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 presents a scathing rhetorical challenge to the nation of Moab, directly confronting their arrogant self-proclamation of military might and invincibility. This verse encapsulates Moab's misplaced confidence in human strength and serves as a powerful prelude to the devastating divine judgment that will expose the utter futility of their boasts against the unstoppable will of the sovereign Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab") is a comprehensive oracle of judgment specifically directed against Moab, forming part of a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah's Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). This particular chapter meticulously details the impending utter destruction, humiliation, and desolation that will befall Moab, sharply contrasting their historical pride and prosperity with their inevitable downfall. [Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged") is strategically positioned after initial pronouncements of widespread devastation across Moabite cities (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:1-9](/jeremiah/48-1 "Jeremiah 48:1-9 - Judgment on Moab's Cities")) and before further lamentations and vivid descriptions of their shame. It functions as a direct confrontation of Moab's internal self-perception, highlighting the profound disconnect between their boastful words and the grim reality God is about to unleash upon them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation situated to the east of the Dead Sea, frequently engaged in conflict with Israel, as documented in passages like [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Jehoram and Moab"). This nation was renowned for its agricultural wealth, its formidable fortified cities such as Kir-hareseth and Heshbon, and its deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of the fertility god Chemosh, explicitly mentioned in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Woe to Moab and Chemosh"). Moab was characterized by significant national pride and an entrenched sense of self-reliance. Their sustained prosperity often fostered a dangerous sense of invulnerability, leading them to believe that their military strength and well-defended positions would provide ultimate protection. The phrase "men for the war" likely refers to their standing army or elite warriors, in whom the nation placed its ultimate trust. This prophecy would have been delivered during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, with the rising power of Babylon serving as God's chosen instrument of judgment against nations like Moab, who had long defied His authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating unequivocally that God's eternal plan cannot be thwarted by human strength, boasts, or resistance. He is absolutely sovereign over all nations, revealing the inherent vulnerabilities of those who oppose Him or foolishly trust in their own power. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **False Security and Pride**. Moab's audacious declaration, "We are mighty and strong men for the war," exposes a dangerous and ultimately fatal reliance on their own perceived power rather than acknowledging the omnipotence of God. This national pride and self-sufficiency are recurring motifs in the prophecies against Moab, explicitly condemned as arrogance in passages such as [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Great Pride and Arrogance"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes the **Futility of Human Might**. The rhetorical question "How say ye?" implies the inherent absurdity and inevitable failure of Moab's boast. Against the backdrop of God's impending wrath, human military strength is shown to be utterly insufficient and ultimately meaningless, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 33:16](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16 - The Futility of Armies and Human Strength"), which declares 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, encompassing meanings such as to speak, declare, command, or utter. In [Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged"), it carries the strong force of a boast, a confident assertion, or a defiant declaration. The rhetorical "How say ye?" implies profound incredulity and a direct challenge from God, suggesting that Moab's declaration is not only presumptuous but also ultimately empty and will be decisively disproven by the unfolding events of divine judgment.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term denotes someone powerful, a formidable warrior, a hero, or a strong man. It speaks directly to Moab's self-appointed status as formidable fighters, emphasizing their perceived physical strength and military prowess. When Moab declares themselves "mighty," they are asserting their belief in their own invincible, heroic status on the battlefield, a claim rooted in their own estimation rather than divine truth.
* **strong (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word refers to a force, whether composed of men, material means, or other resources, encompassing concepts such as an army, wealth, virtue, valor, or strength. In this specific context, it refers primarily to military strength and valor, indicating their perceived capability and effectiveness in warfare. Coupled with "mighty," this term paints a comprehensive picture of a nation utterly confident in its comprehensive military power, resources, and overall capacity for war.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How say ye,":** This opening phrase is a powerful rhetorical question posed by God through the prophet Jeremiah. It is not a genuine request for information but rather an emphatic expression of divine incredulity, challenge, and scorn. It serves as an emphatic declaration that Moab's boast is absurd, completely unfounded, and will soon be exposed as utterly false. This rhetorical query sets a tone of divine mockery directed toward human arrogance and self-deception.
* **"We [are] mighty and strong men for the war?":** This clause represents the direct quote of Moab's arrogant self-assessment and boast. They confidently declare themselves to be powerful warriors, fully capable and highly effective in battle. The deliberate combination of "mighty" (_gibbôwr_) and "strong" (_chayil_) serves to emphasize their perceived physical prowess, military capability, and overall valor and readiness for conflict. This statement profoundly reveals their misplaced trust in their own human and military resources, rather than in the omnipotent God, thereby 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 from Moab, but rather to powerfully underscore the absurdity and ultimate futility of their boast. It serves as a potent divine challenge, implying that their self-perception of military might is profoundly misguided and will be definitively proven false by God's impending judgment. This rhetorical question also contributes significantly to the **Irony** of the situation: Moab boasts of formidable strength, yet they are about to be utterly devastated, highlighting the stark and tragic contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anticipation** embedded in the question, as it effectively sets up the coming narrative of Moab's comprehensive destruction, which will serve as the ultimate and undeniable answer to their empty boast.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Jeremiah 48:14](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged") serves as a profound theological statement on the intrinsic nature of divine sovereignty in contrast to the destructive force of human pride. It teaches an enduring truth: any strength, wisdom, or perceived security derived purely from human effort, resources, or self-reliance is ultimately fleeting, insufficient, and destined to fail when confronted with the unchangeable purposes of God. Moab's boast is a classic biblical example of hubris, a recurring theme in prophetic literature where nations and individuals face judgment for their arrogance and self-sufficiency, failing to acknowledge the one true source of all power. This verse implicitly but powerfully points to the truth that genuine might and lasting security are found exclusively in God, never in armies, fortified cities, or human capabilities. It foreshadows the universal principle articulated in [Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations"), which states, "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples."

