Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him wanderers, who will pour him out. They will empty his vessels and shatter his jars. Therefore beholdThe phrase "Therefore behold" serves as a divine announcement, a call to attention for the listener or reader. In Hebrew, "behold" is often translated from the word "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which is used to draw attention to something significant. It is a divine alert, indicating that what follows is of utmost importance and certainty. This phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God, who is about to declare His judgment. the days are coming
This phrase is a prophetic formula used frequently in the Old Testament to indicate the certainty of future events. It suggests an appointed time in God's divine plan. The Hebrew word for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) can refer to a specific period marked by significant events. Here, it implies an impending judgment that is inevitable and divinely orchestrated. declares the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the source of the prophecy. "Declares" is translated from the Hebrew word "נְאֻם" (ne'um), which is often used in prophetic literature to assert the authority and authenticity of the message. The use of "the LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) highlights the covenantal name of God, reminding the audience of His eternal nature and His relationship with His people. It assures the reader that the message is not from a human source but from God Himself. when I will send to him pourers
The imagery of "pourers" is unique and vivid. In the context of ancient winemaking, pourers would decant wine from one vessel to another, often to remove sediment. The Hebrew root for "pourers" (צָעִים, tsa'im) suggests those who cause to flow or spill. This metaphor indicates that God will send agents of His judgment to Moab, symbolizing a thorough and complete action of emptying and cleansing. who will tip him over
The action of tipping over suggests a complete overturning or destabilization. In the Hebrew context, this phrase conveys the idea of being overthrown or brought to ruin. It signifies the totality of God's judgment against Moab, leaving no part untouched. This imagery is powerful, illustrating the complete and inescapable nature of divine retribution. they will empty his vessels
The vessels represent the wealth, security, and pride of Moab. To "empty" (רֵק, req) in Hebrew means to make void or desolate. This action signifies the stripping away of all that Moab relied upon, leaving them barren and exposed. It is a metaphor for the loss of prosperity and the futility of relying on material strength. and shatter his jars
The shattering of jars is a symbol of destruction and irreparability. In ancient times, jars were essential for storing valuable goods, and their breaking would signify a loss beyond recovery. The Hebrew word for "shatter" (נָפַץ, naphats) implies a violent breaking. This imagery conveys the finality of God's judgment, leaving Moab in a state of ruin and hopelessness. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and surrounding nations, including Moab. 2. MoabA nation east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of God's judgment in this chapter. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and judge over all nations. 4. Those who tip vesselsSymbolic agents of God's judgment, possibly referring to invading armies or divine forces that will bring about Moab's downfall. 5. Vessels and jarsMetaphors for Moab's wealth, stability, and pride, which will be overturned and shattered as a result of God's judgment. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and their destinies. No nation, regardless of its power or pride, is beyond His reach or judgment. The Consequences of PrideMoab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Nations and individuals alike must recognize their dependence on God. Divine Judgment is InevitableGod's judgment may be delayed, but it is certain. This should lead to repentance and humility before God. Symbolism of VesselsThe imagery of vessels being tipped and shattered can be applied to our lives. We must ensure our "vessels" are filled with righteousness and not pride or sin. Hope in God's JusticeWhile judgment is severe, it is also just. Believers can find hope in the fact that God will ultimately set things right. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "tipping vessels" in Jeremiah 48:12 help us understand the nature of God's judgment on Moab? 2. In what ways can the pride of Moab be seen in today's world, and how should Christians respond to such pride? 3. How does the prophecy against Moab in Jeremiah 48 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations? 4. What personal "vessels" in your life might need to be examined and possibly "tipped" to align more closely with God's will? 5. How can the certainty of God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 48:12, encourage believers to live lives of repentance and humility? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 16This chapter also contains a prophecy against Moab, highlighting the nation's pride and eventual downfall, similar to Jeremiah 48. 2 Kings 24:2Describes how God sent raiders against Judah, illustrating how God uses nations as instruments of His judgment, akin to the "tippers" in Jeremiah 48:12. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the judgment on Moab, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution against prideful nations. 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, Behold, Bottles, Break, Broken, Cause, Caused, Completely, Dash, Declares, Empty, Flagons, Jars, Jugs, Pieces, Pour, Pourers, Says, Shatter, Smash, Till, Tilt, Tilters, Tip, Truly, Vessels, Wander, Wanderers, Wine, Wine-skinsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:12 5445 potters and pottery 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 48:12 NIVJeremiah 48:12 NLTJeremiah 48:12 ESVJeremiah 48:12 NASBJeremiah 48:12 KJV
Jeremiah 48:12 Commentaries
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