Jeremiah 48:15

KJV

Moab is spoiled, and gone up [out of] her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moab {H4124} is spoiled {H7703}, and gone up {H5927} out of her cities {H5892}, and his chosen {H4005} young men {H970} are gone down {H3381} to the slaughter {H2874}, saith {H5002} the King {H4428}, whose name {H8034} is the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are ravaging Mo'av, attacking its cities; its best young men go down to be slaughtered," says the king, whose name is ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

Moab has been destroyed and its towns have been invaded; the best of its young men have gone down in the slaughter, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

Moab is laid waste, and they are gone up into his cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:15 pronounces a devastating judgment upon Moab, declaring its utter destruction and the demise of its elite warriors. This prophetic oracle underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, identified as "the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," who orchestrates the downfall of nations that defy Him, highlighting the futility of human strength and pride in the face of divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 stands as a comprehensive prophetic oracle specifically directed against the nation of Moab. It is part of a larger section in Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing pronouncements of judgment against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's sovereign rule over all peoples and not just Israel. Preceding this chapter are oracles against Egypt and Philistia, and it is followed by judgments against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Within chapter 48 itself, verse 15 serves as a direct, authoritative declaration of Moab's impending ruin, detailing the plundering of its cities and the slaughter of its most capable men. It encapsulates the certainty and severity of the divine judgment outlined throughout the chapter, which describes Moab's pride, idolatry, and eventual shame.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, historically related to Israel through Lot, Abraham's nephew ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - The Origin of Moab")). Despite this kinship, Moab was frequently antagonistic towards Israel, engaging in conflict and even idolatry, particularly worshipping the god Chemosh. The prophecy in Jeremiah 48 likely anticipates the Babylonian invasions under Nebuchadnezzar, which served as God's instrument for executing judgment against various nations in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Moab was known for its agricultural wealth, fortified cities, and a sense of self-sufficiency, which often led to pride and arrogance (as seen in [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance")). The destruction described in the verse would have been a catastrophic blow to a nation that prided itself on its strength and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute authority over all nations and His power to execute His will, even against seemingly formidable kingdoms. The declaration "saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts" underscores that this is not merely a political shift but a divine decree. Secondly, it highlights the **Inevitable Consequences of Defiance and Pride**. Moab's downfall, though not fully detailed in this single verse, is rooted in its arrogance and idolatry, serving as a stark warning that self-sufficiency and opposition to God's purposes ultimately lead to ruin, as also articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Lastly, the phrase "his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter" powerfully illustrates the **Futility of Earthly Power and Human Strength** when confronted with divine judgment. Even the elite warriors of Moab, their pride and military might, are rendered powerless before the sovereign power of the [LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts in Isaiah's Vision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** H7703, properly, to be burly, i.e. (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage; dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. This term vividly conveys the complete and violent plundering of Moab. It signifies not just damage, but utter devastation and stripping away of wealth and security, leaving the nation desolate and vulnerable.
* **slaughter (Hebrew, _ṭebach'_):** H2874, from טָבַח; properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter); [idiom] beast, slaughter, [idiom] slay, [idiom] sore. This word paints a grim picture, likening the killing of Moab's elite warriors to the butchering of animals. It emphasizes the merciless, systematic, and overwhelming nature of the defeat, stripping the "chosen young men" of their dignity and power.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** H3068, H6635. `Yᵉhôvâh` (the self-Existent or Eternal, Jehovah, Jewish national name of God) and `tsâbâʼ` (a mass of persons, especially organized for war, an army; by implication, a campaign, hardship, worship). This is a profound divine title, portraying God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, the sovereign Lord over creation itself. Its use here underscores the irresistible power, authority, and certainty of the divine decree, signaling that the judgment is not merely a human conflict but a divinely ordained and executed event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities":** This clause immediately establishes the dire state of Moab. "Spoiled" indicates a complete plundering and devastation of the nation's resources and infrastructure. The phrase "gone up out of her cities" suggests a forced exodus or flight from their fortified urban centers, implying that their defenses have been breached and their security shattered. This paints a picture of widespread displacement and ruin.
* **"and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter":** This part specifies the fate of Moab's military elite and the flower of its youth. "Chosen young men" refers to the best, the strongest, and most capable warriors, those who would typically defend the nation. Their "going down to the slaughter" is a chilling image, likening them to animals being led to a butcher, signifying their utter helplessness and the merciless, widespread killing they would face. It highlights the complete collapse of Moab's military might.
* **"saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts":** This concluding declaration provides the ultimate authority and certainty behind the prophecy. "The King" explicitly identifies God as the supreme ruler, not merely over Israel but over all nations. The title "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) reinforces His omnipotence and control over all forces, heavenly and earthly. This phrase transforms the prophecy from a mere prediction into an unchallengeable, divinely enforced decree, guaranteeing its fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and certainty of Moab's judgment. **Personification** is evident in "Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities," treating the nation as a living entity that experiences plundering and forced displacement. The phrase "his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter" utilizes a powerful **metaphor** or **implied simile**, likening Moab's elite warriors to animals being led to a butcher. This dehumanizes them, emphasizing their utter helplessness and the ruthless, systematic nature of their demise, stripping them of their heroic status. Finally, the concluding declaration, "saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," functions as a **divine oracle** or **prophetic declaration**. This formal, authoritative statement serves as an emphatic seal of certainty, attributing the pronouncement directly to God Himself and underscoring His supreme sovereignty and irresistible power over all earthly affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:15 profoundly articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that no earthly power, however proud or strong, can withstand His divine decree. It reveals God as the ultimate "King," who justly judges nations based on their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His will. Moab's devastation serves as a stark reminder that reliance on human strength, wealth, or false gods is ultimately futile in the face of the omnipotent "LORD of hosts." This verse underscores the certainty of God's word and His unwavering commitment to justice, providing both a warning to the defiant and reassurance to those who trust in His ultimate control over history.

* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God's Sovereignty Over Good and Evil")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:15 serves as a timeless reminder of God's unassailable sovereignty and the certainty of His justice. In a world often marked by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and the rise and fall of powers, this verse calls us to anchor our hope not in human institutions or military might, but in the "King, whose name is the LORD of hosts." It challenges us to examine our own lives for any areas of pride, self-sufficiency, or misplaced trust—whether in wealth, intellect, or personal strength—that might mirror Moab's fatal flaws. Recognizing that even the "chosen young men" of a nation are powerless before God's decree should cultivate a profound humility within us, fostering a spirit of dependence on Him alone. This passage encourages us to live in reverent awe of God's power and to align our lives with His righteous will, trusting that His purposes will ultimately prevail, bringing both judgment to the rebellious and salvation to the humble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the "King, whose name is the LORD of hosts" impact our view of global events and personal challenges?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be prone to the kind of pride or self-reliance that Moab exhibited, and how can we cultivate greater humility?**
* **What "chosen young men" or sources of strength do we rely on that might ultimately prove futile in the face of God's sovereign will, and where should our true trust lie?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Moabites and why was God judging them?**

Answer: The Moabites were an ancient nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, making them distant relatives of the Israelites ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - The Origin of Moab")). Despite this familial connection, they were frequently hostile towards Israel throughout history. God's judgment on Moab, as detailed in Jeremiah 48, was primarily due to their excessive pride, their idolatry (particularly the worship of Chemosh), and their consistent opposition to God's people. They often boasted in their own strength and wealth, refusing to acknowledge the true God, which led to their prophesied downfall.

**What does the title "LORD of hosts" signify?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is one of the most significant and powerful names for God in the Old Testament. "Yahweh" refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence and eternal nature. "Sabaoth" translates to "armies" or "hosts," referring to both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly armies, as well as the entire created order. Thus, "LORD of hosts" portrays God as the supreme commander of all forces, both spiritual and physical. It underscores His omnipotence, His absolute authority, and His ability to execute His will without hindrance, whether in judgment or in salvation. It is a declaration of His sovereign control over all creation ([Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts in Isaiah's Vision")).

**Is this judgment literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The judgment prophesied against Moab in Jeremiah 48:15 and throughout the chapter is literal. Historical evidence suggests that these prophecies were fulfilled through the Babylonian invasions under Nebuchadnezzar in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. The destruction of Moabite cities, the plundering of their land, and the slaughter of their people were historical events that served as the fulfillment of God's prophetic word, demonstrating His tangible intervention in the affairs of nations. While the language is vivid and impactful, it describes actual, devastating events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:15, with its declaration of divine judgment against Moab by the "King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of God's judgment on a rebellious nation, it foreshadows the greater, cosmic judgment that Christ, the true King and [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All"), will execute. The "spoiling" of Moab and the "slaughter" of its "chosen young men" point to the futility of all earthly power and resistance against God's sovereign will. In Christ, we see the very embodiment of the [LORD of hosts](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who came not initially to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). However, His first coming also initiated a spiritual judgment, revealing the hearts of humanity. Ultimately, Jesus will return as the victorious King, leading the armies of heaven, to bring final judgment upon all who oppose Him and to establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). All earthly powers, like Moab, that boast in their own strength and reject God's rule will be "spoiled" and brought to nothing before His glorious reign ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). The "slaughter" of Moab's elite contrasts sharply with Christ's victory over sin and death on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Those who are "chosen" by Him find not slaughter, but eternal life and true strength in His resurrection, overcoming the world through Him ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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

Jeremiah 46:18

[As] I live, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor [is] among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, [so] shall he come.

Jeremiah 50:27

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

Jeremiah 51:57

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 40:30

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

Jeremiah 48:8

And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.