I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your tendrils have extended to the sea; they reach even to Jazer. The destroyer has descended on your summer fruit and grape harvest. I will weep for youThe phrase "I will weep for you" reflects the deep sorrow and lamentation expressed by the prophet Jeremiah. In Hebrew, the word for "weep" is "בָּכָה" (bakah), which conveys a profound sense of mourning and emotional distress. This weeping is not just a personal expression but a divine empathy, as Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of God, shares in the grief over the impending judgment on Moab. It underscores the compassionate nature of God, who takes no pleasure in the suffering of His creation, even when it is a consequence of their own actions. O vine of Sibmah
The "vine of Sibmah" refers to a region known for its fertile vineyards, located in Moab. Historically, Sibmah was renowned for its wine production, which was a significant part of the economy and culture of Moab. The vine symbolizes prosperity and abundance, and its mention here highlights what will be lost due to the coming destruction. The Hebrew root "שֶׂמֶב" (semeb) for "vine" emphasizes the richness and fruitfulness that will be mourned. more than I weep for Jazer
Jazer was another city in the region of Gilead, known for its lush pastures and vineyards. The comparison "more than I weep for Jazer" indicates the greater devastation that will befall Sibmah. The Hebrew name "יַעְזֵר" (Ya'zer) suggests a place of help or assistance, which is ironic given the impending helplessness in the face of destruction. This comparison serves to amplify the severity of the judgment on Sibmah. Your branches have spread as far as the sea
The imagery of branches spreading "as far as the sea" illustrates the extensive reach and influence of Sibmah's vineyards. In Hebrew, "branches" is "שְׁרָשִׁים" (sherashim), which can also mean roots, indicating a deep and widespread impact. The "sea" likely refers to the Dead Sea, suggesting that the prosperity of Sibmah was well-known and far-reaching. This expansive growth now becomes a poignant reminder of what will be lost. they reached to the sea of Jazer
The repetition of "sea" in "they reached to the sea of Jazer" emphasizes the vastness of the vineyards' influence. The "sea of Jazer" could refer to a body of water near the city, symbolizing the full extent of Moab's agricultural success. This phrase underscores the completeness of the impending devastation, as even the most prosperous and far-reaching areas will not be spared. The destroyer has fallen on your summer fruit and grape harvest
The "destroyer" represents the invading forces, likely the Babylonians, who will bring ruin to Moab. The Hebrew word "שָׁדַד" (shadad) for "destroyer" conveys a sense of violence and desolation. The "summer fruit and grape harvest" symbolize the peak of Moab's agricultural productivity and wealth. The destruction of these signifies not only economic loss but also the end of a season of abundance and joy. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the fleeting nature of earthly prosperity. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and surrounding nations, including Moab. 2. MoabA nation east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel, and the subject of God's judgment in this chapter. 3. SibmahA location in Moab known for its vineyards, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. 4. JazerAnother location associated with Moab, also known for its fertile land and vineyards. 5. The DestroyerRepresents the invading forces or calamities that God allows to bring judgment upon Moab. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod's judgment on Moab's vineyards illustrates His control over nations and their prosperity. We must recognize His authority over all aspects of life. The Consequences of Pride and SinMoab's destruction serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. We should examine our lives for areas where we may be relying on our own strength rather than God's. The Importance of Spiritual FruitfulnessJust as Moab's physical fruit was destroyed, we are called to bear spiritual fruit that remains. Our connection to Christ, the true vine, is essential for this. Empathy and Compassion in JudgmentJeremiah's weeping for Moab shows that even in judgment, there is room for compassion. We should pray for and empathize with those who face God's discipline. The Transience of Earthly ProsperityMoab's lost vineyards remind us that earthly wealth and success are temporary. Our focus should be on eternal treasures and God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the vine in Jeremiah 48:32 relate to Jesus' teaching in John 15 about the true vine? 2. What can we learn from Jeremiah's response to Moab's judgment about how we should respond to the suffering of others? 3. In what ways might we be relying on our own "vineyards" or sources of security instead of trusting in God? 4. How does the destruction of Moab's vineyards serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of pride and sin? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are bearing spiritual fruit that remains, as described in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 16:8-9This passage also speaks of the destruction of Moab's vineyards, highlighting the theme of judgment and loss. John 15:1-8Jesus speaks of Himself as the true vine, contrasting the destruction of Moab's vine with the life-giving connection to Christ. Psalm 80:8-16Describes Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt, paralleling the imagery of vineyards and divine care or judgment. People Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, ZoarPlaces 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, ZoarTopics Across, Branches, Cut, Destroyer, Destruction, Fallen, Fruit, Fruits, Grape, Grapes, Harvest, Jaazer, Jazer, O, Passed, Plants, Reach, Reached, Ripened, Shoots, Sibmah, Spoiler, Spread, Stretched, Stretching, Summer, Tendrils, Vine, Vines, Vintage, Weep, Weeping, WeepsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:32 4416 branch
4458 grape
4534 vine Jeremiah 48:31-36 1135 God, suffering of Jeremiah 48:32-33 4435 drinking 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 Links Jeremiah 48:32 NIVJeremiah 48:32 NLTJeremiah 48:32 ESVJeremiah 48:32 NASBJeremiah 48:32 KJV
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