Jeremiah 48:13

KJV

And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moab {H4124} shall be ashamed {H954} of Chemosh {H3645}, as the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} was ashamed {H954} of Bethel {H1008} their confidence {H4009}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mo'av will be disappointed by K'mosh then, just as the house of Isra'el was disappointed by Beit-El, a god in whom they had put their trust.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, just as the house of Israel was ashamed when they trusted in Bethel.

American Standard Version

And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Beth-el their confidence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:13 pronounces a severe judgment upon Moab, declaring that they will experience profound shame concerning their national god, Chemosh. This impending humiliation is explicitly likened to the historical shame endured by the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which resulted from their misplaced confidence in the idolatrous worship center at Bethel. The verse powerfully underscores the futility and ultimate disappointment that inevitably accompany any trust placed in false deities or humanly constructed securities, rather than in the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a sustained prophetic oracle dedicated entirely to the judgment of Moab, one of Israel's long-standing neighbors and adversaries. This chapter, following similar pronouncements against other nations, meticulously details the comprehensive devastation that will befall Moab, often employing vivid imagery of destruction, lament, and exile. Verse 13 is strategically placed within this larger narrative of impending doom, serving as a pivotal explanation for *why* Moab faces such a fate: their idolatry and misplaced confidence. It directly follows a declaration of Moab's impending capture and the plundering of their treasures, setting the stage for the spiritual dimension of their downfall—the failure of their god, Chemosh. The parallel drawn with Israel's shame at Bethel reinforces a consistent divine principle of judgment against idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, often engaged in conflict with Israel, yet also sharing a complex history, including familial ties through Lot (Genesis 19:37). Their national deity was Chemosh, a god often associated with war and, tragically, with human sacrifice, as evidenced by the Moabite king Mesha's offering of his son in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Mesha Sacrifices His Son"). The worship of national gods was a common practice in the ancient Near East, with nations believing their deity would protect them in battle and ensure prosperity. The reference to "Bethel" evokes a significant site in Israelite history. Originally, Bethel ("House of God") was where Jacob encountered God (Genesis 28:10-22). However, after the division of the kingdom, King Jeroboam I of the Northern Kingdom of Israel established a rival worship center there, setting up [golden calves](/1_kings/12-29 "1 Kings 12:29 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves at Bethel") to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem for worship (1 Kings 12:26-33). This act transformed Bethel from a place of divine encounter into a notorious center of idolatry and spiritual rebellion, ultimately leading to Israel's downfall.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **Futility of Idolatry and Misplaced Confidence**. Both Moab's reliance on Chemosh and Israel's trust in the golden calves at Bethel illustrate the inherent emptiness of placing faith in anything other than the one true God. Idols, being man-made, are inherently powerless to save or deliver, as eloquently described in [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols"). This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. God's judgment extends over all nations, not just Israel, demonstrating His universal authority and righteous wrath against sin, particularly idolatry and pride. The destruction of Moab serves as a testament to God's unwavering justice. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Historical Parallel and Warning**. By drawing a direct comparison between Moab and Israel, the prophet emphasizes a consistent divine principle: misplaced trust inevitably leads to shame, disappointment, and ultimately, destruction. This serves as a timeless warning against spiritual rebellion and the dangers of seeking security in anything other than the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries connotations of being "disappointed" or "confounded." In this context, it signifies not merely embarrassment, but a profound sense of humiliation and disillusionment resulting from the utter failure of what one had placed confidence in. Moab's shame is not just a feeling but a public revelation of Chemosh's impotence.
* **Chemosh (Hebrew, _Kᵉmôwsh'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to subdue," Chemosh was understood by his worshippers as "the powerful" or "the subduer." He was the national god of the Moabites, to whom they offered sacrifices, including human sacrifices, in times of dire need. The prophecy that Moab will be "ashamed of Chemosh" directly mocks his supposed power, declaring his inability to subdue Moab's enemies or protect his devotees from divine judgment.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** Literally meaning "house of God," Bethel was a place of immense historical and spiritual significance for Israel, initially hallowed by Jacob's encounter with God. However, it became a notorious site of idolatry under Jeroboam I, who established a golden calf there as an alternative worship center to Jerusalem. The name "house of God" ironically contrasts with its later function as a "house of shame" due to Israel's spiritual rebellion.
* **confidence (Hebrew, _mibṭâch'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to trust," refers to a "refuge," "security," or "assurance." It denotes the object or basis of one's trust. In the verse, both Chemosh and Bethel represent misplaced confidence—false sources of security that ultimately prove unreliable and lead to disappointment and shame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh":** This clause declares the impending public humiliation and disillusionment of Moab concerning their national deity. The shame arises from Chemosh's utter failure to protect Moab from the coming judgment and devastation. Their god, whom they trusted for power and security, will prove to be utterly powerless, exposing the emptiness of their worship and the futility of their devotion. This shame is not just an internal feeling but a public spectacle of their god's impotence.
* **"as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence":** This clause draws a direct, impactful parallel. Just as Moab will be shamed by Chemosh, so too was the Northern Kingdom of Israel (referred to as "the house of Israel") shamed by Bethel. Bethel, despite its sacred origins and its designation as a "house of God," became a symbol of Israel's idolatry and rebellion through Jeroboam's golden calves. Israel had placed its confidence in this idolatrous system, believing it would secure their kingdom and worship. However, this misplaced trust ultimately led to their downfall, exile, and profound national shame, demonstrating that false gods and humanly devised religious systems offer no true security.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a comparative parallelism introduced by "as...so." This structure directly links Moab's future shame to Israel's past humiliation, emphasizing a universal principle of divine judgment against misplaced trust. This comparison also functions as an **Analogy**, using Israel's well-known historical failure as a clear, cautionary tale for Moab. There is also significant **Irony** present: Bethel, meaning "house of God," became a place of profound spiritual rebellion and shame for Israel, a stark contrast to its name. Similarly, Chemosh, whose name suggests "the powerful," is revealed as utterly powerless to save his people, leading to their shame. Both Chemosh and Bethel serve as powerful **Symbols** of misplaced confidence, representing the false securities that human beings construct in opposition to the one true God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:13 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment, the futility of idolatry, and the exclusive claim of God on human trust. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that His authority extends not only over His covenant people but over all nations and their false deities. The shame experienced by both Moab and Israel highlights a consistent biblical truth: anything or anyone in whom humanity places ultimate confidence, apart from the Lord, will inevitably prove to be a source of disappointment and humiliation. God is a jealous God who will not share His glory with idols, and He actively judges those who turn away from Him to worship created things. This verse serves as a timeless warning against spiritual adultery, urging all to recognize that true security, hope, and deliverance are found in God alone, who never fails those who genuinely trust in Him.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Hosea 10:5-6](/hosea/10-5 "Hosea 10:5-6 - Samaria's Shame Over Bethel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:13 transcends its ancient context to deliver a timeless and piercing challenge to our contemporary lives. While we may not erect physical golden calves or bow to statues of Chemosh, the human heart remains prone to idolatry—the act of placing ultimate trust, hope, and devotion in anything other than the living God. Modern "idols" often manifest as wealth, career, relationships, reputation, political ideologies, self-sufficiency, comfort, or even our own intellect and achievements. This verse serves as a solemn reminder that any confidence placed in these temporal and finite things will ultimately lead to profound disappointment and shame. When our finances fail, our health declines, our relationships crumble, or our carefully constructed plans collapse, the emptiness of our misplaced trust is exposed. True security and lasting peace are found only in the unchanging, all-sufficient, and faithful God. This passage calls us to a radical self-examination, to identify the "Chemosh" or "Bethel" in our own lives, and to repent of any divided allegiance, redirecting our complete confidence and devotion to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Chemosh" or "Bethel" equivalents in my life today—things or ideas in which I place ultimate confidence apart from God?**
* **How have I experienced the "shame" or disappointment that comes from trusting in something other than God?**
* **What steps can I take to consciously shift my confidence from temporal securities to the eternal God?**
* **How does the historical parallel between Moab and Israel inform my understanding of God's consistent character and judgment?**

