◄ Jeremiah 48:4 ►
Moab will be shattered; her little ones will cry out.
Study Bible
Moab
The name "Moab" refers to the nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, through an incestuous relationship with his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). Historically, Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, in present-day Jordan. The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, and their land was known for its rich pastures and fertile fields. In the context of Jeremiah, Moab symbolizes a nation that has turned away from God, relying on its own strength and false gods. The prophecy against Moab serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and idolatry.

will be shattered
The Hebrew root for "shattered" is "שָׁבַר" (shabar), which means to break, destroy, or crush. This word conveys a sense of complete destruction and ruin. In the prophetic context, it signifies God's judgment upon Moab for its arrogance and sin. The imagery of shattering suggests not just a physical defeat but a total collapse of Moab's societal and spiritual structures. It serves as a warning to all nations and individuals who defy God's authority.

her little ones
The phrase "her little ones" refers to the children of Moab. In ancient times, children were considered the most vulnerable members of society, and their suffering was a poignant symbol of a nation's downfall. The mention of "little ones" highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment—affecting all levels of society, from the greatest to the least. It underscores the tragic consequences of sin that extend beyond the immediate perpetrators to the innocent and defenseless.

will cry out
The Hebrew word for "cry out" is "זָעַק" (za'aq), which means to cry out, call for help, or lament. This expression conveys a deep sense of distress and desperation. The cries of Moab's children symbolize the nation's anguish and helplessness in the face of divine judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's mercy and protection, rather than relying on human strength or false gods. The verse calls believers to compassion and intercession for those who suffer and to remain steadfast in faithfulness to God.

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 a nation that turned away from God and faced His judgment.

2. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and judgment to the nations, including Israel and its neighbors like Moab.

3. The Little Ones
This phrase likely refers to the vulnerable and innocent members of Moabite society, such as children, who will suffer as a result of the nation's downfall.

4. The Shattering of Moab
This event symbolizes the complete destruction and judgment that God pronounces upon Moab due to their pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Moab demonstrates God's control over all nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His will.

The Impact of Sin on the Innocent
The mention of "little ones" crying out reminds us that sin and judgment often have far-reaching effects, impacting even those who seem innocent.

The Call to Repentance
Just as Moab was given warnings, we are called to heed God's Word and turn from sin to avoid judgment.

Hope in God's Justice
While the judgment is severe, it assures us that God is just and will not let sin go unpunished.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the prophecy against Moab teach us about the nature of God's judgment?

2. How can we guard against the pride that led to Moab's downfall in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the suffering of the "little ones" in Moab challenge us to consider the broader impact of our actions?

4. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations affect our view of current world events?

5. What steps can we take to ensure we are living in repentance and humility before God, avoiding the fate of Moab?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also prophesy the downfall of Moab, highlighting the consistency of God's message through different prophets.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and lowly status in God's plan.

Zephaniah 2:8-11
This passage speaks of God's judgment on Moab and Ammon for their pride and insults against His people.
Sermons
The Departed Praise of MoabD. Young
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
Broken, Caused, Cry, Destroyed, Distress, Moab, Ones, Sounded, Zoar, Zo'ar
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:4-5

     5801   brokenness

Jeremiah 48:4-6

     5178   running

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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