Jeremiah 48:17

KJV

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, [and] the beautiful rod!

KJV (with Strong's)

All ye that are about {H5439} him, bemoan {H5110} him; and all ye that know {H3045} his name {H8034}, say {H559}, How is the strong {H5797} staff {H4294} broken {H7665}, and the beautiful {H8597} rod {H4731}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Pity him, all of you who are near him, all of you who know his name; say, "How the mighty scepter is shattered, that splendid staff!"

Berean Standard Bible

Mourn for him, all you who surround him, everyone who knows his name; tell how the mighty scepter is shattered— the glorious staff!

American Standard Version

All ye that are round about him, bemoan him, and all ye that know his name; say, How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:17 serves as a poignant call to lamentation over the devastating judgment pronounced upon Moab, a nation long characterized by its pride and opposition to God's people. The verse summons those in Moab's vicinity and those who knew its former glory to mourn its utter collapse, vividly portraying the shattering of its power, prestige, and national identity through the powerful metaphors of a "strong staff" and a "beautiful rod" being broken. It underscores the finality of divine judgment against human arrogance and the transient nature of worldly might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Moab, spanning the entirety of [Jeremiah chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). This lengthy lament stands as one of the most detailed condemnations of a foreign nation in the Old Testament, showcasing God's sovereign judgment over all peoples. The chapter systematically details Moab's destruction, city by city, emphasizing its humiliation and the irreversible nature of its downfall. Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations, including Moab, serve to underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty and His justice, not only over Israel but over all the earth. The call for onlookers to "bemoan him" in verse 17 fits perfectly within the broader dirge-like tone of the chapter, which mourns Moab's demise as if it were a funeral.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, a long-standing neighbor and often adversary of Israel. Their relationship was complex, marked by periods of conflict (e.g., [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak"), [Judges 3](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - Ehud and Eglon"), [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Jehoram and Moab")) and occasional interaction (e.g., [Ruth 1](/ruth/1 "Ruth 1 - Naomi and Ruth in Moab")). Moab was known for its agricultural wealth, its fortified cities, and its deep-seated pride and self-reliance, which often manifested as contempt for God's people ([Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride")). Central to Moabite religion was the worship of Chemosh, a fierce national god to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered. The prophecy in Jeremiah 48, likely delivered during a period of Neo-Babylonian expansion, foretells Moab's destruction at the hands of an invading power, aligning with the historical reality of regional empires like Babylon subjugating smaller nations.
* **Key Themes:** The prophecy against Moab, culminating in this verse's lament, highlights several profound themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment on Nations**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His righteous indignation against pride, idolatry, and hostility towards His people. Moab's downfall serves as a stark reminder that no nation, however strong or self-assured, is exempt from divine accountability. Another key theme is the **Futility of Idolatry and Self-Reliance**, as Moab's trust in its wealth, fortifications, and god Chemosh ultimately proved vain ([Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")). The lament also powerfully conveys the **Transient Nature of Worldly Power and Glory**, as Moab's "strong staff" and "beautiful rod"—symbols of its might and prestige—are utterly shattered, illustrating that all human achievements and earthly kingdoms are ultimately ephemeral in the face of God's eternal purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bemoan (Hebrew, _nûwd'_ H5110):** This primitive root signifies "to nod," often implying a wavering or shaking motion. In the context of lament, it refers to shaking the head in sympathy or sorrow, thus meaning "to mourn," "deplore," or "take pity." The command to "bemoan him" is a call for those observing Moab's downfall to express profound grief and sorrow, acknowledging the tragedy of its collapse, rather than merely observing it dispassionately.
* **staff (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_ H4294):** Derived from a root meaning "to extend," _maṭṭeh_ refers to a branch, a rod, or a staff. It carries multiple symbolic meanings, including a walking stick (support), a scepter (ruling authority), a weapon (chastising), or even a tribal designation. In this verse, coupled with "strong," it powerfully symbolizes Moab's political and military might, its governing authority, and its national strength.
* **beautiful (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh'_ H8597):** This word denotes ornament, splendor, glory, honor, or majesty. When applied to the "rod," it speaks to Moab's former prestige, its renowned splendor, its perceived invincibility, and perhaps its material prosperity and cultural achievements. The "beautiful rod" represents the outward display of Moab's power and its esteemed position among nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All ye that are about him, bemoan him;":** This opening clause directs the lament to those geographically proximate to Moab, or those who are "around" it. The command to "bemoan him" (Moab, personified) is an imperative for active mourning, signifying the profound sorrow and shock that Moab's destruction would evoke, even among its neighbors. It implies that Moab's fall is a spectacle of such magnitude that it demands universal lamentation.
* **"and all ye that know his name, say, ":** This second imperative expands the audience to include anyone who had knowledge of Moab's reputation, its history, or its identity as a powerful and proud nation. To "know his name" means to be acquainted with its character, its renown, and its standing in the ancient world. These individuals are commanded to articulate the lament, to voice the question that follows, underscoring the widespread impact and recognition of Moab's dramatic reversal of fortune.
* **"How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!":** This rhetorical question forms the core of the lament. The "strong staff" symbolizes Moab's military power, political authority, and national might, while the "beautiful rod" represents its prestige, glory, and splendor. The question "How is it broken?" expresses utter dismay and shock at the complete and irreparable shattering of what was once considered robust and magnificent. It highlights the unexpected and devastating nature of Moab's demise, emphasizing that its very essence of power and beauty has been utterly destroyed.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:17 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. Moab, a nation, is personified as "him," allowing for a more intimate and mournful address. The core metaphors are the "strong staff" and the "beautiful rod," which are potent symbols of power, authority, strength, and national prestige in the ancient Near East. Their "breaking" signifies not just defeat, but a complete and irreparable destruction of Moab's very essence and function. The phrase "How is... broken!" is a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to express profound shock, lament, and disbelief at the sudden and complete downfall of what was once mighty and glorious. This question also functions as a **Lament**, a common literary form in prophetic literature that expresses deep sorrow over destruction and loss. The **Parallelism** between "strong staff" and "beautiful rod" reinforces the comprehensive nature of Moab's collapse, encompassing both its intrinsic might and its outward splendor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:17 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that all earthly power and glory are ultimately transient and subject to God's sovereign will. Moab, a nation renowned for its strength and pride, serves as a vivid example of how divine judgment can shatter even the most formidable human constructs. This lament underscores that true and lasting security is found not in human might or national prestige, but in humble submission to the Lord. The breaking of the "strong staff" and "beautiful rod" is a theological statement that God alone is the ultimate source of power and authority, and He will not share His glory with idols or arrogant nations. This serves as a warning against nationalistic pride and self-sufficiency, reminding all peoples that they are accountable to the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God frustrates the plans of nations")
* [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the Lord against human pride")
* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom will crush all other kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:17 calls us to reflect on the nature of true strength and lasting glory. In a world that often values power, prestige, and self-reliance, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all human achievements and earthly kingdoms are temporary. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust—whether in our own abilities, our national might, our financial security, or our worldly reputation. The lament over Moab's broken staff and rod prompts us to consider the fragility of anything built apart from God's will. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence on the Lord, reminding us that true dignity and enduring strength come from Him alone. This passage invites us to shift our focus from the fleeting glories of this world to the eternal kingdom of God, which alone will never be broken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strong staffs" or "beautiful rods" do I tend to rely on in my own life (e.g., career, reputation, wealth, physical strength) instead of God?**
* **How does the transient nature of Moab's power challenge my perspective on worldly success and influence?**
* **In what ways might pride or self-sufficiency manifest in my life or in my nation, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**What does the "strong staff" and "beautiful rod" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "strong staff" and "beautiful rod" are powerful metaphors symbolizing Moab's national strength, military might, political authority, and its former glory and prestige. In the ancient world, a staff or rod was commonly used as a symbol of leadership, power, and support. Their being "broken" signifies the complete and utter collapse of Moab's sovereignty, its renowned status, and its ability to sustain itself. This imagery conveys the depth of its humiliation and the finality of God's judgment.

