Jeremiah 48:20

KJV

Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moab {H4124} is confounded {H3001}; for it is broken down {H2865}: howl {H3213} and cry {H2199}; tell {H5046} ye it in Arnon {H769}, that Moab {H4124} is spoiled {H7703},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mo'av is disgraced, indeed, destroyed. Wail aloud! Shriek! Proclaim it by the Arnon that Mo'av has been laid waste.

Berean Standard Bible

Moab is put to shame, for it has been shattered. Wail and cry out! Declare by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed.

American Standard Version

Moab is put to shame; for it is broken down: wail and cry; tell ye it by the Arnon, that Moab is laid waste.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:20 powerfully declares the utter devastation and public humiliation of Moab, a nation long characterized by its pride and idolatry. This verse, situated within a comprehensive prophetic oracle, proclaims that Moab is not merely defeated but profoundly shamed and utterly shattered, prompting a widespread lamentation that will echo even to its northern border, the Arnon River, confirming its complete and irreversible ruin. It stands as a stark testament to the certainty of divine judgment against those who defiantly oppose God and place their trust in their own strength and false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 presents a singular, extended oracle against Moab, forming part of a larger collection of prophecies concerning foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against the Nations"). This chapter meticulously details the impending destruction of Moab, moving from a general declaration of doom in [Jeremiah 48:1](/jeremiah/48-1 "Jeremiah 48:1 - Judgment on Moab") to specific cities and regions, and concluding with a surprising promise of eventual restoration ([Jeremiah 48:47](/jeremiah/48-47 "Jeremiah 48:47 - Restoration of Moab")). Verse 20 specifically focuses on the immediate, widespread impact of this judgment, emphasizing the profound shame and brokenness that accompanies the physical destruction. The imperative commands to "howl and cry" and "tell ye it in Arnon" underscore the public, undeniable, and far-reaching nature of Moab's downfall, ensuring that the news of its ruin would spread throughout its entire territory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, bordered by the Arnon River to the north and the Zered River to the south. Descended from Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Birth of Moab")), Moab had a long and often contentious history with Israel, marked by periods of conflict ([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 - Moabite Rebellion")) and occasional, brief alliances. Culturally, Moab was notorious for its excessive pride ([Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")) and its fervent worship of the idol 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")). Its relative prosperity, derived from fertile agricultural lands and control over vital trade routes, fostered a deep sense of self-sufficiency and security, leading to a complacent trust in its own wealth and strength rather than in the one true God. The impending judgment prophesied by Jeremiah would likely be carried out by a major regional power, such as Babylon, serving as God's instrument of justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable and comprehensive consequence of national sin, particularly pride, idolatry, and hostility towards God's people. Moab's "confounded" and "broken down" state is a direct result of God's righteous retribution against its arrogance and false worship, a theme explicitly echoed in [Jeremiah 48:29-30](/jeremiah/48-29-30 "Jeremiah 48:29-30 - Moab's Arrogance and Boasting"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Futility of Trusting in Self or Idols**, as Moab's reliance on its own strength and pagan gods ultimately led to its catastrophic downfall. This serves as a universal warning against misplaced trust and spiritual self-reliance. Thirdly, the imperative command to "howl and cry" underscores the theme of **Widespread Lamentation and Despair**, illustrating the complete collapse of a society under the weight of divine wrath. Finally, the specific mention of Arnon reinforces the **Certainty and Scope of Prophecy's Fulfillment**, demonstrating that God's word, even regarding distant nations, is precise and will come to pass, impacting every corner of the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confounded (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This word (H3001) primarily means "to dry up" or "wither," but figuratively, as used here, it signifies "to be ashamed, confused, or disappointed." It conveys a profound sense of public disgrace and humiliation. Moab's defeat is not merely a military loss but a deep-seated shame that strips away its honor and dignity, leaving it utterly exposed and disgraced before the nations. This emotional and reputational ruin is a core aspect of its judgment.
* **broken down (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** Derived from H2865, this term means "to prostrate," "to break down," or "to dismay." It suggests a complete shattering, both physically and psychologically. Moab is not merely weakened but utterly crushed; its defenses, morale, and very spirit are shattered. This implies a state of terror and despair, where all former strength and confidence have collapsed, leading to utter helplessness.
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** From H7703, this word means "to ravage," "to plunder," or "to lay waste." It highlights the violent and destructive nature of the judgment. Moab's wealth, cities, and resources are not just taken but utterly devastated and plundered, leaving behind desolation. This emphasizes the complete loss of security, possessions, and societal order, a thorough and brutal despoiling of the land and its people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moab is confounded;":** This opening declaration immediately establishes the central consequence of the impending judgment. Moab, a proud and self-assured nation, is now utterly shamed and disgraced. This "confounding" speaks to a public humiliation, a loss of face and honor that is perhaps more devastating than the physical destruction itself for a culture that valued reputation. It signifies a profound spiritual and moral defeat.
