Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab's warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor. Kerioth has been capturedThe name "Kerioth" refers to a city in Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea. The Hebrew root for Kerioth is "קְרִיּוֹת" (Qeriyyoth), which means "cities" or "towns." This indicates a place of significance, possibly a central hub or a fortified city within Moab. The capture of Kerioth symbolizes the fall of Moab's strength and security. Historically, Moab was often in conflict with Israel, and its cities were known for their fortifications. The capture signifies divine judgment and the futility of relying on earthly defenses against God's will. and the strongholds seized
The term "strongholds" in Hebrew is "מִבְצָרִים" (mivtzarim), meaning fortified places or fortresses. These were structures designed to protect against invasions and were symbols of power and security. The seizing of these strongholds indicates a complete overthrow of Moab's defenses, emphasizing that no human fortification can withstand the judgment of God. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations and their defenses. In that day
This phrase often refers to a specific time of divine intervention or judgment. In prophetic literature, "that day" is a marker of God's decisive action in history. It underscores the certainty and imminence of the prophesied events. For Moab, "that day" is a day of reckoning, when God's justice is executed. It serves as a warning to all nations that there is an appointed time for judgment. the hearts of Moab’s mighty men
The "mighty men" of Moab, or "גִּבּוֹרֵי מוֹאָב" (gibborim Moab), were the warriors and heroes of the nation, known for their strength and valor. The heart, in Hebrew thought, represents the center of emotions, will, and intellect. The mention of their hearts highlights the internal collapse of courage and resolve. Despite their physical prowess, their hearts will fail them, illustrating that true strength comes from God, not human might. will be like the heart of a woman in labor
This simile draws a vivid picture of fear and vulnerability. Labor, in ancient times, was a time of great pain and uncertainty, often associated with fear of the unknown. The comparison to a woman in labor suggests intense fear, helplessness, and an overwhelming sense of impending crisis. It conveys the idea that the mighty men, despite their strength, will experience a profound and humbling fear, unable to stand against the divine judgment. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of human frailty in the face of God's power. Persons / Places / Events 1. KeriothA city in Moab, often associated with strength and fortification. Its capture signifies the downfall of Moab's defenses. 2. MoabAn ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab's judgment is a central theme in this chapter. 3. Moab’s WarriorsRepresent the military strength of Moab, which is prophesied to falter and become vulnerable. 4. JeremiahThe prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Moab. 5. The Day of the LordA prophetic term indicating a time of divine intervention and judgment. Teaching Points The Inevitability of Divine JudgmentGod's judgment is certain for those who persist in pride and rebellion. Moab's fall serves as a warning to all nations and individuals. The Futility of Earthly StrengthMoab's strongholds and warriors could not save them. Trust in human strength and fortifications is ultimately futile without God. The Heart in Times of CrisisThe comparison to a woman in labor highlights vulnerability and fear. In times of crisis, our true reliance is revealed. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is sovereign over all nations, and His plans will prevail. This should encourage believers to trust in His ultimate justice. Repentance and HumilityThe downfall of Moab is a call to repentance and humility before God. Pride leads to destruction, but humility invites God's grace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the capture of Kerioth illustrate the theme of divine judgment in Jeremiah 48? 2. In what ways does the prophecy against Moab challenge us to examine our own sources of security and strength? 3. How can the imagery of a woman in labor help us understand the emotional and spiritual state of Moab's warriors? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moab's downfall about the consequences of pride and self-reliance? 5. How do the prophecies against Moab in Jeremiah 48 connect with the broader biblical account of God's sovereignty over nations? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 15-16These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, providing a broader context for understanding God's dealings with this nation. Zephaniah 2:8-11Speaks of Moab's pride and the resulting judgment, echoing themes found in Jeremiah 48. Psalm 60:8Mentions Moab as a "washbasin," symbolizing subjugation and judgment. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon parallels the fall of Moab, illustrating the ultimate defeat of 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 Birth-pains, Captured, Caught, Cities, Distressed, Forced, Heart, Hearts, Holds, Kerijoth, Kerioth, Labor, Men's, Mighty, Moab, Moab's, Pangs, Places, Seized, Strong, Strongholds, Surprised, War, WarriorsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:40 4690 wings 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 48:41 NIVJeremiah 48:41 NLTJeremiah 48:41 ESVJeremiah 48:41 NASBJeremiah 48:41 KJV
Jeremiah 48:41 Commentaries
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