* [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](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged") stands as a timeless and urgent warning against placing our ultimate confidence in anything other than the living God. In a contemporary world that frequently values self-sufficiency, military might, economic prowess, intellectual superiority, or even personal achievements above all else, this verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of where our true security and strength genuinely lie. Whether as individuals, communities, or nations, we are perpetually prone to boasting about our accomplishments, our abundant resources, or our perceived inherent strengths, much like the ancient Moabites. However, the divine challenge, "How say ye?" serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that all human endeavors, no matter how grand, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and His overarching purposes. True strength is found not in self-assertion or defiant independence but in humble, unwavering dependence on the Almighty. This posture of humility cultivates a spirit of profound gratitude, acknowledges our inherent limitations, and positions us to receive God's boundless grace, divine wisdom, and faithful guidance, rather than facing His righteous judgment. It compels us to deeply examine our hearts: are we truly trusting in our own "might and strength" or in the unfailing, eternal power of the one true God?

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

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

Answer: While Moab committed various transgressions, 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 placed their trust in their own wealth, their seemingly impregnable fortified cities, and their military might, rather than acknowledging the Lord God as the supreme authority. This pervasive self-sufficiency often manifested in deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh, and a long history of hostility and opposition towards God's chosen 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 and destructive national pride.

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

Answer: God's judgment on Moab, though undeniably severe, is entirely consistent with His character as a just, righteous, and holy God who holds all nations and individuals accountable for their actions and their defiance of His will. It powerfully demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including those who do not acknowledge or worship Him. While He is merciful, patient, and slow to anger, He also cannot tolerate unrepentant pride, idolatry, and oppression. His judgment serves to vindicate His holiness, uphold His moral order, and to unequivocally demonstrate that He alone is God, and no human power, no matter how great, can thwart His divine purposes, as consistently 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](/jeremiah/48-14 "Jeremiah 48:14 - Moab's Boast Challenged"), with its divine challenge to Moab's boast of human might, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound and striking contrast between human weakness and God's perfect, redemptive strength revealed in Jesus Christ. While Moab trusted in "mighty and strong men for the war," God's ultimate and decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness was achieved not through conventional military power or earthly might, but through the humble, sacrificial act of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. The world's wisdom and perceived strength are utterly foolishness in the eyes of 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 ultimate weakness to human eyes, was in fact the supreme demonstration of divine power and wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). In Christ, we witness the futility of human boasting utterly dismantled; our salvation comes not from our own strength, good works, or religious efforts, but solely from God's unmerited grace received 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 or violence but with perfect obedience and sacrificial love, ultimately triumphing over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Therefore, our boast is not in ourselves, our achievements, or our strength, but solely in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross ([Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting in the Cross of Christ")), for in Him alone is true, eternal, and unfailing 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.