Jeremiah 48:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And upon Dibon {H1769}, and upon Nebo {H5015}, and upon Bethdiblathaim {H1015},

Complete Jewish Bible

Divon, N'vo, Beit-Diblatayim,

Berean Standard Bible

upon Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim,

American Standard Version

and upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:22 is a precise declaration within a sweeping prophetic oracle against Moab, meticulously listing specific cities—Dibon, Nebo, and Bethdiblathaim—marked for divine judgment. This succinct verse powerfully underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's sovereign decree, revealing that no stronghold or perceived security, whether geographical, economic, or spiritual, can withstand His righteous judgment against pride, idolatry, and rebellion. It stands as a stark testament to the certainty of God's word and the inevitability of His justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is entirely dedicated to a detailed and vivid oracle of judgment against the nation of Moab, forming part of a larger section of prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). This placement demonstrates Yahweh's universal sovereignty, asserting His authority not only over Israel but over all peoples and kingdoms. Within this extensive chapter, verses 21-25 constitute a specific, geographically precise list of Moabite cities upon which judgment will fall, emphasizing the widespread and thorough nature of the impending desolation. Verse 22, by naming these three significant locales, highlights God's precise knowledge and the inescapable reach of His judgment, ensuring that no corner of Moab would remain untouched. The prophecy frequently employs vivid imagery, such as Moab being a "spoiled vessel" in [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab as a Spoiled Vessel"), to convey the totality of its ruin and the shattering of its pride.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation situated east of the Dead Sea, characterized by its long-standing, often adversarial, relationship with Israel. Their interactions were complex, ranging from conflict to occasional cooperation, as seen in the narrative of Ruth. Moab was renowned for its immense pride, its agricultural prosperity, and its deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh, their national deity, as referenced in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, the God of Moab") and [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon and Chemosh"). The Moabites often felt secure due to their rugged, mountainous terrain and numerous fortified cities. This prophecy was likely delivered during a tumultuous period, either preceding or during the ascendancy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, which God providentially used as His instrument of judgment against many nations, including Moab. The mention of Nebo, which also refers to a prominent Babylonian deity, subtly connects Moab's pervasive idolatry with the very instrument of its eventual downfall.

* **Key Themes:** The oracle against Moab, and specifically [Jeremiah 48:22](/jeremiah/48-22 "Jeremiah 48:22 - Judgment on Moabite Cities"), powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute authority over all nations, irrespective of their perceived strength, wealth, or their acknowledgment of Him. No nation, however proud or fortified, is beyond the reach of His justice, a truth consistently demonstrated throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). Secondly, the **Specificity and Certainty of Prophecy** is profoundly evident in the meticulous naming of individual cities. This precise detail demonstrates God's foreknowledge and the absolute certainty of His spoken word, providing both a chilling warning to the Moabites and validating the reliability of God's promises to His covenant people. Finally, the prophecy highlights the **Futility of False Security**. Moab's reliance on its fortresses, its agricultural wealth, and its idols (like Chemosh and the deity Nabu, referenced by Nebo) would prove utterly useless against God’s determined judgment. This serves as a timeless warning against trusting in anything other than the true God, a theme powerfully echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord") and throughout scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dibon (Hebrew, _Dîybôwn'_):** A place name in Palestine, derived from a root meaning "pining." It is also associated with "Dibon-gad."
* **Nebo (Hebrew, _Nᵉbôw'_):** A name of probable foreign derivation, referring to a Babylonian deity, a mountain in Moab, and a place in Palestine.
* **Bethdiblathaim (Hebrew, _Bêyth Diblâthayim'_):** A place name East of the Jordan, meaning "house of (the) two figcakes," derived from the Hebrew words for "house" and the dual of "figcake."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon Dibon,"**: This phrase initiates the specific naming of cities, immediately focusing the prophecy's scope. Dibon, as a prominent Moabite city, represented a significant center of Moabite strength and population. Its inclusion here indicates that the divine judgment would strike at the very heart of their society and national identity, leading to a state of "pining" or wasting away, as suggested by the root meaning of its name.
* **"and upon Nebo,"**: The inclusion of Nebo carries rich, multifaceted significance. It refers both to a notable geographical landmark in Moab (Mount Nebo, famously associated with Moses in [Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses on Mount Nebo")) and to a powerful Babylonian deity, Nabu. This dual reference suggests that God's judgment targets not only the physical land and its inhabitants but also the pervasive spiritual rebellion and idolatry that characterized Moab, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all false gods and their worshipers.
* **"and upon Bethdiblathaim,"**: The naming of this less prominent but agriculturally significant town, meaning "house of (the) two figcakes," underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending destruction. Its inclusion signifies that no part of Moab, from its strategic, well-known centers to its fertile agricultural regions, would escape the divine wrath. This ensures a complete and utter desolation, leaving no area untouched by the declared judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey the certainty and comprehensiveness of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Enumeration** or **Listing**, as the verse presents a concise catalog of specific cities. This technique lends a powerful sense of precision and certainty to the prophecy, implying that the judgment is not vague or general but meticulously planned and executed by God. The repeated use of the conjunction "and upon" creates a sense of relentless progression, a literary device known as **Polysyndeton**. This emphasizes the cumulative and widespread nature of the impending destruction, reinforcing that each listed city adds to the weight of the coming desolation, leaving no place untouched. Furthermore, the very specificity of the names, particularly Nebo with its double meaning (geographical location and Babylonian deity), functions as **Symbolism**. The named places represent not just geographic locations but also the pride, idolatry, and false security that characterized Moab and were the very reasons for its downfall. This specificity also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, painting a clear and chilling picture of the comprehensive ruin that awaits the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:22, nestled within the broader oracle against Moab, powerfully articulates God's unwavering sovereignty over all nations and His righteous judgment against human pride and idolatry. It reveals that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength, wealth, or reliance on false gods, can escape the divine reckoning. The specific naming of cities underscores that God's justice is not arbitrary but precise, targeting the very strongholds and sources of false security that people erect. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true security is found only in Yahweh, and that reliance on anything else leads to inevitable ruin. It highlights the principle that God holds all of creation accountable, and His word, once spoken, will surely come to pass, demonstrating His faithfulness even in judgment.

