Jeremiah 48:12

KJV

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will send {H7971} unto him wanderers {H6808}, that shall cause him to wander {H6808}, and shall empty {H7324} his vessels {H3627}, and break {H5310} their bottles {H5035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So the days are coming," says ADONAI, "when I will send people to tilt him; they will tilt his jars, emptying them and shattering the wine-flasks to pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him wanderers, who will pour him out. They will empty his vessels and shatter his jars.

American Standard Version

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will send unto him them that pour off, and they shall pour him off; and they shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles in pieces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:12 declares the Lord's impending judgment against Moab, a nation characterized by its pride and complacency. The verse vividly prophesies a time when God will dispatch "wanderers"—likely the Babylonian forces—who will utterly disrupt Moab's long-established peace and prosperity. This divine intervention will lead to the forced displacement of its people, the plundering of its resources, and the destruction of its very symbols of stability and joy, signifying a complete desolation brought about by God's sovereign hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48:12 is situated within a lengthy and detailed oracle against Moab, spanning the entire [chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). This chapter systematically outlines the comprehensive destruction and humiliation awaiting Moab, a nation that had enjoyed prolonged peace and prosperity, symbolized by the imagery of wine settled "on its lees" in [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Undisturbed State"). The preceding verses detail Moab's pride and idolatry, setting the stage for the severe judgment described here. The "wanderers" in this verse are the agents of the divine wrath, fulfilling the broader prophetic pronouncements of desolation and exile that characterize much of Jeremiah's message to surrounding nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, a frequent adversary and sometimes ally of Israel. Historically, Moab had often been a source of contempt and aggression towards God's people, as seen in their opposition during the Exodus and their later conflicts with Israelite kings. Unlike many of its neighbors, Moab had not experienced significant invasions or exiles for a long period, leading to a sense of self-sufficiency, arrogance, and deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh. The "wanderers" mentioned are widely understood by scholars to be the Babylonian armies under Nebuchadnezzar, who served as God's instrument of judgment against many nations in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, including Judah and its neighbors. This form of judgment—invasion, displacement, and plundering—was a common and devastating consequence of defeat in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the destinies of nations, even those seemingly secure in their defiance. It highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Complacency**, as Moab's long-undisturbed state led to spiritual stagnation and arrogance, ultimately provoking God's wrath. The imagery of "wanderers" and "empty his vessels, and break their bottles" underscores the theme of **Utter Desolation and Dispossession**, a complete reversal of Moab's perceived stability and wealth. This judgment serves as a warning against trusting in worldly security over the Lord, a recurring message throughout the book of Jeremiah, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wanderers (Hebrew, _tsâʻâh'_):** From H6808, a primitive root meaning "to tip over (for the purpose of spilling or pouring out), i.e. (figuratively) depopulate; by implication, to imprison or conquer; (reflexive) to lie down (for coitus); captive exile, travelling, (cause to) wander(-er)." This word is used twice in the verse, first as a noun ("wanderers") and then as a verb ("cause him to wander"). It vividly conveys the violent, uprooting nature of the impending judgment, where invaders will not merely conquer but actively displace and scatter the Moabite population, overturning their settled existence.
* **Empty (Hebrew, _rûwq'_):** From H7324, a primitive root meaning "to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e. empty; [idiom] arm, cast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out)." This term signifies a complete stripping away of possessions and resources. In the context of "vessels," it speaks to the plundering of wealth and the deprivation of sustenance, leaving nothing behind.
* **Bottles (Hebrew, _nebel'_):** From H5035, meaning "a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like form); bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol." Here, it specifically refers to wineskins. This imagery is particularly potent following [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Settled State"), where Moab's undisturbed state was likened to wine settled on its lees. The breaking of these bottles symbolizes the destruction of their prosperity, their joy, and their very identity, which had become intertwined with their material abundance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the certainty and divine origin of the prophecy. "Therefore" links back to Moab's pride and complacency. "Behold, the days come" signals an imminent and inevitable future event, while "saith the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_; H5002, _nᵉʼum_) underscores the absolute authority and faithfulness of God in executing His word.
* **"that I will send unto him wanderers,"**: This reveals the agent of judgment. God Himself is actively dispatching these "wanderers" (H6808, _tsâʻâh_), identifying them as instruments of His divine will, not merely random invaders. These are likely the Babylonian forces, acting under God's sovereign direction.
* **"that shall cause him to wander,"**: This clause reiterates and intensifies the impact of the "wanderers." Their mission is not just to invade but to actively dislodge and displace Moab's inhabitants, forcing them into exile and an unsettled existence, a stark contrast to their previous stability.
* **"and shall empty his vessels,"**: This phrase depicts the plundering of Moab's material wealth and resources. "Vessels" (H3627, _kᵉlîy_) refers to all sorts of implements, containers, and possessions, symbolizing the complete confiscation of their goods and the stripping away of their prosperity.
* **"and break their bottles."**: This final, powerful image signifies the utter destruction of Moab's symbols of joy, sustenance, and identity. "Bottles" (H5035, _nebel_), specifically wineskins, are a direct reference to the wine imagery of [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Complacency"), indicating that the very source and symbol of their long-held peace and enjoyment will be shattered, leaving them desolate and without hope.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Personification** is subtly present as the "days" are said to "come," giving a sense of an active, unfolding destiny. The most prominent device is **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, particularly in the imagery of "empty his vessels, and break their bottles." These actions are not merely literal but serve as powerful metaphors for the complete plundering of Moab's wealth, the destruction of its societal structures, and the shattering of its very identity and joy. The "bottles," specifically wineskins, are a direct **Symbol** of Moab's long-enjoyed, undisturbed prosperity (as established in [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Undisturbed Peace")), making their breaking a poignant representation of utter desolation. The repetition of the root for "wander" (**Polyptoton** or **Wordplay**) in "send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander" emphasizes the active and pervasive nature of the displacement, highlighting that the very agents of judgment will inflict the same unsettled state they embody. This reinforces the theme of divine retribution, where Moab's complacency will be met with forced instability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:12 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His sovereign control over human history. It reveals that no nation, however strong or self-assured, is beyond the reach of divine judgment when it persists in pride, idolatry, and defiance of the Lord. The prophecy against Moab serves as a stark reminder that prolonged worldly peace and prosperity, when divorced from humility and obedience to God, can lead to spiritual complacency and ultimately, severe reckoning. God raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes, often using unlikely instruments to fulfill His decrees. This passage underscores the principle that those who live in arrogance and trust in their own resources will eventually face an emptying and breaking of all that they hold dear, demonstrating that true security is found only in the Lord.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that God remains sovereign over all nations and circumstances, and His justice will ultimately prevail. For us, this means that we should never place our ultimate trust in worldly stability, material possessions, or national strength, for these are fleeting and can be "emptied" or "broken" in an instant. Instead, our security must be rooted in an unwavering faith in God alone. The complacency and pride that led to Moab's downfall are timeless temptations. We are called to cultivate humility, vigilance, and spiritual dependence, resisting the urge to settle into a comfortable, self-sufficient existence that neglects our devotion to God. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: where might we be complacent? What "vessels" or "bottles" do we cling to that might be hindering our walk with God? It urges us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that true and lasting joy, peace, and security are found only in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vessels" or "bottles" in my life (e.g., career, finances, relationships, comfort) might I be trusting in more than God?**
* **How does Moab's complacency challenge my own spiritual vigilance and humility?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to pride, and how can I actively cultivate a spirit of dependence on God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on sin encourage me to live righteously and share the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**What does "wanderers" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The "wanderers" (Hebrew: _tsâʻâh_) in Jeremiah 48:12 refer to invading forces that God would send against Moab. Historically, these are widely understood to be the Babylonian armies under Nebuchadnezzar. God frequently used powerful empires as instruments of His judgment against nations that defied Him, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant"). The term emphasizes their role not just as conquerors, but as agents who would actively displace and scatter the Moabite population, forcing them into an unsettled, exiled state.