* **"for it is broken down:":** This clause provides the immediate reason for Moab's confusion and shame. The nation has been utterly shattered, its strength and defenses dismantled. "Broken down" implies a complete collapse, not just of its military might but of its entire societal structure, its national morale, and its very will, leaving it helpless and without hope.
* **"howl and cry;":** These are imperative commands, not merely descriptions of future actions. They are a prophetic summons for the inhabitants of Moab to engage in public, unrestrained mourning. "Howling" (H3213, _yâlal'_) suggests a deep, wailing lament, often associated with intense grief or despair, while "crying" (H2199, _zâʻaq'_) implies a loud, distressful outcry or shriek, indicative of profound anguish and despair that permeates the entire populace.
* **"tell ye it in Arnon,":** This command directs the message of Moab's destruction to a specific, highly significant geographical marker. The Arnon River (H769, _ʼArnôwn'_) formed Moab's northern border, a prominent and well-known landmark. To "tell it in Arnon" means the news of Moab's utter ruin is to be proclaimed far and wide, reaching even the extremities of its territory, ensuring that no one is unaware of the catastrophe. It signifies the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting the entire land from border to border.
* **"that Moab is spoiled,":** This final clause reiterates and confirms the extent of the devastation. "Spoiled" (H7703, _shâdad'_) emphasizes the violent plunder and laying waste of the land. It means Moab has been thoroughly ravaged, its resources plundered, its cities destroyed, and its people dispossessed. This serves as the ultimate confirmation of its complete and irreversible ruin, a state of utter desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:20 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the gravity of Moab's judgment. The initial declaration, "**Moab is confounded; for it is broken down,**" uses **Personification**, attributing human emotions and states of being (confusion, brokenness, shame) to the nation itself. This makes the judgment feel more personal and visceral, as if Moab itself is experiencing the agony. The repeated emphasis on destruction and lamentation, particularly the imperative commands to "**howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon,**" creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the scale of the devastation to underscore its totality and inescapable nature. The direct, forceful use of **Imperative Mood** ("howl," "cry," "tell") intensifies the prophetic declaration, making the reader feel the urgency and inevitability of the mourning that will sweep across the land. Finally, the specific mention of "**Arnon**" functions as a powerful **Synecdoche** (or a form of **Symbolism**) where a part (the northern border) stands for the whole (the entire territory of Moab), indicating that the news of its ruination will spread throughout the whole land, from border to border, leaving no corner untouched by the shame and sorrow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:20 stands as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over nations and the certain consequences of unrepentant sin. It underscores that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength, wealth, or cultural pride, is exempt from divine accountability. Moab's downfall, rooted in its arrogance, idolatry, and historical antagonism towards God's people, serves as a timeless warning that self-sufficiency and trust in anything other than the living God ultimately lead to shame and destruction. This judgment reveals God's unwavering justice, demonstrating that He is not only the God of Israel but the Lord of all history, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes. The public nature of Moab's humiliation also highlights the principle that sin, especially national pride and rebellion against God, will eventually be exposed and judged openly before all.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Howling for the Day of the Lord")
* [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "The Lord is a Jealous and Avenging God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark image of Moab's utter devastation in Jeremiah 48:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It serves as a powerful reminder that true security and lasting peace are never found in human strength, material wealth, or nationalistic pride, but solely in humble reliance upon God. Just as Moab was "confounded" and "broken down" for its arrogance and idolatry, so too can individuals and nations experience deep shame and collapse when they turn away from divine truth and embrace self-sufficiency or false gods. This verse calls us to a radical humility, urging us to examine our own hearts and the values of our cultures, asking where our ultimate trust lies. It challenges us to repent of any form of pride, whether personal or collective, and to align our lives with God's righteous standards, recognizing that His justice is universal and His word is unfailing. It compels us to consider how we might "howl and cry" over the brokenness of a world apart from God, and how we might participate in His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my community might I be placing trust in "Moab-like" securities (wealth, status, self-reliance, or cultural norms) rather than in God alone?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against pride and sin, as seen in Moab's downfall, shape my understanding of His character and my call to live righteously in a fallen world?**
* **What does it mean for me to "howl and cry" in response to the spiritual brokenness and sin in the world today, and how can I participate in proclaiming God's truth and seeking His redemptive work?**

