In Moab, declares the LORD, I will bring an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods. Moreover, I will put an end to MoabThe phrase "I will put an end" is a declaration of divine judgment. In Hebrew, the word used here is "שָׁבַת" (shavat), which means to cease or to bring to an end. This reflects God's sovereign power to bring about the cessation of a nation or people. Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel, is here subject to God's judgment due to their persistent idolatry and opposition to His people. Historically, Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, and its people were descendants of Lot. This pronouncement underscores the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences of such actions. declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a common prophetic formula that emphasizes the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew word "נְאֻם" (ne'um) is used, which signifies a solemn declaration. This is not merely a prediction but a divine decree from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It assures the reader that the words spoken are not of human origin but are the authoritative word of God, who is faithful to His promises and just in His judgments. the one who offers sacrifices on the high places
"High places" in Hebrew is "בָּמוֹת" (bamot), referring to elevated sites often used for worship. These were locations where the Moabites, like many other ancient Near Eastern peoples, conducted religious rituals and sacrifices. Such practices were contrary to the worship of Yahweh, who commanded that sacrifices be made only at the designated place of worship in Jerusalem. The use of high places is indicative of syncretism and idolatry, which were abominations in the sight of God. This phrase highlights the specific sin of idolatry that led to Moab's downfall. and burns incense to his gods
Burning incense was a common religious practice in the ancient world, symbolizing prayers or offerings to deities. The Hebrew word for "burns incense" is "קָטַר" (qatar), which involves the act of offering fragrant smoke to gods. The phrase "to his gods" indicates the polytheistic nature of Moabite religion, which was in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. This practice of idolatry is a key reason for the divine judgment pronounced against Moab. It serves as a reminder of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of the one true God, and the dangers of deviating from this command. Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabAn ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. 2. High PlacesElevated sites where people worshiped and offered sacrifices, often associated with pagan rituals and idolatry. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is declaring judgment against Moab for their idolatry. 4. Sacrifices and IncenseActs of worship directed towards false gods, which were common in Moabite religious practices. 5. JeremiahThe prophet through whom God delivers this message of judgment against Moab. Teaching Points God's Judgment on IdolatryGod is serious about idolatry and will not tolerate the worship of false gods. This serves as a warning to remain faithful to Him. The Danger of High PlacesHigh places symbolize the elevation of anything above God in our lives. We must identify and remove these "high places" from our hearts. The Call to Exclusive WorshipJust as God called Israel to exclusive worship, Christians are called to worship God alone, avoiding modern forms of idolatry. The Consequences of PrideMoab's downfall is partly due to their pride. Humility before God is essential for His favor and protection. The Role of ProphetsJeremiah's role as a prophet reminds us of the importance of listening to God's messengers and heeding His warnings. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern "high places" that can distract us from worshiping God exclusively? 2. How does the judgment against Moab reflect God's character and His view on idolatry? 3. In what ways can pride lead to spiritual downfall, as seen in the example of Moab? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 48:35 to ensure our worship remains pure and focused on God? 5. What other biblical examples illustrate the consequences of idolatry, and how can they inform our spiritual walk today? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 12:2-3God commands Israel to destroy the high places of the nations they conquer, highlighting His disdain for idolatry. Isaiah 16:6-14Another prophecy against Moab, emphasizing their pride and the coming judgment. 1 Kings 11:7Solomon's building of high places for foreign gods, illustrating the temptation and danger of idolatry even for Israel. Psalm 115:4-8A description of the futility of idol worship, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols. Romans 1:21-23Paul speaks of humanity's tendency to exchange the glory of God for images, a New Testament reflection on idolatry. 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 Affirmation, Bring, Burn, Burneth, Burning, Burns, Cause, Caused, Cease, Declares, Gods, Incense, Making, Moab, Moreover, Offereth, Offering, Offerings, Offers, Perfume, Perfumes, Places, Sacrifice, SaysDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:35 7386 incense
7442 shrine Jeremiah 48:31-36 1135 God, suffering of 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 48:35 NIVJeremiah 48:35 NLTJeremiah 48:35 ESVJeremiah 48:35 NASBJeremiah 48:35 KJV
Jeremiah 48:35 Commentaries
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