Jeremiah 48:18

KJV

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from [thy] glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, [and] he shall destroy thy strong holds.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou daughter {H1323} that dost inhabit {H3427} Dibon {H1769}, come down {H3381} from thy glory {H3519}, and sit {H3427} in thirst {H6772}; for the spoiler {H7703} of Moab {H4124} shall come {H5927} upon thee, and he shall destroy {H7843} thy strong holds {H4013}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Descend from your glory, and sit in thirst, daughter living in Divon; for Mo'av's destroyer advances on you; he has destroyed your strongholds.

Berean Standard Bible

Come down from your glory; sit on parched ground, O daughter dwelling in Dibon, for the destroyer of Moab has come against you; he has destroyed your fortresses.

American Standard Version

O thou daughter that dwellest in Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the destroyer of Moab is come up against thee, he hath destroyed thy strongholds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:18 delivers a powerful prophetic judgment against Dibon, a prominent city within Moab, commanding it to relinquish its elevated status of honor and prosperity and descend into a state of utter desolation and spiritual emptiness. This divine decree foretells the inevitable arrival of a destructive "spoiler," identified as the Babylonian army, who will dismantle Dibon's formidable defenses and bring about its complete humiliation, serving as a stark testament to God's unwavering justice against national pride, idolatry, and self-reliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a comprehensive and deeply emotive oracle against Moab, forming part of a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). This chapter stands out for its detailed lament over Moab's impending destruction, employing vivid imagery to depict widespread devastation. The prophecy meticulously outlines the humiliation that will befall a nation characterized by its pervasive pride, idolatrous worship of Chemosh, and a misplaced sense of self-sufficiency. Verse 18 specifically targets Dibon, a significant Moabite city, as a representative example of this broader judgment, illustrating the inescapable and pervasive nature of the catastrophe that will sweep across the entire land of Moab, leaving no city untouched. The command to "come down from thy glory" is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, powerfully signifying a dramatic and irreversible fall from power, prestige, and security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab, situated strategically east of the Dead Sea, was a fertile and often prosperous kingdom with a complex and frequently adversarial relationship with Israel, despite their shared ancestry through Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moabites")). The Moabites were renowned for their agricultural wealth, their numerous fortified cities (of which Dibon was a prime example), and their deep-seated national pride, which often manifested as an over-reliance on their military might and their national deity, Chemosh ([Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, God of Moab"); [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry")). Dibon itself held considerable historical significance, having been mentioned in the Israelite tribal allocations ([Numbers 32:34](/numbers/32-34 "Numbers 32:34 - Dibon in Reuben's Territory"); [Joshua 13:9, 17](/joshua/13-9 "Joshua 13:9 - Dibon in Reuben's Inheritance")) and later prominently featured on the Mesha Stele as a key Moabite city. The "spoiler" referenced in the verse is historically understood to be Nebuchadnezzar's formidable Babylonian army, which God sovereignly employed as an instrument of divine judgment against nations, including Moab, for their persistent rebellion, idolatry, and arrogance, as clearly foretold in prophecies like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:18 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the prophecy against Moab and the broader book of Jeremiah. A central theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, which is powerfully demonstrated as God exercises absolute control over the destinies of nations, executing justice upon those who defy His righteous standards. The verse vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Pride and Self-Reliance**, as Moab's "glory" and "strongholds"—symbols of its arrogance and misplaced trust in human might—are revealed to be utterly vulnerable and ultimately futile before God's appointed judgment. Furthermore, it underscores the **Inevitability of Destruction** for nations that refuse to repent and turn from their wicked ways, emphasizing that no earthly power, military defense, or perceived invincibility can withstand a divine decree. The humiliation of Dibon, forced to "sit in thirst," serves as a poignant portrayal of the **Desolation and Humiliation** that accompanies such judgment, standing in stark contrast to its former prosperity and pride, a pervasive theme echoed throughout [the entire chapter](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** (H1323) While literally meaning "daughter," this term is employed here as a poetic and personifying address to the city of Dibon, or more accurately, its inhabitants. This literary device imbues the city with a sense of identity and vulnerability, making the prophetic judgment feel more intimate and deeply personal, as if the divine word is speaking directly to the very soul and essence of the city's population. It emphasizes the directness and poignancy of the impending doom.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** (H3519) Derived from a root meaning "weight," this word figuratively denotes the honor, splendor, wealth, and perceived impregnability that Dibon and, by extension, Moab enjoyed. It encompasses their prestige, material prosperity, and the false sense of security derived from their formidable fortifications and accumulated possessions. The command to "come down from thy glory" therefore signifies a complete and devastating loss of status, prestige, and security, representing a dramatic and irreversible fall from a high and esteemed position.
