Jeremiah 48

Jeremiah 48:1

C. Prophecies against Moab (Chap. 48)48:1-10 Moab, too, is slated for invasion by Babylon. Her cities will be destroyed. The cry of destruction is heard throughout the land. The people are advised to flee from the plunderer. They trusted their works and . . . treasures in vain; now their national god Chemosh will go . . . into captivity with them. Verse 10 is a curse on the invader if he does not do his work thoroughly. It can also be a warning to us against doing the work of the Lord negligently, and failing to declare all the counsel of God, no matter how unpopular it might be. 48:11-27 Moab had had an unruffled history and this did not make for a strong character. It was like new wine that had never been emptied from vessel to vessel to strain out the dregs, and therefore became unpalatable. Now the Chaldeans will destroy all that the nation trusted. Moab will be put to shame because of Chemosh, just as Israel was put to shame because of the golden calf of Bethel. Empty boasts are turned to dirges. The strongholds are destroyed, the people are fleeing, the country is brought low. The cities of the plain are in ruins. Because Moab mocked Israel, it will be made drunk with God’s fury. 48:28-39 The once-proud people are exhorted to flee to remote hiding places. Their haughtiness and arrogance were well-known, but now God sincerely mourns over their ruined crops and their loss of joy and gladness. A cry of despair goes up from Moab as God threatens to put an end to this idolatrous nation. Again the Lord mourns for the men of Kir Heres, who have lost their wealth. There is a general lamentation by the people of Moab. 48:40-47 Babylon will swoop down like an eagle, causing terror and destruction. Escape will be impossible. Though the people go into exile, they will be restored in the latter days.