Jeremiah 48:43
Terror and pit and snare await you, O dweller of Moab," declares the LORD.
Terror
The Hebrew word for "terror" is "pachad," which conveys a sense of dread or fear that is overwhelming and paralyzing. In the context of Jeremiah 48, this terror is a divine judgment upon Moab, a nation that had often been in conflict with Israel. Historically, Moab was known for its pride and idolatry, and this terror signifies the impending doom that comes as a result of turning away from God. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, and the consequences of living outside His will.

and pit
The word "pit" in Hebrew is "pachath," which refers to a trap or a grave. This imagery is powerful, suggesting that those who try to escape the terror will fall into a pit, a common metaphor for destruction or death. Archaeologically, pits were often used in ancient warfare to trap enemies, and here it symbolizes the inescapable judgment of God. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the futility of trying to escape God's righteous judgment through human means.

and snare
The Hebrew term for "snare" is "pach," which is a trap used for catching animals. In the biblical context, a snare represents the cunning and unexpected nature of God's judgment. Historically, snares were used by hunters to capture prey, and this metaphor illustrates how Moab will be caught off guard by the divine retribution. For Christians, it serves as a caution against complacency and the importance of vigilance in spiritual life.

await you
The phrase "await you" indicates the certainty and imminence of the coming judgment. The Hebrew root "panah" suggests a turning or facing towards something inevitable. This conveys the idea that the Moabites cannot escape what is destined for them. In a broader theological sense, it underscores the certainty of God's promises, both of judgment and of salvation, and the importance of being prepared for His return.

O dweller of Moab
The term "dweller" refers to the inhabitants of Moab, a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew. Moab's history is marked by both kinship and enmity with Israel. The Moabites were often seen as a symbol of pride and self-reliance, which ultimately led to their downfall. This address serves as a personal and direct warning to the people of Moab, emphasizing that God's judgment is not just against nations but against individuals who persist in sin. For believers, it is a call to examine one's own life and ensure alignment with God's will.

declares the LORD
This phrase affirms the authority and certainty of the prophecy. The Hebrew word "ne'um" is often used to introduce divine pronouncements, underscoring that these are not mere human words but the sovereign declaration of Yahweh. It highlights the faithfulness of God to His word and His ultimate control over history. For Christians, it is a reminder of the trustworthiness of God's promises and the assurance that He will fulfill His word, both in judgment and in grace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of Judah and surrounding nations, including Moab.

2. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of God's judgment in this passage.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is declaring judgment upon Moab through the prophet Jeremiah.

4. Terror, Pit, and Snare
Metaphorical representations of the calamities and judgments that will befall Moab. These terms indicate the inescapable nature of God's judgment.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution that is prophesied to come upon Moab due to their sins and opposition to God's people.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Divine Judgment
God's declarations through His prophets are certain and will come to pass. The judgment on Moab serves as a reminder of the certainty of God's word.

The Inescapability of Sin's Consequences
The imagery of terror, pit, and snare highlights that there is no escape from the consequences of sin without repentance and turning to God.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's judgment on Moab demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. He holds all accountable to His standards.

The Call to Repentance
While the passage speaks of judgment, it also implicitly calls for repentance. Recognizing the impending judgment should lead individuals and nations to seek God's mercy.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah serve as God's messengers, warning of judgment and calling people back to righteousness. Their role is crucial in guiding people to understand God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of "terror, pit, and snare" in Jeremiah 48:43 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can the judgment on Moab serve as a warning for individuals and nations today?

3. How does the certainty of God's judgment, as seen in this passage, influence your understanding of His promises and warnings in other parts of Scripture?

4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment on Moab and the warnings given to other nations or individuals in the Bible?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 48:43 to our personal lives, particularly in terms of repentance and seeking God's mercy?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 24:17-18
This passage uses similar imagery of terror, pit, and snare, emphasizing the universality of God's judgment on sin.

Amos 5:19
Illustrates the inescapability of God's judgment, similar to the imagery in Jeremiah 48:43.

Psalm 18:5
Uses the imagery of snares and pits to describe the dangers and trials faced by the psalmist, which can be seen as a parallel to the judgment on Moab.
No Ultimate EscapeD. Young Jeremiah 48:43, 44
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
Affirmation, Await, Death, Declares, Fear, Gin, Inhabitant, Moab, Net, O, Pit, Says, Snare, Terror, Trap
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:43-44

     4257   pit
     5589   trap

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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