁב, yoshev) indicates a resident or inhabitant, suggesting a personal connection to the land and its fate. Historically, Aroer was a strategic location, often caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts. This phrase reminds believers of the importance of being rooted in their faith, even amidst turmoil, and recognizing their role in God's larger plan.

Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping
The imagery of fleeing and escaping conveys urgency and distress. The Hebrew words for "fleeing" (נָס, nas) and "escaping" (מָלַט, malat) both imply a desperate attempt to avoid danger. This reflects the historical context of Moab's impending judgment and the chaos that ensues. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for seeking refuge in God during times of crisis, emphasizing the need for divine guidance and protection.

say, ‘What has happened?’
This question invites reflection and understanding. The act of asking (שָׁאַל, sha'al) signifies a desire to comprehend the situation fully. In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, it underscores the importance of recognizing the consequences of turning away from God. For believers, it is a call to seek wisdom and insight, to understand the spiritual implications of worldly events, and to respond with faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aroer
A city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, which was part of the territory of Moab. It was strategically positioned and often mentioned in the context of Moab's judgment.

2. The Dweller of Aroer
Represents the inhabitants of Aroer who are called to witness the calamity befalling Moab. They are instructed to observe and inquire about the events unfolding.

3. The Man Fleeing and the Woman Escaping
Symbolic of the Moabites who are fleeing from the impending disaster. Their flight signifies the fulfillment of God's judgment against Moab.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's message of judgment against Moab. His role was to deliver God's warnings and call for repentance.

5. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. In this context, Moab is under divine judgment for its pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
Witnessing God's Judgment
Just as the inhabitants of Aroer were called to witness Moab's downfall, believers are reminded to be observant of God's workings in the world, recognizing His justice and sovereignty.

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's judgment serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and dependence on God.

The Urgency of Repentance
The fleeing Moabites illustrate the urgency of turning to God before judgment comes. This calls believers to examine their lives and repent of any sin.

Compassion for the Lost
Observing the plight of those under judgment should stir compassion in believers, motivating them to share the gospel with urgency.

The Certainty of God's Promises
The fulfillment of prophecy against Moab assures believers of the reliability of God's Word and His promises, both of judgment and salvation.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the role of the "dweller of Aroer" teach us about being vigilant and aware of God's actions in the world today?

2. How can the downfall of Moab serve as a personal warning against pride and self-reliance in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate compassion and urgency in sharing the gospel with those who are spiritually "fleeing" or "escaping"?

4. How does the certainty of God's judgment against Moab reinforce our trust in His promises and His Word?

5. What parallels can we draw between the historical context of Moab's judgment and the spiritual challenges faced by believers today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, providing a parallel account of Moab's downfall and the lament over its destruction.

Numbers 21:28-30
Describes the historical context of Moab's conflicts and the prophetic declarations against it, highlighting the longstanding enmity between Moab and Israel.

Psalm 83:6-8
Lists Moab among the nations conspiring against Israel, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's people.
The Strong Staff and the Beautiful RodW. R. Williams.
People
Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, Zoar
Places
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, Zoar
Topics
Aroer, Aro'er, Daughter, Escaped, Escapes, Escapeth, Escaping, Espy, Fleeing, Flees, Fleeth, Flight, Fugitive, Got, Inhabitant, Inhabitress, O, Questioning, Road, Safe, Stand, Station, Watch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:19

     5319   fugitives
     5505   roads

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

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