◄ Jeremiah 48:47 ►
Yet in the latter days I will restore Moab from captivity," declares the LORD. Here ends the judgment on Moab.
Study Bible
Yet in the latter days
This phrase indicates a future time, often associated with eschatological events or the fulfillment of divine promises. In the Hebrew context, "latter days" (אַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים, acharit hayamim) can refer to a distant future or the end times. It suggests a period when God's ultimate plans for nations and individuals will come to fruition. This phrase provides hope and assurance that God's timeline is sovereign and purposeful, even when current circumstances seem bleak.

I will restore
The Hebrew root for "restore" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or bring back. It conveys the idea of a reversal of fortune or a return to a former state of well-being. In the biblical narrative, restoration is a recurring theme, reflecting God's mercy and faithfulness. Despite Moab's judgment, God's promise to restore signifies His grace and the possibility of redemption and renewal for all who turn back to Him.

Moab
Moab was a nation east of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and their history is intertwined with Israel's. Archaeological findings, such as the Mesha Stele, provide insights into Moab's culture and conflicts. In the biblical context, Moab's judgment is due to its pride and idolatry, yet God's promise to restore Moab highlights His overarching plan for all nations, emphasizing that no nation is beyond His reach or redemption.

from captivity
Captivity (שְׁבוּת, shevut) refers to the state of being exiled or imprisoned. Historically, captivity was a common consequence of military defeat, leading to the displacement of populations. For Moab, this captivity symbolizes both physical and spiritual bondage. God's promise to free Moab from captivity underscores His power to liberate and transform, offering hope that He can deliver from any form of bondage, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.

declares the LORD
This phrase affirms the authority and certainty of the message. "Declares" (נְאֻם, neum) is a prophetic term used to convey the direct speech of God. The use of "the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) emphasizes the covenantal name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and unchanging nature. When God declares something, it is assured and trustworthy, providing believers with confidence in His promises and His ultimate plan for restoration and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of nations, including Israel and its neighbors.

2. Moab
An ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of judgment in Jeremiah 48, but also of eventual restoration.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who pronounces both judgment and restoration for Moab, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations.

4. Captivity
Refers to the period of exile and subjugation that Moab would experience as a result of divine judgment, but from which they would eventually be restored.

5. Latter Days
A prophetic term often used to indicate a future time when God will fulfill His promises, including restoration and redemption.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, not just Israel. His plans include both judgment and restoration, demonstrating His ultimate authority.

Hope in Restoration
Even in judgment, God provides hope for the future. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises of restoration and redemption.

The Nature of Prophecy
Prophecies often contain both immediate and future fulfillments. Understanding this helps believers interpret biblical prophecies accurately.

God's Mercy and Justice
God's character is revealed in His dealings with Moab. He is just in His judgments but also merciful, offering restoration.

Application to Personal Life
Just as God promised restoration to Moab, He offers personal restoration to those who turn to Him. Believers can find hope in God's redemptive work in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of Moab's restoration in Jeremiah 48:47 reflect God's character as both just and merciful?

2. In what ways can the concept of "latter days" in Jeremiah 48:47 be applied to our understanding of God's future plans for His people?

3. How does the theme of restoration in Jeremiah 48:47 connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?

4. What can we learn from God's dealings with Moab about His sovereignty over nations and individuals today?

5. How can the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 48:47 encourage us in our personal walk with God, especially during times of difficulty or judgment?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 11:11
This verse speaks of the Lord's promise to recover the remnant of His people, which parallels the theme of restoration found in Jeremiah 48:47.

Amos 9:14
Amos prophesies the restoration of Israel, similar to the restoration promised to Moab, highlighting God's mercy and faithfulness.

Zephaniah 2:9
This verse also addresses Moab, predicting its downfall but implying future hope, aligning with the restoration theme in Jeremiah.

Romans 11:26
Paul speaks of the eventual salvation of Israel, reflecting the broader biblical theme of restoration for God's people and nations.
Sermons
No Ultimate EscapeD. Young
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, Bring, Captivity, Changed, Declares, Ends, Fate, Fortunes, Hitherto, Judgement, Judgment, Latter, Moab, Restore, Says, Thus, Turn, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:46

     5246   captivity
     8747   false gods

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 48:47 NIV
Jeremiah 48:47 NLT
Jeremiah 48:47 ESV
Jeremiah 48:47 NASB
Jeremiah 48:47 KJV

Jeremiah 48:47 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Jeremiah 48:46
Top of Page
Top of Page