◄ Jeremiah 48:25 ►
The horn of Moab has been cut off, and his arm is broken," declares the LORD.
Study Bible
The horn of Moab
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "horn" is a symbol of strength and power. The Hebrew word used here is "קֶרֶן" (qeren), which often signifies might or authority. Moab, a nation east of Israel, was historically a formidable power. This phrase indicates that Moab's strength, once a source of pride and security, is now being diminished. The imagery of a horn being cut off suggests a significant loss of power and influence, reflecting God's judgment upon Moab for its arrogance and idolatry.

has been cut off
The phrase "has been cut off" implies a decisive and complete action. The Hebrew verb "כָּרַת" (karath) is often used in covenantal contexts, meaning to cut or sever. Here, it signifies the total removal of Moab's power. This is not a temporary setback but a divine intervention that permanently alters Moab's status. Historically, this aligns with the decline of Moab as a nation, fulfilling the prophetic word of God through Jeremiah.

and his arm
The "arm" in biblical literature often symbolizes strength and ability. The Hebrew word "זְרוֹעַ" (zeroa) is used here, indicating the power to act or exert force. By stating that Moab's arm is cut off, the text emphasizes the complete incapacitation of Moab's ability to defend itself or exert influence. This metaphor underscores the totality of God's judgment, leaving Moab defenseless and powerless.

is broken
The imagery of a broken arm further illustrates the theme of incapacitation. The Hebrew word "שָׁבַר" (shabar) means to break or shatter. This conveys not just a loss of power but a debilitating injury that prevents recovery. In the context of divine judgment, it signifies that Moab's downfall is both severe and irreversible. This serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moab
An ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is frequently mentioned in the Bible as an adversary of Israel.

2. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of God upon nations, including Israel and its neighbors.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and judge over all nations.

4. The Horn
Symbolically represents strength and power in biblical literature. The cutting off of Moab's horn signifies the loss of its power and influence.

5. The Arm
Another symbol of strength and might. The breaking of Moab's arm indicates the crippling of its ability to exert power or defend itself.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is the ultimate authority over all nations, and He can raise or diminish their power according to His will.

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Nations and individuals alike must recognize their dependence on God.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's declarations through His prophets are certain and will come to pass. This should encourage believers to trust in God's word and His timing.

Symbolism of Strength
The horn and arm symbolize strength and power. Believers should seek their strength in God rather than in worldly power or influence.

Repentance and Restoration
While judgment is pronounced, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. This is a call for individuals and nations to turn back to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the "horn" and "arm" in Jeremiah 48:25 help us understand the nature of Moab's judgment?

2. In what ways can the account of Moab serve as a warning to modern nations or individuals who rely on their own strength?

3. How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as seen in Jeremiah 48:25, provide comfort and assurance to believers today?

4. What are some areas in your life where you might be relying on your own "horn" or "arm" instead of trusting in God's strength?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Jeremiah 48:25 inspire us to pray for our own nation and its leaders?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 75:10
This verse speaks of God cutting off the horns of the wicked, which parallels the imagery in Jeremiah 48:25 of God diminishing the power of Moab.

Ezekiel 30:21
This passage also uses the imagery of a broken arm to describe the weakening of a nation, similar to the breaking of Moab's arm in Jeremiah 48:25.

Isaiah 15-16
These chapters provide additional context on the judgment against Moab, offering a broader picture of God's dealings with this nation.
Sermons
The History of MoabJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 48:25
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
Affirmation, Arm, Broken, Cut, Declares, Horn, Moab, Says
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:25

     4654   horn
     5126   arm

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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