◄ Jeremiah 48:23 ►
upon Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,
Study Bible
upon Kiriathaim
Kiriathaim, meaning "double city" in Hebrew, is a location of historical significance in the biblical narrative. It was a city in the territory of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The mention of Kiriathaim in this verse is part of a prophecy against Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel. Historically, Kiriathaim was a city that changed hands between the Moabites and the Israelites, reflecting the turbulent history of the region. The prophecy against Kiriathaim signifies God's judgment upon Moab for its pride and idolatry. This serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over nations and His intolerance of sin, calling believers to humility and faithfulness.

upon Beth-gamul
Beth-gamul, meaning "house of recompense" or "house of the weaned," is another city in Moab. The name itself suggests a place of maturity or completion, possibly indicating a city of significance or strength within Moab. The prophecy against Beth-gamul highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, reaching even the fortified and seemingly secure places. This serves as a warning that no earthly power or security can withstand the righteous judgment of God. For believers, it is a call to place trust not in worldly strength but in the Lord, who is the ultimate source of security and justice.

upon Beth-meon
Beth-meon, also known as Baal-meon, means "house of habitation" or "house of Baal's habitation." This city was associated with the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, which was a significant source of idolatry and apostasy in the region. The mention of Beth-meon in the prophecy underscores God's judgment against idolatry and false worship. It serves as a powerful reminder of the first commandment, to have no other gods before the Lord. For the faithful, this is an exhortation to examine one's life for any form of idolatry, whether it be material possessions, status, or other distractions, and to renew their commitment to worship God alone in spirit and truth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kiriathaim
An ancient city in Moab, often associated with the tribe of Reuben. It is mentioned in the context of judgment against Moab, indicating its significance in the region.

2. Beth-gamul
A town in Moab, whose name means "house of recompense." It is part of the list of cities facing judgment, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's pronouncement against Moab.

3. Beth-meon
Another Moabite city, also known as Baal-meon. It is included in the prophetic declaration of judgment, emphasizing the widespread impact of God's justice.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The inclusion of specific cities in Moab in Jeremiah 48:23 demonstrates God's intimate knowledge and control over nations. He is not a distant deity but one who is actively involved in the affairs of the world.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Moab's judgment serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. As believers, we must guard our hearts against these sins, recognizing that they lead to destruction.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Moab assures us of the reliability of God's Word. We can trust that what God has spoken will come to pass.

The Call to Repentance
While the prophecy is one of judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance. We are reminded of the opportunity to turn back to God and seek His mercy.
Bible Study Questions
1. What historical significance do the cities of Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon hold in the context of Moab, and how does this enhance our understanding of Jeremiah 48:23?

2. How does the judgment pronounced on Moab in Jeremiah 48:23 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's justice against nations?

3. In what ways can the pride and idolatry of Moab serve as a warning for us today in our personal lives and communities?

4. How do the prophecies concerning Moab in Jeremiah and other books of the Bible reinforce the reliability and authority of Scripture?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in a way that honors God and avoids the pitfalls that led to Moab's downfall?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 32:37-38
These verses mention the rebuilding of cities in Moab by the tribe of Reuben, including Kiriathaim and Baal-meon, providing historical context to Jeremiah's prophecy.

Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, offering a parallel to Jeremiah's prophecy and underscoring the consistency of God's message through different prophets.

Ezekiel 25:8-11
This passage speaks of God's judgment on Moab, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for Moab's pride and idolatry.
Sermons
The Strong Staff and the Beautiful RodW. R. Williams.
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
Beth, Bethgamul, Beth-gamul, Beth-ga'mul, Bethmeon, Beth-meon, Beth-me'on, Gamul, Kiriathaim, Kiriatha'im, Kirjathaim, Meon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:20

     4260   rivers and streams

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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