* [Isaiah 15:1](/isaiah/15-1 "Isaiah 15:1 - Oracle Concerning Moab")
* [Amos 2:1-3](/amos/2-1-3 "Amos 2:1-3 - Judgment on Moab")
* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord is Great and Worthy of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:22, despite its ancient context, speaks profoundly to contemporary hearts and societies. It challenges us to honestly examine where we place our trust and security. Are we, like ancient Moab, relying on our "fortified cities"—our wealth, careers, social status, political systems, or even our own self-sufficiency and intellect—rather than on the living God? The judgment against Moab serves as a powerful reminder that all human constructs, however impressive or seemingly stable, are ultimately fragile and temporary in the face of divine sovereignty. This verse calls us to profound humility, urging us to acknowledge God's ultimate authority over all things and to recognize the utter futility of any pride that exalts itself against Him. It encourages a posture of genuine repentance, prompting us to turn away from any form of idolatry—whether overt worship of false gods or the subtle, insidious worship of created things—and to place our complete and unwavering faith in the Lord, who alone is truly secure and offers lasting peace, purpose, and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" or strongholds do I tend to rely on for security, identity, or provision, apart from God?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be engaging in "idolatry" by placing ultimate trust, affection, or allegiance in created things rather than the Creator?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against pride and rebellion in this verse shape my understanding of His character and my call to live humbly before Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consciously shift my trust more fully from worldly securities to the unchanging faithfulness and sovereign power of God?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jeremiah specifically name these cities in the prophecy?**

Answer: The specific naming of cities like Dibon, Nebo, and Bethdiblathaim in [Jeremiah 48:22](/jeremiah/48-22 "Jeremiah 48:22 - Judgment on Moabite Cities") serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the precision and absolute certainty of God's prophetic word. It is not a vague or general threat but a detailed, verifiable declaration of judgment that would touch every significant part of Moab. Secondly, it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending destruction; no place, however prominent or seemingly insignificant, would escape the divine reckoning. Thirdly, these names often carried symbolic weight (like Nebo referring to both a location and a Babylonian deity), highlighting the specific reasons for judgment, such as Moab's pervasive idolatry and misplaced reliance on false security. This specificity would have been chillingly real for the Moabites and validating for God's covenant people, demonstrating His intimate knowledge and sovereign control over all nations.

**What happened to Moab after this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecies against Moab in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab") were largely fulfilled by the Babylonian conquest under Nebuchadnezzar in the early 6th century BC. Like many surrounding nations, Moab fell to the rising power of Babylon, fulfilling God's declared judgment against its pride and idolatry. Historical and archaeological evidence confirms the desolation of Moabite cities around this period, leading to the eventual disappearance of Moab as a distinct political entity. However, the prophecy in [Jeremiah 48:47](/jeremiah/48-47 "Jeremiah 48:47 - Restoration of Moab") also includes a remarkable promise of future restoration for Moab "in the latter days," a theological statement often interpreted as a broader hope for all nations to ultimately come under God's redemptive plan through the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment against Moab in [Jeremiah 48:22](/jeremiah/48-22 "Jeremiah 48:22 - Judgment on Moabite Cities") and throughout the chapter, while specific to an ancient nation, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The divine judgment against pride, idolatry, and all forms of rebellion, so vividly displayed against Moab, points forward to the perfect justice of God embodied in Christ. He is the one who, through His sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has decisively conquered all the "strongholds" and "principalities and powers" that set themselves against God ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). In Christ, God's judgment against sin was fully absorbed on the cross, offering a path to reconciliation and true security for all who believe, a security far greater and more enduring than any fortified city or earthly power. Furthermore, just as the Moabite cities faced desolation, so too will all earthly kingdoms, systems, and idols that reject God ultimately fall before the eternal reign of Christ, who will establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace, ushering in new heavens and a new earth where justice dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Jeremiah's oracle, while a message of severe judgment, ultimately foreshadows the comprehensive and final triumph of God's redemptive plan through the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy to judge and to save ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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 33:46

And they removed from Dibongad, and encamped in Almondiblathaim.

Jeremiah 48:18

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.

Jeremiah 48:1

¶ Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded [and] taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

Ezekiel 6:14

So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Numbers 32:34

And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,