◄ Jeremiah 48:24 ►
upon Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the towns of Moab, those far and near.
Study Bible
to Kerioth
The mention of "Kerioth" in this verse refers to a city within the territory of Moab. The name "Kerioth" is derived from the Hebrew root "קִרְיָה" (qiryah), meaning "city" or "town." This suggests a place of significance, possibly a fortified city or a central hub within Moab. Historically, Kerioth is often associated with a place of idolatry and rebellion against God. In the broader biblical narrative, cities like Kerioth symbolize human pride and self-reliance, often standing in contrast to the humility and dependence on God that is encouraged throughout Scripture.

to Bozrah
"Bozrah" is another city mentioned in this passage, and its name in Hebrew, "בָּצְרָה" (Bozrah), means "fortress" or "sheepfold." This city was known for its strength and fortifications, representing human attempts to create security apart from God. In the prophetic literature, Bozrah is often a symbol of judgment, as it is a place where God’s wrath is poured out against the nations. The inclusion of Bozrah in this list underscores the comprehensive nature of God’s judgment against Moab, highlighting that no place, no matter how fortified, can stand against the divine will.

and to all the towns of Moab
The phrase "and to all the towns of Moab" indicates the totality of the judgment pronounced by God through the prophet Jeremiah. Moab, a nation descended from Lot, often found itself in conflict with Israel. The towns of Moab represent the collective identity and culture of the Moabite people, who were known for their worship of Chemosh, a god detestable to the Israelites. This phrase serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from the one true God and the futility of relying on false gods and human strength.

those far and near
The expression "those far and near" emphasizes the extensive reach of God’s judgment. It signifies that no town, regardless of its geographical location or perceived distance from the center of Moab, will escape the impending judgment. This phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for the omnipresence and omniscience of God, who sees all and judges all with perfect justice. In a broader theological context, it serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty extends over all creation, and His righteous judgment is inescapable for those who persist in rebellion against Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kerioth
A city in Moab, possibly the birthplace of Judas Iscariot, though this is debated. It represents one of the key locations in Moab that faced judgment.

2. Bozrah
Another significant city in Moab, often associated with strength and fortification. It symbolizes the pride and self-reliance of Moab.

3. Moab
A nation descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. Moab's judgment is a central theme in this chapter, representing God's justice against pride and idolatry.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Moab. His role as a prophet was to call nations, including Israel, to repentance.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution against Moab for its sins, illustrating God's sovereignty and justice.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's judgment on Moab demonstrates His control over all nations, not just Israel. He holds all accountable to His standards.

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall is a warning against pride and self-reliance. Believers are called to humility and dependence on God.

The Certainty of God's Justice
God's pronouncements through Jeremiah assure us that His justice will prevail. This encourages believers to trust in God's righteous timing.

Repentance and Restoration
While judgment is pronounced, the broader biblical account offers hope for repentance and restoration, reminding us of God's mercy.

The Role of Prophets
Jeremiah's role highlights the importance of speaking truth and calling others to repentance, a task for believers today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment on Moab in Jeremiah 48:24 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how should this influence our view of current world events?

2. In what ways can pride lead to downfall, as seen in Moab's example, and how can we guard against it in our personal lives?

3. How does the message of judgment in Jeremiah 48:24 relate to the broader theme of justice in the Bible, and what comfort can we find in God's justice?

4. Considering the role of prophets like Jeremiah, how can we, as modern believers, fulfill a similar role in our communities?

5. Reflecting on the connections between Jeremiah 48:24 and other scriptures, how can we find hope in God's promises of restoration despite His judgments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, providing a broader context for understanding God's dealings with this nation.

Amos 2:1-3
Amos prophesies against Moab, emphasizing God's judgment for their transgressions, similar to Jeremiah's message.

Genesis 19:30-38
The origin of Moab through Lot's descendants, providing background on the nation's relationship with Israel.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and the fulfillment of God's judgment.
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
Bozrah, Cities, Kerijoth, Kerioth, Ker'i-oth, Moab, Towns
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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