* **spoiler (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** (H7703) This term, functioning as an active participle, translates to "destroyer," "ravager," or "plunderer." It vividly highlights the violent, devastating, and comprehensive nature of the invading force. The "spoiler" is not merely an adversary who will defeat, but one who will utterly lay waste, leaving nothing intact. This emphasizes the totality and ruthlessness of the destruction that is destined to befall Moab, underscoring the futility of any resistance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon":** This opening phrase is a direct, personified address to the city of Dibon and its people. By referring to the city as "daughter," the prophet establishes an intimate, almost lamenting tone, making the impending judgment feel deeply personal and immediate. Dibon is specifically named as a prominent and representative Moabite city, signifying that its fate is emblematic of the nation's broader downfall.
* **"come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst":** This is a powerful prophetic imperative, a command issued by God through His prophet. "Come down from thy glory" signifies a forced, humiliating descent from a position of power, prestige, and prosperity to one of abject shame and insignificance. The subsequent phrase, "sit in thirst," is a vivid and potent metaphor for extreme destitution, deprivation, and utter helplessness. It implies not merely a physical lack of water, but a complete stripping away of all comforts, provisions, and sources of sustenance, painting a picture of profound desolation, ruin, and public humiliation.
* **"for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds":** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and the specific agent of the judgment. "The spoiler of Moab" refers to the invading army, divinely appointed as God's instrument of wrath (historically, the Babylonians). Their arrival is depicted as certain and unavoidable ("shall come upon thee"). The ultimate consequence is the comprehensive destruction of Dibon's "strong holds," which symbolize its fortifications, defenses, and all sources of perceived security. This demonstrates unequivocally that no human defense or might can withstand the sovereign decree of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending doom and divine judgment. **Personification** is central, as the city of Dibon is addressed directly as a "daughter," imbuing it with human qualities and making the prophetic command deeply personal and poignant. This device allows the audience to visualize the city's humiliation as if it were a living entity brought low. The phrase "sit in thirst" is a striking **Metaphor** for utter destitution and profound deprivation, extending far beyond mere physical thirst to encompass a complete lack of comfort, security, and hope. It creates a vivid and unsettling image of a city stripped bare and left in a state of profound spiritual and material emptiness. The declaration that "the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds" uses powerful **Foreshadowing** to emphasize the certainty and totality of the destruction. The contrast between Dibon's former "glory" and its commanded state of "thirst" also creates a powerful **Antithesis**, highlighting the dramatic and devastating reversal of its fortunes, underscoring the fragility of earthly pride and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:18 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's sovereign justice over all nations. It unequivocally demonstrates that no nation, however proud, wealthy, or fortified, is beyond the reach of divine judgment when it persists in arrogance, idolatry, and opposition to God's righteous purposes. Moab's "glory" was rooted in its earthly strength, material wealth, and self-sufficiency, which ultimately proved to be a false and fleeting security. The command to "come down" signifies the humbling of the proud, a consistent and pervasive theme throughout Scripture, reminding us that true exaltation and lasting honor come only from God. The "spoiler" is presented as a tangible instrument of God's wrath, illustrating that even seemingly secular historical events are orchestrated by a divine hand to fulfill His righteous decrees. This verse serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in human achievements, military might, or material possessions, emphasizing that only God is the true and unshakeable stronghold and source of security.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - Punishment of the World for Evil")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Sovereignty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:18 serves as a profound and challenging mirror for self-examination, both for individuals and for communities. It compels us to critically assess the true sources of our "glory" and perceived security. Do we, like ancient Dibon, place our ultimate trust and confidence in our personal achievements, our accumulated wealth, our social standing, our intellectual prowess, or even our physical health? The stark command to "come down from thy glory" is a sobering reminder that all earthly foundations are inherently transient, fragile, and ultimately vulnerable to the shifting tides of life and the sovereign hand of God. True security and lasting honor are found not in self-exaltation or the relentless accumulation of material possessions, but in a humble, dependent, and obedient relationship with the Creator. The vivid imagery of "sitting in thirst" compels us to deeply consider the spiritual destitution and profound emptiness that inevitably result from a life lived apart from God, where genuine satisfaction, spiritual sustenance, and true joy are conspicuously absent. This verse powerfully calls us to cultivate radical humility, to recognize God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of life, and to build our lives on the unshakeable foundation of His eternal truth and boundless grace, rather than on the shifting, unreliable sands of worldly success and human pride.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "glories" in my life (or in our contemporary society) that I might be tempted to trust in more than God?**
* **How does the imagery of "sitting in thirst" challenge my understanding of true satisfaction, spiritual well-being, and the source of genuine fulfillment?**
* **In what specific ways might I be relying on my own "strongholds" (e.g., financial stability, reputation, intellectual capabilities, personal control) rather than on God's unfailing power and provision?**
* **How can the certainty of God's righteous judgment on pride motivate me to cultivate greater humility, dependence, and unwavering trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is Dibon specifically singled out in this prophecy against Moab?**

