Jeremiah 48:20

Moab is put to shame, for it has been shattered. Wail and cry out! Declare by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed.

Study Bible

Moab has been put to shame
The phrase "Moab has been put to shame" speaks to the humiliation and disgrace that has come upon the nation of Moab. In the Hebrew text, the word for "shame" is "בּוּשׁ" (bush), which conveys a deep sense of embarrassment and dishonor. Historically, Moab was a neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with God's people. This shame is a result of their pride and idolatry, as they trusted in their own strength and false gods rather than the one true God. The prophetic declaration serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable downfall that follows pride and self-reliance.

for it is shattered
The word "shattered" in Hebrew is "שָׁבַר" (shabar), which means to break or destroy. This conveys the total destruction and ruin that has come upon Moab. The imagery of something being shattered suggests irreparable damage, highlighting the severity of God's judgment. This serves as a warning to all nations and individuals about the dangers of defying God's will and the ultimate futility of opposing His divine plans.

Wail and cry out!
The call to "Wail and cry out!" is an exhortation for the people to express their deep sorrow and lamentation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wailing was a common expression of grief and mourning. This phrase underscores the depth of Moab's despair and the recognition of their dire situation. It is a call to repentance, urging the people to turn back to God in their time of distress, acknowledging their sins and seeking His mercy.

Announce by the Arnon
The "Arnon" refers to a river that served as a boundary between Moab and the Amorites, and later between Moab and Israel. The call to "announce by the Arnon" signifies the public proclamation of Moab's downfall. The Arnon, being a significant geographical landmark, symbolizes the extent of Moab's influence and the widespread impact of their judgment. This announcement serves as a testimony to surrounding nations of God's justice and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.

that Moab is destroyed
The declaration "that Moab is destroyed" confirms the complete and utter devastation of the nation. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" is "שָׁדַד" (shadad), which implies being laid waste or despoiled. This finality emphasizes the seriousness of God's judgment against Moab for their persistent sin and rebellion. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living in opposition to God's commands and the certainty of His righteous judgment. This destruction is not just a physical ruin but also a spiritual and moral collapse, highlighting the need for repentance and alignment with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is frequently mentioned in the Bible as an enemy of Israel and a symbol of pride and idolatry.

2. Arnon
A river and a significant geographical boundary in the region, often marking the border between Moab and its neighbors. It serves as a point of reference for the proclamation of Moab's destruction.

3. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. His prophecies often called for repentance and warned of impending judgment.

4. Destruction of Moab
A prophetic event where Moab faces divine judgment due to its pride and idolatry. This serves as a warning to other nations and individuals about the consequences of turning away from God.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. We are called to humble ourselves before God and acknowledge our dependence on Him.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
Just as Moab faced judgment, we are reminded that God's justice is certain. This should lead us to live righteously and warn others of the consequences of sin.

The Call to Repentance
The destruction of Moab is a call to repentance for all nations and individuals. We must turn away from idolatry and seek God's forgiveness and guidance.

The Role of Prophecy
Jeremiah's prophecy highlights the importance of listening to God's word and responding appropriately. We should be attentive to the messages God sends through His Word and His messengers.

The Importance of Lament
The call to wail and cry out reflects the biblical practice of lament. It is important to express sorrow for sin and its consequences, both personally and corporately.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the destruction of Moab illustrate the consequences of pride and idolatry in our own lives today?

2. In what ways can we heed the warnings of God's judgment as seen in Jeremiah 48:20 and other prophetic scriptures?

3. How can the practice of lament, as called for in this verse, be incorporated into our personal and communal spiritual lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of prophecy in the Bible, particularly in the context of Jeremiah's message to Moab?

5. How can we apply the themes of humility and repentance from this passage to our daily walk with God, and what other scriptures support these themes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also prophesy the downfall of Moab, highlighting the themes of lament and judgment due to Moab's pride and idolatry.

Psalm 60:8
This verse mentions Moab as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and humiliation, reinforcing the theme of Moab's downfall.

Zephaniah 2:8-11
These verses speak of God's judgment on Moab and Ammon for their pride and insults against His people, emphasizing the broader theme of divine justice.