**Why would people "bemoan" Moab, a nation often hostile to Israel?**

Answer: The command to "bemoan him" is directed at those "about him" and "who know his name," which could include neighboring nations or even those who once admired Moab's strength. While Moab was often an adversary to Israel, the lament is not necessarily an expression of sympathy for Moab's wickedness, but rather a recognition of the devastating and shocking nature of divine judgment. It underscores the severity of God's power and the universal impact of such a profound downfall, serving as a cautionary tale for all who witness it. It also highlights the common human experience of loss, even when it is deserved.

**How does this prophecy against Moab relate to God's overall plan for humanity?**

Answer: The prophecy against Moab, like other prophecies against foreign nations in Jeremiah and other prophetic books, demonstrates God's universal sovereignty. It reveals that God is not just the God of Israel, but the Lord of all nations, holding all peoples accountable for their pride, idolatry, and injustice. These judgments serve to clear the way for God's ultimate redemptive plan, which culminates in the establishment of His righteous and eternal kingdom. They underscore that all earthly powers are temporary and will ultimately give way to God's eternal reign, preparing the ground for the coming of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:17 directly addresses the judgment of Moab, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The breaking of Moab's "strong staff" and "beautiful rod" foreshadows the ultimate dismantling of all earthly powers and human pride that stand in opposition to God. In Christ, we see the true and eternal "staff" and "rod" of God's authority and beauty. Unlike Moab's transient power, Jesus' kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures through all generations ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Jesus' Everlasting Dominion")). The lament over Moab's downfall points to the futility of trusting in anything other than God, a truth perfectly embodied in the person of Jesus, who taught that true life is found not in accumulating worldly treasures or power, but in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Furthermore, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, though appearing as a "broken" and humiliated figure to the world, was in fact the ultimate display of divine power and beauty, shattering the power of sin and death and establishing an indestructible kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the broken staff of Moab ultimately points to the unbroken, eternal reign of the Lamb of God, who alone possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

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

Isaiah 9:4

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Jeremiah 9:17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:

Jeremiah 9:20

Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

Zechariah 11:10

And I took my staff, [even] Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people.

Zechariah 11:14

Then I cut asunder mine other staff, [even] Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Jeremiah 48:31

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; [mine heart] shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

Jeremiah 48:33

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; [their] shouting [shall be] no shouting.