Jeremiah 48:14
How can you say, 'We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle'?
How can you say
This phrase challenges the self-perception and declarations of the Moabites. In the Hebrew text, the word for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which implies not just speaking but also thinking or believing. The rhetorical question posed by Jeremiah is meant to provoke introspection among the Moabites, questioning the validity of their self-assessment. Historically, the Moabites were known for their pride and confidence in their military prowess, but this verse calls into question the basis of that confidence, suggesting a disconnect between their perception and reality.

We are mighty warriors
The term "mighty warriors" in Hebrew is "גִּבּוֹרִים" (gibborim), which denotes not just physical strength but also valor and heroism. This phrase reflects the Moabites' self-image as formidable and courageous fighters. However, the context of Jeremiah's prophecy indicates that this self-image is inflated and ultimately unfounded. The Moabites' reliance on their own strength is contrasted with the power and judgment of God, who is about to bring them low. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that true strength and might come from reliance on God rather than human capabilities.

men valiant in battle
The phrase "men valiant in battle" further emphasizes the Moabites' self-assuredness in their military capabilities. The Hebrew word for "valiant" is "חַיִל" (chayil), which can also mean capable, efficient, or strong. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe warriors who are not only brave but also skilled and effective in combat. However, Jeremiah's prophecy reveals the futility of such human attributes when they are not aligned with God's will. The historical context shows that despite their past victories and reputation, the Moabites would not withstand the coming judgment. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moab
An ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of God's judgment in Jeremiah 48.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab.

3. Mighty Warriors
Refers to the self-perception of Moab's military strength and valor, which God challenges through Jeremiah.

4. Valiant Men
Highlights the pride and confidence Moab had in their warriors, which is contrasted with their impending defeat.

5. Judgment of Moab
The broader context of Jeremiah 48, where God pronounces judgment on Moab for their pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Moab's self-assuredness in their military might serves as a warning against pride. Believers should examine areas where they might be relying on their own strength rather than God's.

False Security
Trusting in worldly power or status can lead to downfall. Christians are encouraged to place their security in God alone.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's pronouncement against Moab reminds us that He is sovereign over all nations and will judge pride and idolatry.

The Call to Humility
The passage calls believers to humility, recognizing that true strength and valor come from God.

Repentance and Restoration
While the focus is on judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope for restoration through repentance, applicable to both individuals and nations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the pride of Moab in Jeremiah 48:14 reflect attitudes we might see in today's society or in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our confidence is placed in God rather than in our own abilities or resources?

3. How does the judgment of Moab serve as a warning to nations and individuals today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility in our daily walk with God?

5. How can the themes of judgment and restoration in Jeremiah 48 encourage us to seek God's grace and forgiveness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 16
Isaiah also prophesies against Moab, highlighting their pride and eventual downfall, similar to Jeremiah's message.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing subjugation and humiliation, which aligns with the judgment theme in Jeremiah.

Proverbs 16:18
The principle that pride precedes destruction is evident in Moab's downfall, as they boasted of their might.

1 Corinthians 10:12
A New Testament reminder that those who think they stand firm should be careful not to fall, paralleling Moab's misplaced confidence.

James 4:6
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, a principle that Moab failed to heed.
The Ease of MoabA.F. Muir
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
Battle, Fighters, Heroes, Mighty, Strength, Strong, Valiant, Valour, War, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:13

     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

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