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Jeremiah 48

47 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah declares judgment upon Moab for its pride and idolatry, foretelling destruction but hinting at future restoration.

Summary

In Jeremiah 48 the prophet laments the downfall of Moab, pronouncing the Lord’s judgment against the nation’s idolatry and pride. He describes how Moab’s cities will be ruined, its people taken captive, and its leaders struck down by the sword. The text portrays the nation’s confidence in its own works as the cause of its destruction, and contrasts that with the Lord’s sovereign will. Despite the bleak imagery, the passage also acknowledges that the Lord will bring Moab again into captivity in the latter days, suggesting a future restoration. The chapter reflects the themes of divine judgment, the dangers of self‑reliance, and the possibility of redemption.

Outline
  1. Opening lament and declaration of judgment against Moab (verses 1‑10).
  2. Detailed description of Moab’s downfall and the reasons for its ruin (verses 11‑25).
  3. Acknowledgment of future restoration and final call to repentance (verses 26‑47).
Themes
Divine judgment on idolatryPride leading to downfallHope for restoration
Keywords
WoeMoabLordChemoshcaptivitydestructionpridepunishmentsufferingrestoration
People
Lord of hostsChemoshJeremiah
Places
MoabNeboKiriathaimMisgabHeshbonHoronaimLuhithSihonDibonAroerArnonHolonJahazahMephaathBethdiblathaimKeriothBozrahBethmeonBethgamulZorJazerSibmahNimrim
Things
SwordCaptivityWinepressFireFlamePitSnareWingsHorn
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 48:1: Sets the tone of judgment and addresses Moab directly.
  • Jeremiah 48:7: Identifies pride in works as the root cause of destruction.
  • Jeremiah 48:20: Vividly describes Moab’s confounded state and impending ruin.
  • Jeremiah 48:27: Illustrates divine punishment through drunkenness and derision.
  • Jeremiah 48:47: Offers hope of future restoration after judgment.
Questions
  • What does Jeremiah's lament reveal about the nature of divine judgment?
  • How does pride contribute to Moab's downfall?
  • What role does idolatry play in the destruction described?
  • In what way does the passage suggest that judgment can coexist with hope for restoration?
Sentiment

negative
The tone is lamenting and condemning.