◄ Jeremiah 48:21 ►
Judgment has come upon the high plain--upon Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,
Study Bible
Judgment has come
The phrase "Judgment has come" signifies the divine decree and execution of justice. In Hebrew, the word for judgment is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses the idea of a legal decision or verdict. This reflects God's sovereign authority to administer justice according to His righteous standards. Historically, this judgment is directed towards Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel, symbolizing the broader theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God's people.

upon the high plain
The "high plain" refers to the elevated regions of Moab, known for their strategic and fertile lands. In Hebrew, the term used is "מִישׁוֹר" (mishor), indicating a level or plateau area. This geographical reference underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, reaching even the most prominent and seemingly secure areas of Moab. It serves as a reminder that no place is beyond the reach of God's justice.

upon Holon
Holon is one of the cities mentioned in the judgment against Moab. The name "Holon" may derive from a root meaning "sandy" or "hollow," suggesting a place that, despite its name, cannot escape the impending divine judgment. Archaeologically, while specific details about Holon in Moab are sparse, its inclusion highlights the thoroughness of the prophecy, indicating that every city, regardless of its size or significance, is subject to God's scrutiny.

Jahzah
Jahzah, also spelled Jahaz, is historically significant as the site of a battle where the Israelites, under Moses, defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:23-24). The mention of Jahzah in this context serves as a poignant reminder of past victories granted by God to His people and now, conversely, the impending defeat of Moab. It illustrates the cyclical nature of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises.

and Mephaath
Mephaath is another city in Moab, mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:18). The name "Mephaath" may be related to a root meaning "splendor" or "beauty," yet its inclusion in the list of judged cities underscores the theme that earthly splendor is fleeting in the face of divine judgment. This serves as a spiritual lesson on the transient nature of worldly glory compared to the eternal nature of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Holon
A city in Moab, mentioned in the context of judgment. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the Moabite territory.

2. Jahzah
Another city in Moab, known from other biblical references as a place where battles occurred, particularly between Israel and the Amorites.

3. Mephaath
A city in Moab, also mentioned in the context of judgment. It was allocated to the tribe of Reuben and later became a Levitical city.

4. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is frequently mentioned in the Bible as an enemy of Israel and subject to God's judgment.

5. Judgment
The divine retribution that God pronounces upon Moab through the prophet Jeremiah, indicating the consequences of their actions and rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's judgment on Moab demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations. No nation is beyond His reach or authority.

The Consequences of Sin
Moab's judgment serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It calls believers to examine their own lives and repent where necessary.

Historical Context and Prophetic Fulfillment
Understanding the historical context of Moab's judgment helps us see the fulfillment of God's prophetic word, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just in His judgments, His dealings with Moab also remind us of His mercy, as He provides opportunities for repentance before judgment.

The Importance of Obedience
The cities mentioned faced judgment due to disobedience. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn about God's character from His judgment on Moab as described in Jeremiah 48:21?

2. How does the historical context of Moab's relationship with Israel enhance our understanding of this passage?

3. In what ways does the judgment on Moab serve as a warning for us today regarding sin and rebellion?

4. How can we apply the lessons of God's justice and mercy in our daily lives and interactions with others?

5. What other biblical examples of God's judgment can we study to gain a deeper understanding of His expectations for nations and individuals?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, providing a broader context for understanding God's dealings with Moab.

Numbers 21:23-24
Describes the battle at Jahzah, where Israel defeated the Amorites, highlighting the historical significance of the location.

Deuteronomy 2:9
God instructs Israel not to harass Moab, showing a complex relationship between Israel and Moab, which later changes due to Moab's actions.
Sermons
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
Holon, Jahazah, Jahzah, Judgment, Lowlands, Mephaath, Meph'a-ath, Plain, Plateau, Punishment, Tableland
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:20

     4260   rivers and streams

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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