◄ Jeremiah 48:27 ►
Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head.
Study Bible
Was not Israel a derision to you?
The word "derision" in Hebrew is "שְׂחֹק" (sechoq), which implies mockery or scorn. Historically, Moab, the nation addressed in this chapter, often looked down upon Israel, seeing them as inferior or laughable. This attitude of derision is a reflection of pride and arrogance, which is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. The rhetorical question posed by God through Jeremiah highlights Moab's disdainful attitude towards Israel, which is ironic given that Israel is God's chosen people. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Was he ever found among thieves
The phrase "found among thieves" suggests an accusation or association with wrongdoing. In the context of Israel, this rhetorical question implies that Israel was not guilty of the crimes or moral failures that would justify such scorn from Moab. Historically, Israel had its failings, but they were not characterized by the kind of lawlessness that would warrant being labeled as thieves. This serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the danger of false accusations. It also reflects the biblical principle that God's people are called to be set apart and to live lives of righteousness, even when others may unjustly accuse or deride them.

for whenever you speak of him you shake your head?
The act of shaking one's head is a gesture of scorn or disbelief. In the Hebrew culture, it was a physical expression of contempt or derision. This phrase indicates that Moab not only mocked Israel but did so consistently, as indicated by "whenever you speak of him." This persistent scorn is a reflection of a hardened heart and a refusal to recognize God's hand upon Israel. In a broader biblical context, this serves as a warning against the dangers of harboring contempt for others, especially those whom God has chosen. It also underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people, despite the scorn or disbelief of others. This passage encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God's opinion is what ultimately matters, not the derision of the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The northern kingdom, often seen as a symbol of God's chosen people. In this context, Israel is being mocked by Moab.

2. Moab
A neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is being addressed by God through the prophet Jeremiah.

3. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the nations, including warnings and judgments.

4. God
The ultimate speaker through Jeremiah, expressing His judgment and perspective on the nations.

5. Thieves
A metaphorical reference to Israel's perceived status or actions, questioning whether Israel deserved the mockery.
Teaching Points
God's Justice
God holds nations accountable for their treatment of His people. Mockery and scorn against God's chosen ones do not go unnoticed.

Pride and Downfall
Moab's pride led to its downfall. This serves as a warning against arrogance and the mistreatment of others.

Empathy and Respect
We are called to treat others with respect and empathy, avoiding the sin of mockery and judgment.

Reflection on Identity
Consider how we view and speak about others, especially those who are part of God's family. Are we guilty of shaking our heads in judgment?

God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He sees and will address injustices in His timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the historical relationship between Israel and Moab provide context for understanding Jeremiah 48:27?

2. In what ways can pride lead to a nation's or individual's downfall, as seen in the case of Moab?

3. How can we apply the principle of treating others with respect and empathy in our daily interactions?

4. What are some modern examples of mockery or scorn against God's people, and how should we respond?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice bring comfort when facing ridicule or injustice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 16
This chapter also addresses Moab, highlighting the nation's pride and eventual downfall, similar to Jeremiah's message.

Obadiah 1
The book of Obadiah speaks against Edom, another nation that mocked Israel, showing a pattern of God's judgment on those who scorn His people.

Psalm 44
This psalm reflects on Israel's suffering and the perception of being a reproach among nations, resonating with the theme of mockery in Jeremiah 48:27.
Sermons
Touching the Apple of God's EyeS. Conway Jeremiah 48:27
Moab Exulting Over Fallen IsraelD. Young Jeremiah 48:26, 27
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
Bemoan, Caught, Derision, Hast, Joy, Laughingstock, Leaped, Oft, Often, Ridicule, Scorn, Shake, Shaking, Skippedst, Spakest, Speak, Speakest, Spoke, Spoken, Sport, Talking, Thieves, Thyself, Wagged, Waggest, Wasn't, Whenever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:27

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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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