### FAQ

**Why is God so against idolatry, as seen in this verse?**

Answer: God is fundamentally against idolatry because it is a direct affront to His unique nature as the one true, living, and sovereign God. Idolatry diminishes His glory by attributing His power and provision to created things or false deities. It is a form of spiritual adultery, breaking the covenant relationship He desires with humanity. As seen in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment"), God commands exclusive worship because He alone is worthy of it, and He knows that placing trust in anything else ultimately leads to futility, disappointment, and destruction for His people. The shame experienced by Moab and Israel in Jeremiah 48:13 illustrates the inevitable outcome of such misplaced devotion.

**What are some "modern idols" that people place their confidence in today?**

Answer: While physical idols may be less common in many societies, the principle of idolatry remains rampant. Modern idols are anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, becoming the ultimate source of our security, identity, or hope. These can include wealth and financial security, career success and status, personal achievements, physical appearance, relationships, political ideologies, technological advancements, comfort, pleasure, or even self-reliance and intellectual prowess. The warning of Jeremiah 48:13 is that when these "confidences" fail, as they inevitably will, they lead to profound shame and disillusionment, just as Chemosh failed Moab and Bethel failed Israel.

**How does this prophecy against Moab relate to God's character?**

Answer: This prophecy reveals several facets of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **sovereignty** over all nations, not just Israel. He is the Lord of history, and His judgment extends to all who defy Him, whether through pride or idolatry. Second, it highlights His **righteousness and justice**. God is not indifferent to sin; He holds nations accountable for their rebellion and spiritual adultery. Third, it underscores His **faithfulness to His own nature**. As a jealous God who will not share His glory, He consistently exposes the impotence of false gods and the futility of misplaced trust. Finally, by drawing a parallel with Israel, it shows His **consistency** in dealing with sin across different peoples and times, applying the same principles of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:13, with its stark portrayal of shame resulting from misplaced confidence in idols, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Humanity's deepest shame stems from its rebellion against God and its persistent tendency to worship created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:21-25). We, like Moab and Israel, have sought confidence in countless "Chemosh" and "Bethel" equivalents—our own strength, wisdom, wealth, or even religious works—all of which ultimately fail and lead to spiritual bankruptcy and shame. However, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and only true object of our confidence. He is the one in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures")). Unlike impotent idols, Christ is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing our shame on the cross (Hebrews 12:2). He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our confidence is no longer in anything temporal or self-made, but in His finished work, His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25). Those who trust in Him "will not be put to shame" ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No one who believes in Him will be put to shame")), for He is the "sure foundation" and the "precious cornerstone" upon whom we can build our lives with eternal security ([1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ, the Cornerstone")). In Christ, our shame is removed, and we gain an unshakeable confidence rooted in His perfect righteousness and unfailing love.

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

Hosea 8:5

Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast [thee] off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long [will it be] ere they attain to innocency?

Hosea 8:6

For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Judges 11:24

Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Jeremiah 48:39

They shall howl, [saying], How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.

Isaiah 45:16

They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together [that are] makers of idols.

Jeremiah 48:7

For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity [with] his priests and his princes together.

1 Kings 18:40

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.