Jeremiah 48:16

The calamity of Moab [is] near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.

The calamity {H343} of Moab {H4124} is near {H7138} to come {H935}, and his affliction {H7451} hasteth {H4116} fast {H3966}.

Mo'av's ruin is coming soon, its disaster speeds on swiftly.

Moab’s calamity is at hand, and his affliction is rushing swiftly.

The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.

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Commentary

Jeremiah 48:16 delivers a stark prophetic warning concerning the nation of Moab, emphasizing the imminent and rapid approach of its downfall. The verse declares, "The calamity of Moab [is] near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast." This brief but potent statement highlights the certainty and swiftness of divine judgment.

Context

Chapter 48 of Jeremiah is entirely dedicated to a detailed prophecy against Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea, historically known for its contentious relationship with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:37), but they often opposed God's people, engaging in idolatry—particularly the worship of their god Chemosh—and exhibiting significant pride. Jeremiah's prophecy foretells their utter devastation, likely at the hands of the Babylonian empire, which God used as an instrument of judgment against many nations in the region. This specific verse acts as a summary declaration of the immediate nature of the impending doom detailed throughout the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse unequivocally speaks to God's sovereign right and power to judge nations for their sins, including pride, idolatry, and hostility towards His people. This is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, demonstrating that no nation is above God's justice (Daniel 4:17).
  • Inescapable and Swift Calamity: The phrases "near to come" and "hasteth fast" underscore the inevitability and rapid approach of Moab's destruction. There would be no escape or prolonged delay for their punishment, signaling a decisive act of God.
  • Prophetic Certainty: Jeremiah, as God's messenger, delivers a warning that is not merely a possibility but a decreed certainty. This highlights the reliability of God's word and His ultimate control over history and nations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used convey a strong sense of urgency and devastation:

  • "Calamity" (Hebrew: 'êd) refers to a sudden, overwhelming disaster or destruction, often implying a divine visitation of judgment.
  • "Affliction" (Hebrew: shabar) means "to break" or "to shatter," suggesting complete ruin and devastation. It implies that Moab will be utterly broken and destroyed.
  • "Hasteth fast" (Hebrew: maher) emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the coming judgment. It's not a distant threat but one that is already in motion and quickly approaching its culmination.

Practical Application

While specifically directed at ancient Moab, Jeremiah 48:16 carries enduring lessons for all generations:

  • God's Justice is Universal: This verse reminds us that God is just and righteous, and He holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly for pride, idolatry, and oppression.
  • Heed Warnings: The swiftness of Moab's judgment serves as a powerful reminder to pay attention to divine warnings and to turn from paths of sin and rebellion before it is too late.
  • The Certainty of God's Word: Just as God's prophecies against Moab were fulfilled, so too are His promises and warnings in the present age certain to come to pass. This should inspire both reverence and faith in His unchanging character.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 13:22

    And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

  • 2 Peter 2:3

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • Ezekiel 12:28

    Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 1:12

    Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

  • Deuteronomy 32:35

    To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

  • Isaiah 16:13

    This [is] the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time.

  • Isaiah 16:14

    But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.
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