Jeremiah 48:21

KJV

And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

KJV (with Strong's)

And judgment {H4941} is come {H935} upon the plain {H4334} country {H776}; upon Holon {H2473}, and upon Jahazah {H3096}, and upon Mephaath {H4158},

Complete Jewish Bible

Judgment has come on the Plain - on Holon, Yachtzah, Mefa'at,

Berean Standard Bible

Judgment has come upon the high plain— upon Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,

American Standard Version

And judgment is come upon the plain country, upon Holon, and upon Jahzah, and upon Mephaath,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:21 declares the specific and inescapable judgment of God upon the "plain country" of Moab, identifying three key cities—Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath—as immediate targets of divine wrath. This verse is a precise articulation within a broader prophecy detailing Moab's downfall, emphasizing God's sovereign authority over nations and the certain consequences of national pride, idolatry, and opposition to His will. It underscores the thoroughness of God's decree, ensuring no part of the rebellious nation would escape the impending desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a comprehensive oracle dedicated entirely to the judgment of Moab. This chapter meticulously details Moab's impending destruction, contrasting its former pride and prosperity with its future desolation. The prophecy begins with a general declaration of doom (Jeremiah 48:1-6), then moves to specific reasons for judgment, such as Moab's reliance on idols and its arrogance (Jeremiah 48:7-13). Verse 21, by specifically naming cities within the "plain country" or tableland, serves to particularize the judgment previously announced. It follows a broader declaration of Moab's shame and breaking (Jeremiah 48:18-20), reinforcing that the judgment is not just general but will impact every facet of Moabite life and geography, culminating in a lament for the nation's fall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, historically related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:37). Throughout its history, Moab often stood in opposition to Israel, engaging in conflict and, at times, leading Israel into idolatry, as seen in the incident at Peor (Numbers 25:1-3). Known for its agricultural wealth, fortified cities, and reliance on the god Chemosh, Moab cultivated a strong sense of self-sufficiency and pride, often despising the Lord and His people (Jeremiah 48:29). Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab, likely delivered during the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, anticipates the Babylonian invasions that would sweep through the Near East, serving as God's instrument of judgment against many nations, including Moab. The "plain country" (mishor) refers to the fertile, elevated plateau east of the Jordan, a vital agricultural and strategic region for Moab.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations and His unwavering commitment to execute justice upon those who defy Him. The phrase "judgment is come" signifies an imminent and certain divine decree, not merely a human conflict. Secondly, it underscores the **Specificity of God's Condemnation**, as the naming of "Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath" illustrates that divine judgment is precise and inescapable, leaving no part of the rebellious nation untouched. This specificity reinforces the idea that God sees and holds accountable every aspect of a nation's sin, particularly its idolatry and pride, as detailed in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Reliance on Idols"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Consequences of Pride and Rebellion**, a recurring motif in the Old Testament. Moab's downfall is largely attributed to its arrogance and self-sufficiency, which led it to despise the Lord and His people, serving as a timeless warning that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** (H4941) This word, derived from a root meaning "to judge," refers to a verdict, sentence, or formal decree, often with legal or judicial connotations. In this context, it signifies a punitive sentence or divine retribution. It's not merely a general calamity but a divinely ordained and executed legal pronouncement against Moab, emphasizing the justice and righteousness behind God's action.
* **Plain country (Hebrew, _mîyshôwr'_ and _ʼerets'_):** (H4334, H776) _Mîyshôwr_ denotes a level, flat region or plain, often referring to a specific geographical area like the fertile tableland of Moab. When combined with _ʼerets_ (land/country), it specifies the particular, often prosperous, agricultural heartland of Moab. This highlights that the judgment is not just on the cities themselves but on the very foundation of Moab's economic and strategic strength.
* **Holon (Hebrew, _Chôlôwn'_):** (H2473) Likely meaning "sandy," Holon is one of the specific towns named. The inclusion of such precise geographical details, along with Jahazah and Mephaath, lends authenticity and solemnity to the prophetic declaration. It signifies that the judgment is not a vague threat but a concrete, localized event that would impact well-known and significant places within Moab, leaving no corner of the "plain country" untouched.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And judgment is come upon the plain country;":** This opening clause declares the certainty and imminence of divine retribution. The "judgment" (mishpat) is not merely a future possibility but is "come" (bôwʼ), indicating a present, active, and irreversible divine decree. This judgment is specifically directed at "the plain country," referring to the fertile, elevated plateau of Moab, a region vital to its prosperity and a symbol of its self-reliance. The phrase sets the stage for a comprehensive and devastating divine intervention.
* **"upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,":** This part of the verse particularizes the judgment, naming three specific cities within the "plain country." Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath were likely significant towns, perhaps administrative or agricultural centers. Their explicit mention underscores the thoroughness and precision of God's judgment. It implies that no stronghold, no prosperous settlement, and no part of Moab's heartland would be spared from the impending desolation, leaving no room for escape or denial of the prophecy's fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Specific Naming**, where the prophet lists "Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath." This precise enumeration of towns within the "plain country" lends an air of undeniable authenticity and vividness to the prophecy. It transforms a general declaration of judgment into a tangible, localized threat, emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath. This specificity also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, painting a clear picture of the coming devastation by identifying its exact targets. Furthermore, the declarative statement "judgment is come" functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, asserting the certainty and immediacy of the divine decree. It uses the perfect tense to describe a future event as if it has already occurred, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitability of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:21 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His sovereign control over the destinies of nations. It stands as a stark reminder that national pride, idolatry, and persistent rebellion against divine authority will inevitably lead to divine judgment. The specificity of the named cities underscores that God's justice is not abstract or general, but precise and comprehensive, reaching into every corner of a nation's life. This verse, within the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations, reinforces the theological truth that the God of Israel is the universal Lord, holding all peoples accountable for their actions and spiritual posture. It serves as a powerful testament to the reliability of God's word, for what He declares, He brings to pass.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") - Prophecy against Babylon, demonstrating God's judgment on powerful nations.
* [Amos 1:3-2:16](/amos/1 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations") - A series of oracles against various nations, including Moab, highlighting God's universal justice.
* [Nahum 1:1-3:19](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1-3 - Prophecy Against Nineveh") - A detailed prophecy against Nineveh, illustrating the certainty of divine retribution against wicked cities.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:21 serves as a profound reminder that God's justice is not merely a theological concept but a tangible reality that impacts nations and individuals. It calls us to reflect on the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry, whether in our personal lives or in the collective actions of our societies. Just as Moab was judged for its arrogance and reliance on false gods, so too are we accountable for where we place our trust and how we respond to God's truth. This verse encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, acknowledging His supreme authority over all things. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and the values of our communities, ensuring that we are not building our foundations on fleeting earthly securities or false gods, but on the enduring principles of God's righteousness and grace. The certainty of judgment for Moab should inspire a reverent fear of the Lord and a renewed commitment to walk in His ways, trusting that His warnings are true and His promises are steadfast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might individuals or nations today exhibit the same pride and self-sufficiency that led to Moab's downfall?**
* **How does the specificity of God's judgment on Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath encourage or challenge your understanding of God's justice?**
* **What "idols" or false securities might we be trusting in today that could lead to spiritual or societal consequences?**

