◄ Jeremiah 48:7 ►
Because you trust in your works and treasures, you too will be captured, and Chemosh will go into exile with his priests and officials.
Study Bible
Because you trust
The Hebrew root for "trust" is "בָּטַח" (batach), which conveys a sense of reliance or confidence. In the context of Moab, this trust is misplaced, as it is directed towards their own achievements and material wealth rather than God. This serves as a cautionary reminder for believers to place their trust in God alone, as human efforts and possessions are ultimately fleeting and unreliable.

in your works
The term "works" refers to the accomplishments and deeds of the Moabites. Historically, Moab was known for its agricultural productivity and craftsmanship. However, the emphasis here is on the futility of relying on human endeavors for security. This reflects a broader biblical theme that true security and salvation come from God, not from human achievements.

and treasures
"Treasures" in this context refers to the wealth and material possessions accumulated by the Moabites. The Hebrew word "אוֹצָר" (otzar) implies stored riches or valuables. Archaeological findings in the region have uncovered evidence of Moab's prosperity, yet this verse underscores the transient nature of material wealth. It serves as a reminder that earthly riches cannot provide ultimate security or salvation.

you too will be captured
The phrase "will be captured" indicates the impending judgment and downfall of Moab. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Babylonians conquered Moab. The certainty of this outcome highlights the consequences of misplaced trust and serves as a warning to all nations and individuals who rely on anything other than God for their security.

Chemosh
Chemosh was the national deity of the Moabites, often associated with war and destruction. The mention of Chemosh going into exile signifies the impotence of false gods in the face of the true God's judgment. This serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of idolatry and the supremacy of the God of Israel.

will go into exile
The concept of exile here is both literal and symbolic. Literally, it refers to the deportation of the Moabites and their idols by conquering forces. Symbolically, it represents the spiritual desolation that comes from turning away from God. Exile is a recurring theme in the Bible, often used to illustrate the consequences of sin and the hope of eventual restoration through repentance.

with his priests and officials
The inclusion of "priests and officials" highlights the comprehensive nature of Moab's downfall. The religious and political leaders, who were responsible for guiding the people, are also subject to judgment. This underscores the biblical principle that leaders bear a significant responsibility for the spiritual direction of their people and will be held accountable for their actions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moab
An ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the primary subject of Jeremiah 48, facing judgment for its pride and idolatry.

2. Chemosh
The national deity of the Moabites, often associated with child sacrifice and idolatry. Chemosh's exile signifies the downfall of Moab's spiritual and cultural identity.

3. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. His prophecies often called for repentance and warned of consequences for sin.

4. Priests and Officials of Moab
Religious and political leaders who led the people in idolatry and were complicit in Moab's reliance on false gods and material wealth.

5. Exile
The event of being forcibly removed from one's homeland, often as a result of divine judgment. For Moab, this exile is a consequence of misplaced trust and idolatry.
Teaching Points
Misplaced Trust
Trusting in material wealth and human achievements leads to downfall. True security is found in God alone.

Idolatry's Consequences
Idolatry, whether ancient or modern, results in spiritual exile and separation from God. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry.

Divine Judgment
God's judgment is just and inevitable for those who persist in sin. Repentance and turning to God are essential.

Leadership Accountability
Religious and political leaders bear responsibility for guiding people in truth. Their failure can lead to national consequences.

Hope in Exile
Even in judgment, there is hope for restoration. God's discipline aims to bring people back to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern equivalents of "works and treasures" that people might trust in today, and how can we guard against this?

2. How does the concept of exile in Jeremiah 48:7 relate to spiritual separation from God, and what steps can we take to avoid this in our lives?

3. In what ways can leaders today learn from the mistakes of Moab's priests and officials, and how can they lead with integrity?

4. How does the theme of idolatry in Jeremiah 48:7 connect with other biblical warnings against idolatry, and what practical steps can we take to identify and remove idols in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead you to a deeper trust in Him, and how can you apply this lesson to current challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 16
This chapter also addresses Moab, highlighting its pride and the impending judgment, similar to Jeremiah's message.

Psalm 115
Discusses the futility of idols, emphasizing that those who trust in them will become like them, powerless and ineffective.

Proverbs 11:28
Warns that those who trust in riches will fall, paralleling Moab's misplaced trust in its works and treasures.

1 Timothy 6:17
Advises believers not to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to trust in God, who provides richly.
Sermons
The Consequence of a Wrong ConfidenceD. Young Jeremiah 48:7
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
Achievements, Captive, Captivity, Captured, Chemosh, Confided, Deeds, Exile, Faith, Forth, Hast, Heads, Officials, Places, Priests, Princes, Prisoner, Removal, Riches, Rulers, Strong, Strongholds, Treasures, Trust, Trusted, Trusting, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:7

     5413   money, attitudes
     5503   rich, the
     5776   achievement
     8032   trust, lack of
     8354   trustworthiness
     8747   false gods
     8812   riches, ungodly use

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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