Jeremiah 48:20

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

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},

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

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

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

Jeremiah 48:20 is part of a comprehensive prophecy against Moab, an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, notorious for its pride and idolatry. This verse vividly describes the immediate aftermath of Moab's impending destruction, emphasizing the shame and utter devastation that will befall it.

Context of Jeremiah 48:20

Chapter 48 of Jeremiah is an extended oracle detailing the downfall of Moab. The prophet Jeremiah, speaking for the Lord, declares a judgment that is both comprehensive and inescapable. This judgment is a consequence of Moab's long-standing arrogance, its trust in its own wealth and false gods, and its opposition to God's people. The prophecy uses strong imagery of lamentation and destruction, painting a picture of a nation utterly overwhelmed by divine retribution. The mention of Arnon, a significant river forming Moab's northern border, signifies that the news of this catastrophe would spread throughout the entire land, reaching even its farthest boundaries.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over the nations and His unwavering justice. Moab's destruction is not random but a precise act of divine judgment against its sins.
  • Consequences of Pride and Idolatry: A recurring theme in the prophecies against Moab (e.g., Jeremiah 48:29) is its immense pride and trust in its own strength and gods, which ultimately lead to its downfall. This verse shows the painful result of such misplaced trust.
  • Widespread Lamentation: The command to "howl and cry" underscores the depth of the national tragedy. It's a call for public, widespread mourning, indicating the complete collapse of Moabite society and infrastructure.
  • Certainty of Prophecy: The detailed nature of Jeremiah's oracle against Moab, including specific locations and outcomes, highlights the certainty of God's prophetic word being fulfilled.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "confounded" is bosh (Χ‘Χ•Χ©), which means to be put to shame, disgraced, or humiliated. It's not just a defeat but a public and profound loss of honor.
  • "Broken down" comes from chatat (Χ—ΧͺΧͺ), meaning to be shattered, dismayed, or terrified. This implies a complete psychological and physical collapse, a loss of all morale and defense.
  • "Spoiled" is from shadad (Χ©Χ“Χ“), which conveys the sense of being plundered, devastated, or laid waste. This term emphasizes the violent and destructive nature of the judgment, resulting in the loss of all possessions and security.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:20 serves as a timeless reminder of several spiritual truths:

  1. Accountability: All nations and individuals are ultimately accountable to God. His justice is universal, and He judges sin wherever it is found.
  2. Warning Against Pride: The downfall of Moab, largely attributed to its pride, serves as a powerful warning against arrogance and self-sufficiency. True security and strength are found only in God, not in human achievements or material possessions.
  3. Trust in God Alone: The reliance of Moab on its idols and wealth proved futile. This calls believers to place their trust solely in the living God, who alone is sovereign and faithful. As Proverbs 16:18 reminds us, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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