"How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him." How shattered it is!The Hebrew word for "shattered" is "חָתַת" (chathath), which conveys a sense of being broken, dismayed, or terrified. This word paints a vivid picture of Moab's complete destruction and the psychological impact of their downfall. Historically, Moab was a nation often in conflict with Israel, and their pride and idolatry led to their eventual judgment. The shattering of Moab symbolizes the inevitable collapse of any nation or individual who stands in opposition to God's will. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of human strength when it is not aligned with divine purpose. How they wail!
The expression of wailing, "יָלַל" (yalal) in Hebrew, indicates a loud, mournful cry, often associated with deep sorrow or lamentation. This wailing is not just a response to physical destruction but also to the loss of identity and status. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wailing was a communal activity, reflecting collective grief. The wailing of Moab signifies the profound despair that comes when a nation realizes the futility of its rebellion against God. It is a call to repentance and a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from divine truth. How Moab has turned his back in shame!
The phrase "turned his back in shame" suggests a retreat or withdrawal in disgrace. The Hebrew root "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh) for "shame" implies a sense of humiliation and public dishonor. Moab's turning away is not just a physical act but a symbolic representation of their acknowledgment of defeat and failure. In biblical times, turning one's back was a sign of submission and acknowledgment of a superior power. This imagery underscores the theme of divine justice and the humbling of those who exalt themselves against God. Moab has become a derision
The term "derision" comes from the Hebrew "שְׂחֹק" (sechoq), meaning mockery or scorn. Moab, once a proud and influential nation, is now the subject of ridicule among its neighbors. This transformation from pride to derision highlights the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It serves as a warning to all who trust in their own strength and wisdom rather than in the Lord. and a horror to all those around him
The word "horror" is translated from the Hebrew "מְחוֹרָה" (mechora), indicating something that causes terror or dread. Moab's fate becomes a cautionary tale, instilling fear in surrounding nations. This reflects the broader biblical narrative where God's judgments serve as lessons for others, emphasizing His sovereignty and the seriousness of sin. The horror experienced by Moab's neighbors is a testament to the power of God's justice and the ultimate triumph of His righteousness over human rebellion. Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabAn ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of God's judgment in this passage. 2. JeremiahA prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. 3. Judgment of MoabThe event described in this passage, where Moab faces destruction and shame as a result of their actions and God's judgment. Teaching Points The Consequences of PrideMoab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and arrogance. Pride can lead to shame and destruction, as seen in Moab's example. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe passage reminds us of God's control over nations and His ability to bring about justice. We should trust in His righteous judgment. Repentance and HumilityThe shame and derision faced by Moab highlight the importance of repentance and humility before God. We should seek to humble ourselves and turn from sin. The Impact of Sin on ReputationMoab's transformation into a "derision and a horror" illustrates how sin can tarnish a reputation. We should strive to live lives that honor God and maintain a good witness. The Certainty of God's WordThe fulfillment of prophecy concerning Moab assures us of the reliability of God's Word. We can trust in His promises and warnings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the judgment of Moab in Jeremiah 48:39 reflect the consequences of pride and arrogance in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and justice in the events described in Jeremiah 48:39, and how does this influence our trust in Him? 3. How can the themes of repentance and humility in this passage be applied to our personal walk with God? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moab's downfall about the importance of maintaining a good reputation and witness for Christ? 5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jeremiah 48:39 encourage us to trust in the reliability and truth of God's Word in other areas of our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 15-16These chapters also prophesy the downfall of Moab, highlighting the consistency of God's message through different prophets. Psalm 60:8This verse mentions Moab as a "washbasin," symbolizing subjugation and humiliation, similar to the derision mentioned in Jeremiah 48:39. Zephaniah 2:8-11This passage speaks of Moab's pride and arrogance, which leads to their downfall, aligning with the themes of shame and derision in Jeremiah 48:39. 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 Ashamed, Back-he, Broken, Cause, Derision, Dismay, Dismaying, Fear, Horror, Howl, Howled, Laughingstock, Moab, Moab's, Neck, Object, Ridicule, Round, Saying, Shame, Shattered, Sport, Terror, Turns, Wail, WailedDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:38-39 5801 brokenness 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 48:39 NIVJeremiah 48:39 NLTJeremiah 48:39 ESVJeremiah 48:39 NASBJeremiah 48:39 KJV
Jeremiah 48:39 Commentaries
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