Jeremiah 48:14

KJV

¶ How say ye, We [are] mighty and strong men for the war?

KJV (with Strong's)

How say {H559} ye, We are mighty {H1368} and strong {H2428} men {H582} for the war {H4421}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"How can you say, 'We are heroes, warriors valiant in battle'?

Berean Standard Bible

How can you say, ‘We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle’?

American Standard Version

How say ye, We are mighty men, and valiant men for the war?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:14 delivers a powerful rhetorical challenge to Moab, questioning their self-proclaimed military prowess and invincibility in the face of impending divine judgment. This verse encapsulates Moab's arrogant reliance on human strength and sets the stage for the devastating fulfillment of God's sovereign decree, exposing the futility of their boasts against the Lord's unstoppable will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a comprehensive oracle of judgment against Moab, one of several prophecies directed at foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah's Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). This chapter meticulously details the utter destruction, humiliation, and desolation that will befall Moab, contrasting their historical pride and prosperity with their impending downfall. The specific verse [Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged") is strategically placed after initial pronouncements of widespread devastation (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:1-9](/jeremiah/48-1 "Jeremiah 48:1-9 - Judgment on Moab's Cities")) and before further lamentations and descriptions of their shame. It serves as a direct confrontation of Moab's internal self-perception, highlighting the disconnect between their boastful words and the grim reality God is about to unleash.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel (e.g., [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Jehoram and Moab")). Known for its agricultural wealth, fortified cities like Kir-hareseth and Heshbon, and deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of the fertility god Chemosh (mentioned in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Woe to Moab and Chemosh")), Moab was characterized by significant pride and self-reliance. Their prosperity often led to a sense of invulnerability, believing their military strength and fortified positions would protect them. The "men for the war" likely refers to their standing army or elite warriors, in whom the nation placed its trust. This prophecy would have been delivered during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, with the rising power of Babylon serving as God's instrument of judgment against nations like Moab, who had long defied Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human strength or boasts. He is sovereign over all nations, revealing the vulnerabilities of those who oppose Him or trust in their own power. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **False Security and Pride**. Moab's declaration, "We are mighty and strong men for the war," reveals a dangerous reliance on their own perceived power rather than acknowledging God. This national pride and self-sufficiency are recurring themes in the prophecies against Moab, as seen in [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Great Pride and Arrogance"), where their arrogance is explicitly condemned. Lastly, it emphasizes the **Futility of Human Might**. The rhetorical question "How say ye?" implies the absurdity and eventual failure of Moab's boast. Against the backdrop of God's impending wrath, human military strength is shown to be utterly insufficient, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 33:16](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16 - The Futility of Armies and Human Strength"), which states that no king is saved by the multitude of an army.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root is used with great latitude, meaning to speak, declare, command, or utter. In [Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged"), it carries the force of a boast or a confident declaration. The rhetorical "How say ye?" implies incredulity and challenge from God, suggesting that Moab's declaration is not only presumptuous but also ultimately empty and will be disproven by the unfolding events.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term denotes someone powerful, a warrior, a hero, or a strong man. It speaks to Moab's self-appointed status as formidable fighters, emphasizing their physical strength and military prowess. When Moab declares themselves "mighty," they are asserting their belief in their own invincible, heroic status on the battlefield.
* **strong (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word refers to force, whether of men, means, or other resources, encompassing an army, wealth, virtue, valor, or strength. In this context, it specifically refers to military strength and valor, indicating their perceived capability and effectiveness in warfare. Coupled with "mighty," it paints a picture of a nation utterly confident in its comprehensive military power and resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How say ye,":** This is a rhetorical question posed by God through the prophet Jeremiah. It expresses divine incredulity, challenge, and scorn. It's not a request for information but an emphatic declaration that Moab's boast is absurd, unfounded, and will soon be exposed as false. It sets a tone of divine mockery toward human arrogance.
* **"We [are] mighty and strong men for the war?":** This clause represents Moab's arrogant self-assessment and boast. They declare themselves to be powerful warriors, capable and effective in battle. The combination of "mighty" (gibbôwr) and "strong" (chayil) emphasizes their perceived physical prowess, military capability, and overall valor. This statement reveals their trust in their own human and military resources, rather than in God, making their impending defeat all the more ironic and humiliating.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged") is **Rhetorical Question**. The phrase "How say ye?" is not intended to elicit an answer, but rather to underscore the absurdity and futility of Moab's boast. It serves as a powerful divine challenge, implying that their self-perception of military might is utterly misguided and will be proven false by God's impending judgment. This rhetorical question also contributes to the **Irony** of the situation: Moab boasts of strength, yet they are about to be utterly devastated, highlighting the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. There is also an element of **Anticipation**, as the question sets up the coming narrative of Moab's destruction, which will serve as the ultimate answer to their boast.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty versus human pride. It teaches that any strength, wisdom, or security derived purely from human effort or resources is ultimately fleeting and insufficient when confronted with the purposes of God. Moab's boast is a classic example of hubris, a common theme in biblical prophecy where nations and individuals are judged for their arrogance and self-reliance, failing to acknowledge the true source of power. This verse implicitly points to the truth that true might and lasting security are found only in God, not in armies or human capabilities. It foreshadows the universal principle that "the Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples" ([Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")).

