Jeremiah 48:22
upon Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim,
upon
The word "upon" signifies a direct and impending judgment. In the Hebrew text, the preposition used here is "עַל" (al), which often denotes a position of authority or a burden placed on someone or something. This indicates that the cities mentioned are under the direct focus of God's judgment. The use of "upon" suggests an unavoidable and divine decree, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of the prophecy.

Dibon
Dibon was a significant city in Moab, located north of the Arnon River. Archaeological findings, including the famous Mesha Stele, have confirmed its historical importance. The city was known for its high places and idol worship, which were abominations in the sight of the Lord. The mention of Dibon here highlights the city's prominence and its role in leading Moab astray from the worship of the true God. God's judgment upon Dibon serves as a reminder of His intolerance for idolatry and the consequences of turning away from Him.

Nebo
Nebo, another city in Moab, shares its name with a Babylonian deity, which indicates the syncretism and idolatry prevalent in the region. The Hebrew root "נבו" (Nebo) reflects the cultural and religious influences that had permeated Moabite society. Historically, Nebo was a center for pagan worship, and its mention here underscores the spiritual corruption that had taken hold. God's judgment upon Nebo is a call to recognize the futility of false gods and the need for exclusive devotion to the Lord.

Beth-diblathaim
Beth-diblathaim, meaning "house of fig cakes," was a town in Moab whose exact location remains uncertain. The name itself suggests a place of abundance and prosperity, yet it is included in the list of cities facing judgment. This serves as a poignant reminder that material wealth and comfort are fleeting and cannot shield one from divine justice. The inclusion of Beth-diblathaim in this prophecy highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, reaching even those who might feel secure in their earthly riches.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Dibon
An ancient city located in Moab, east of the Jordan River. It was a significant city in the region and often mentioned in the context of Moabite territory.

2. Nebo
A city in Moab, not to be confused with Mount Nebo. It was a place of idol worship and held religious significance for the Moabites.

3. Beth-diblathaim
Another city in Moab, mentioned in the context of judgment against Moab. Its exact location is less certain, but it is part of the prophetic pronouncement against Moab.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The judgment against Moab and its cities like Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim demonstrates God's control over all nations. No city or nation is beyond His reach or authority.

Consequences of Idolatry
Nebo, as a center of idol worship, serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from the true God. Idolatry leads to judgment and destruction.

Historical Context and Prophetic Fulfillment
Understanding the historical context of these cities helps us see the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. It encourages us to trust in the reliability and truth of Scripture.

The Importance of Repentance
The judgment pronounced on Moab serves as a call to repentance. It reminds us of the need to turn from sin and seek God's mercy.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the passage focuses on judgment, it is part of a larger account where God's justice is balanced with His mercy. This duality is essential in understanding God's character.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn about God's character from His judgment on the cities of Moab, such as Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim?

2. How does the historical context of Moab's idolatry and conflict with Israel enhance our understanding of Jeremiah 48:22?

3. In what ways does the prophecy against Moab challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of idolatry or disobedience?

4. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Jeremiah 48 relate to the broader message of the Gospel?

5. What other biblical examples of God's judgment on nations can we study to gain a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and justice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment against Moab, providing a broader context for understanding the prophetic declarations against Moabite cities.

Numbers 21:30
This verse references Dibon in the context of Israel's conquest, highlighting its historical significance and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Moab.

Jeremiah 48:1-47
The entire chapter of Jeremiah 48 provides a comprehensive prophecy against Moab, detailing the reasons for judgment and the specific cities affected.
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
Beth, Bethdiblathaim, Beth-diblathaim, Beth-diblatha'im, Diblathaim, Dibon, Kirathaim, Nebo
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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