Answer: Dibon was a historically significant and highly prominent city within Moab, often serving as a powerful symbol of Moabite strength, national pride, and perceived invincibility. Its repeated mention in earlier biblical narratives, such as [Numbers 21:30](/numbers/21-30 "Numbers 21:30 - Conquest of Sihon") and [Isaiah 15:2](/isaiah/15-2 "Isaiah 15:2 - Prophecy Against Moab"), underscores its strategic and cultural importance. By specifically singling out Dibon, Jeremiah emphasizes that no part of Moab, regardless of its strength, renown, or historical significance, would escape the comprehensive and devastating judgment. Its downfall serves as a concrete and vivid representative example of the entire nation's impending humiliation, making the prophecy's impact more immediate and tangible.

**What does "come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst" truly imply beyond physical descent and a literal lack of water?**

Answer: This phrase is a profoundly powerful metaphor for complete and utter humiliation, destitution, and a dramatic loss of status. "Come down from thy glory" signifies a forced, public, and irreversible fall from a position of honor, wealth, and perceived invincibility to one of abject shame, insignificance, and vulnerability. "Sit in thirst" extends far beyond mere physical dehydration to represent a state of profound desolation, a complete deprivation of all comforts, resources, and spiritual sustenance. It paints a vivid picture of a city stripped bare of its dignity, its hope, and its very essence, forced into a state of helpless suffering, reflecting a complete and devastating reversal of its once proud and prosperous circumstances.

**Who is "the spoiler of Moab" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The spoiler of Moab" refers to the divinely appointed instrument of judgment against Moab. Historically, this "spoiler" is universally understood to be the formidable Babylonian army under the command of King Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout the prophetic books, God frequently used powerful empires, such as Babylon, as His "servants" or "spoilers" to execute His righteous judgment upon nations, including Judah and its various neighbors, who had defiantly rebelled against Him. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all world powers and His strategic use of them to accomplish His divine and righteous will, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:18, with its stark pronouncement of judgment on Dibon's pride and the inevitable destruction of its strongholds, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all transient earthly powers and the divine humbling of human arrogance through the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "glory" that Dibon was commanded to descend from represents the fleeting, self-exalting, and ultimately hollow glory of this fallen world, which stands in stark contrast to the eternal, humble, and radiant glory of God perfectly revealed in Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus Himself, though existing eternally "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). He "came down" from heavenly glory not in judgment, but in profound redemptive humility, to bring salvation and reconciliation to a lost humanity. The "spoiler of Moab" foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over the true spoilers of humanity—sin, death, and the devil. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He utterly destroyed the spiritual "strongholds" of darkness, offering true and lasting security not in fortified cities or human might, but in His finished work on the cross and His resurrected life. Furthermore, the "thirst" of Dibon points prophetically to the deep spiritual thirst of all humanity, a thirst that only Christ can truly quench. He declared, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")), offering living water that springs up to eternal life, a stark and glorious contrast to the desolation of those who rely on fleeting earthly glory.

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

Numbers 21:30

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which [reacheth] unto Medeba.

Isaiah 47:1

¶ Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

Jeremiah 48:22

And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,

Joshua 13:17

Heshbon, and all her cities that [are] in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

Ezekiel 19:13

And now she [is] planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.

Exodus 17:3

And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore [is] this [that] thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?