**What is the significance of "empty his vessels, and break their bottles"?**

Answer: This vivid imagery symbolizes the complete and utter desolation and plundering of Moab. "Vessels" (Hebrew: _kᵉlîy_) refer to all kinds of implements, containers, and possessions, representing Moab's material wealth and resources. To "empty" them signifies the stripping away of all their goods. The "bottles" (Hebrew: _nebel_) specifically refer to wineskins. This is particularly significant because [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Undisturbed State") describes Moab as having settled "on its lees," like wine that has not been disturbed, symbolizing its long period of peace and prosperity. Therefore, the breaking of their bottles represents the shattering of their long-held stability, their joy, and the very symbols of their abundance, leaving them utterly destitute and without hope. It signifies a complete reversal of their complacent existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:12 speaks of God's judgment on Moab, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "wanderers" sent by God foreshadow the ultimate divine judgment against all sin and rebellion, a judgment that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For those who remain in spiritual complacency and pride, rejecting God's gracious offer of salvation, there awaits a judgment far more severe than the plundering of earthly "vessels" or the breaking of "bottles." However, for those who turn to Christ, He becomes the ultimate "vessel" of salvation, pouring out His life on the cross to "empty" the wrath of God against sin and to "break" the power of death and the grave. Through His sacrifice, Christ gathers those who were "wandering" in sin and brings them into His eternal kingdom, providing a security and peace that no earthly invasion can disrupt. He is the one who, unlike Moab's temporary prosperity, offers an [abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life") and a [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") that can never be emptied or broken, ensuring that the "bottles" of our joy are eternally filled in Him. Ultimately, the judgment pronounced on Moab serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the immeasurable grace and salvation offered through the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), inviting all to find refuge and true stability in Him rather than in fleeting worldly comforts.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 2:2

For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.

Isaiah 30:14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit.

Jeremiah 48:38

[There shall be] lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 25:9

Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities [which are] on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

Ezekiel 25:10

Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and will give them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations.

Psalms 2:9

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Isaiah 16:2

For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.