Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard and from the fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy; their shouts are not for joy. Joy and gladnessThe Hebrew words for "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) and "gladness" (שָׂשׂוֹן, sason) often appear together in the Old Testament to describe a state of celebration and happiness, typically associated with God's blessings and abundance. In the context of Moab, these terms highlight the stark contrast between the previous prosperity and the impending desolation. Historically, Moab was a region known for its fertile lands and agricultural success, which would naturally lead to joy and gladness during harvest times. The removal of these emotions signifies a divine judgment and a cessation of God's favor. are removed
The phrase "are removed" indicates a divine intervention where God actively takes away the joy and gladness from Moab. The Hebrew root for "removed" (אָסַף, asaph) can also mean "to gather" or "to take away," suggesting a deliberate act of God in response to Moab's sins. This removal is not just a natural consequence but a purposeful act of judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of Moab's transgressions against God. from the fruitful field
The "fruitful field" (כַּרְמֶל, karmel) refers to the fertile and productive agricultural lands of Moab. This term is often used in the Bible to describe lands blessed by God with abundance and prosperity. The loss of joy and gladness from such a place underscores the severity of the judgment, as it affects the very source of Moab's economic and social well-being. Historically, Moab's economy relied heavily on agriculture, making this loss particularly devastating. and from the land of Moab
Moab was a nation east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. The "land of Moab" (אֶרֶץ מוֹאָב, eretz Moab) is significant in biblical history, as it was both a place of refuge and conflict for the Israelites. The judgment pronounced here is comprehensive, affecting the entire nation. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to execute judgment beyond the borders of Israel. I have stopped the flow of wine from the winepresses
The imagery of stopping the "flow of wine" (יַיִן, yayin) from the "winepresses" (גַּת, gat) is powerful, as wine is often a symbol of joy, celebration, and divine blessing in the Bible. The cessation of wine production signifies a halt to the economic and social activities that bring joy and sustenance. In ancient times, winepresses were central to community life, and their silence would be a clear sign of desolation and divine displeasure. no one will tread them with shouts of joy
The act of treading grapes in the winepress was typically accompanied by "shouts of joy" (הֵדָד, hedad), a communal expression of happiness and celebration. The absence of these shouts indicates a profound loss of community spirit and celebration. This phrase highlights the complete reversal of fortune for Moab, where once there was abundance and joy, now there is silence and despair. Their shouting will be not shouts of joy
This final phrase reinforces the theme of judgment and loss. The "shouting" (הֵדָד, hedad) that remains is not one of joy but likely of lamentation and mourning. This serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows. The repetition of the concept underscores the totality of the transformation from joy to sorrow, a powerful message of the seriousness of divine judgment. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and the surrounding nations. 2. MoabAn ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the focus of this prophecy, facing divine judgment for its pride and idolatry. 3. WinepressesSymbolic of abundance and joy in ancient agricultural societies. The cessation of wine production signifies a loss of prosperity and celebration. Teaching Points The Consequences of Pride and IdolatryMoab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. Just as Moab's joy and prosperity were removed, so too can our blessings be withdrawn if we turn away from God. The Sovereignty of God in JudgmentGod's control over the nations is evident. He can bring prosperity or judgment according to His will. We must recognize His sovereignty and align our lives with His purposes. The Loss of Joy Without GodTrue joy and gladness are found in a relationship with God. When we distance ourselves from Him, we risk losing the deeper joy that sustains us through life's challenges. The Importance of RepentanceThe prophecy against Moab underscores the need for repentance. Turning back to God can restore what has been lost and bring renewal. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the judgment of Moab in Jeremiah 48:33 reflect the broader theme of divine justice in the Bible? 2. In what ways can pride lead to a loss of joy and prosperity in our own lives, as seen in the example of Moab? 3. How does the imagery of the winepress in Jeremiah 48:33 connect to other biblical passages that discuss joy and abundance? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our joy is rooted in our relationship with God rather than in material prosperity? 5. How can the message of repentance in Jeremiah 48:33 inspire us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration in our personal lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 16This chapter also contains prophecies against Moab, highlighting the nation's pride and the resulting judgment. Joel 1:10-12Describes a similar scene of agricultural devastation and the removal of joy, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God. Lamentations 1:15Reflects on the loss of joy and the trampling of the winepress, symbolizing God's judgment on Jerusalem, which parallels Moab's fate. 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 Although, Caused, Cease, Crushed, Crushing, Fail, Fertile, Field, Fields, Flow, Fruitful, Glad, Gladness, Grapes, Joy, Longer, Moab, None, Orchards, Plentiful, Presses, Proceed, Removed, Shout, Shouting, Shouts, Stopped, Tread, Treads, Vessels, Voices, Wine, Winepresses, Wine-pressesDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:33 4544 wine
4546 winepress 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 48:33 NIVJeremiah 48:33 NLTJeremiah 48:33 ESVJeremiah 48:33 NASBJeremiah 48:33 KJV
Jeremiah 48:33 Commentaries
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