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:14 stands as a timeless warning against placing our confidence in anything other than God. In a world that often values self-sufficiency, military might, economic prowess, or intellectual superiority, this verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of where our true security lies. Whether as individuals or as nations, we are prone to boasting about our achievements, our resources, or our perceived strengths, much like Moab. However, the divine challenge "How say ye?" serves as a powerful reminder that all human endeavors are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. True strength is found not in self-assertion but in humble dependence on the Almighty. This humility cultivates a spirit of gratitude, acknowledges our limitations, and positions us to receive God's grace and guidance, rather than facing His judgment. It compels us to examine our hearts: are we trusting in our own "might and strength" or in the unfailing power of the living God?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to boast or rely solely on your own strength, rather than on God?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations and human endeavors impact your sense of security and peace?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper humility and reliance on God in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was Moab's primary sin that led to God's judgment?**

Answer: While Moab committed various sins, their primary offense leading to God's severe judgment, as highlighted throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"), was their profound pride and arrogance. They trusted in their own wealth, fortified cities, and military might, rather than acknowledging the Lord God. This self-sufficiency often manifested in idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh, and a history of hostility towards God's people, Israel (e.g., [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak")). Their boast in [Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged") perfectly encapsulates this defiant pride.

**How does God's judgment on Moab relate to His character?**

Answer: God's judgment on Moab, though severe, is consistent with His character as a just and righteous God who holds all nations accountable for their actions and their defiance. It demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including those who do not acknowledge Him. While He is merciful and patient, He also cannot tolerate unrepentant pride, idolatry, and oppression. His judgment serves to vindicate His holiness and to demonstrate that He alone is God, and no human power can thwart His purposes, as seen throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 45:5-7](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-7 - God is Sovereign")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:14, with its divine challenge to Moab's boast of human might, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between human weakness and God's perfect strength revealed in Jesus Christ. While Moab trusted in "mighty and strong men for the war," God's ultimate victory over sin and death was achieved not through military power, but through the humble, sacrificial act of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The world's wisdom and strength are foolishness to God ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser than Human Wisdom")), and Christ's crucifixion, though appearing as weakness, was the ultimate demonstration of divine power ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). In Christ, we see the futility of human boasting utterly dismantled; our salvation comes not from our own strength or good works, but from God's grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). He is the true mighty warrior ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace, Mighty God")), who conquered not with earthly armies but with perfect obedience and sacrificial love, ultimately triumphing over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Therefore, our boast is not in ourselves, but in the Lord Jesus Christ ([Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting in the Cross of Christ")), for in Him alone is true and everlasting strength.

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

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Isaiah 10:13

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done [it], and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant [man]:

Jeremiah 49:16

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 16:6

¶ We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so.

Jeremiah 8:8

How do ye say, We [are] wise, and the law of the LORD [is] with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he [it]; the pen of the scribes [is] in vain.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.