### FAQ
**Why was God's judgment against Moab so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment against Moab was severe primarily due to its persistent pride, idolatry, and historical animosity towards Israel, God's chosen people. Moab's arrogance is frequently highlighted in scripture (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Exceeding Pride")), reflecting a deep-seated self-sufficiency that rejected reliance on God. Their fervent worship of Chemosh, a detestable idol, further provoked divine wrath, as idolatry is a direct affront to God's exclusive claim to worship. Additionally, Moab had a long history of opposing Israel, from King Balak's attempts to curse them through Balaam ([Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balak and Balaam")) to their oppression during the time of the Judges ([Judges 3](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - Ehud and Eglon")), demonstrating a consistent pattern of rebellion against God's purposes and His covenant people. The severity of the judgment underscores God's unwavering justice against such spiritual and moral corruption.

**What is the significance of "Arnon" in this verse?**

Answer: The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) was a highly significant geographical feature, forming the northern boundary of Moab's territory and often serving as a strategic defensive line. Its mention in [Jeremiah 48:20](/jeremiah/48-20 "Jeremiah 48:20 - Moab's Humiliation") is crucial for several reasons. First, it emphasizes the **comprehensiveness** of Moab's destruction; the news of its ruin would spread from one end of its land to the other, leaving no part untouched by the catastrophe. Second, it highlights the **public and undeniable nature** of the judgment; the command to "tell ye it in Arnon" means the catastrophe would be proclaimed openly and widely, ensuring that Moab's shame was known to all its inhabitants and beyond. Third, it serves as a **symbol of reversal**; a border often represents strength and security, but here, it becomes a point from which the news of utter defeat is broadcast, signifying the complete collapse of Moab's former stability and pride.

**Does God still judge nations today?**

Answer: While God's judgment on nations in the Old Testament often involved direct, visible military defeat and territorial destruction, the principle of divine accountability for nations remains a consistent biblical truth. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all nations ([Psalm 22:28](/psalm/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - God Reigns Over Nations"), [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men")) and that He holds them accountable for their actions, particularly regarding justice, righteousness, and their treatment of His people. While the forms of judgment may differ in the New Covenant era, the underlying truth of God's moral governance of the world persists. Nations that embrace injustice, idolatry, and moral decay can experience internal decay, societal breakdown, and loss of influence, reflecting divine displeasure. Ultimately, all nations will stand before God's final judgment ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")), making it imperative for them to seek righteousness and for believers to be salt and light within their societies, advocating for justice and truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment against Moab in Jeremiah 48:20, characterized by shame, brokenness, and utter desolation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar destruction of nations, but in the profound reversal accomplished through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moab's pride and self-reliance led to its "confounding" and "spoiling," a stark picture of sin's inevitable consequence. In striking contrast, Jesus, though perfectly innocent, became "confounded" and "broken down" on the cross, taking upon Himself the shame, disgrace, and judgment due to humanity's sin and pride ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins"), [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")). He bore the "spoiling" of our spiritual inheritance, allowing Himself to be plundered by death and the forces of evil so that we might be enriched with eternal life and spiritual abundance ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")).

Furthermore, the command to "howl and cry" over Moab's destruction foreshadows the deep lamentation over sin and its devastating consequences that is ultimately addressed and overcome by Christ's redemptive work. He invites all who mourn over their spiritual brokenness and the brokenness of the world to find comfort, healing, and true hope in Him ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn")). While Moab's judgment was a public declaration of its ruin, Christ's victory over sin and death is a public declaration of salvation, "told" not just in Arnon, but to the ends of the earth through the glorious gospel ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Through faith in Him, believers are no longer "confounded" by the weight of sin or "broken down" by its power, but are made new creations, redeemed from the "spoiling" of the enemy, and brought into an unshakable kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness and Transferred to the Kingdom")). Thus, Moab's judgment serves as a powerful backdrop highlighting the radical grace and transformative power of Christ, who absorbed the full weight of divine judgment to offer hope, restoration, and eternal life to all who believe.

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 16:2

For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.

Isaiah 16:7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.

Isaiah 16:11

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

Isaiah 15:8

For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beerelim.

Deuteronomy 2:36

From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

Judges 11:18

Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

Numbers 21:26

For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.