### FAQ
**Why did God specifically name these towns (Holon, Jahazah, Mephaath) in His prophecy against Moab?**

Answer: God specifically named Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath to underscore the **precision, certainty, and comprehensive nature** of His judgment. Rather than a vague threat against Moab as a whole, the naming of these specific cities, likely significant centers within Moab's "plain country" (the fertile, central plateau), demonstrated that no part of the nation, no matter how prosperous or fortified, would escape the impending divine wrath. This literary device adds an undeniable sense of authenticity and solemnity to the prophecy, making it clear that God's word is not abstract but will be fulfilled in concrete, localized ways. It also serves as a powerful testament to God's omniscience and His intimate knowledge of the very land and people He is judging, reinforcing His absolute sovereignty over all nations, as seen in other prophecies like those against Tyre in [Ezekiel 26](/ekeziel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") or Babylon in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:21 speaks directly to God's judgment upon Moab, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate revelation of God's justice and mercy through Jesus Christ. The "judgment" that "is come" upon Moab foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment that will come upon all unrighteousness and rebellion against God, a judgment fully revealed in Christ. Jesus, as the righteous judge, will one day execute perfect justice, bringing every hidden thing into the light (John 5:27; [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). However, the Christ-centered message also pivots to redemption. For those who are "in Christ," the judgment for sin has already been borne by Him on the cross. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), became the object of divine wrath so that believers might be spared. Thus, while Moab faced desolation, humanity is offered salvation from eternal judgment through faith in Jesus, who fulfilled the demands of God's justice and offers reconciliation, ushering in a new covenant where judgment for sin is transformed into grace for those who believe ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ 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

Joshua 13:18

And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

Isaiah 15:4

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.

Numbers 21:23

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Jeremiah 48:8

And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Joshua 21:36

And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:37

Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities.