Jeremiah 48:23

KJV

And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,

KJV (with Strong's)

And upon Kiriathaim {H7156}, and upon Bethgamul {H1014}, and upon Bethmeon {H1010},

Complete Jewish Bible

Kiryatayim, Beit-Gamul, Beit-M'on,

Berean Standard Bible

upon Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,

American Standard Version

and upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:23 is a precise declaration within Jeremiah's extensive oracle against Moab, identifying Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon as specific targets of divine judgment. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God's impending wrath against Moab, signaling that no part of the nation, from its prominent cities to its idolatrous centers, would escape the devastating consequences of its pride and rebellion against the Lord. It serves as a stark testament to divine sovereignty and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a sustained and detailed prophecy dedicated entirely to the judgment of Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea. The chapter begins with a lament over Moab's impending destruction, likening it to a broken vessel and emphasizing its humiliation and utter ruin ([Jeremiah 48:1-10](/jeremiah/48-1 "Jeremiah 48:1-10 - Prophecy Against Moab")). The prophecy outlines the various aspects of this judgment, including widespread devastation, the capture of cities, and the exile of its people. Verses like [Jeremiah 48:12](/jeremiah/48-12 "Jeremiah 48:12 - Moab as a Broken Vessel") describe Moab's complacency and subsequent shattering. The naming of specific towns in verse 23—Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon—is part of a larger catalogue of cities mentioned throughout the chapter (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:21-25](/jeremiah/48-21 "Jeremiah 48:21-25 - Cities of Moab Judged")), which serves to emphasize the pervasive and inescapable reach of God's judgment across the entire Moabite territory, leaving no place untouched. This specificity highlights the precision of divine prophecy and the totality of the impending disaster.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation, a descendant of Lot (Genesis 19:37), situated to the east of the Dead Sea. Throughout its history, Moab was often in conflict with Israel, known for its pride, idolatry (particularly the worship of Chemosh, mentioned in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")), and occasional oppression of God's people. Culturally, Moab was a settled agricultural society with established cities and a sense of national identity rooted in its strength and self-sufficiency. The prophecy in Jeremiah 48 likely dates to the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, a period marked by significant geopolitical upheaval with the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Jeremiah's prophecies against various nations, including Moab, often reflect the role of Babylon as God's instrument of judgment against those who defied Him or oppressed His people. The destruction of cities like Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon would have represented the dismantling of Moab's economic, social, and religious infrastructure, a common consequence of ancient warfare and a powerful symbol of national downfall.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:23, within the broader context of the Moab prophecy, contributes significantly to several key themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, not just Israel. He is the Lord of history, capable of raising up and bringing down kingdoms according to His righteous will. The judgment on Moab serves as a powerful example of God's justice against national pride, idolatry, and opposition to His purposes, a theme echoed in other prophetic books such as [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecy Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia"). Another prominent theme is the **Specificity and Certainty of Prophecy**. The naming of individual cities like Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon underscores that God's word is not vague but precise, indicating His intimate knowledge of the world and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His declared intentions. This specificity provides tangible evidence of the reliability of biblical prophecy. Finally, the chapter highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion and Pride**. Moab's downfall is repeatedly linked to its arrogance and trust in its own works and treasures rather than in the Lord ([Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in its Own Works")). The destruction of its cities symbolizes the complete dismantling of its power and identity, serving as a timeless warning against national or personal hubris that defies God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kiriathaim (Hebrew, _Qiryâthayim'_):** Dual of "city," meaning "double city." This name suggests a significant urban center, possibly fortified or composed of two distinct parts. Its mention here signifies the comprehensive nature of the judgment, extending even to prominent population centers within Moab. Historically, Kiriathaim was an ancient city in Moab, mentioned in earlier biblical texts (e.g., [Numbers 32:37](/numbers/32-37 "Numbers 32:37 - Rebuilding of Kiriathaim")).
* **Bethgamul (Hebrew, _Bêyth Gâmûwl'_):** Meaning "house of the weaned." This name might allude to a place of early settlement, a community that had grown from humble beginnings, or perhaps a place associated with pastoral life. Its inclusion highlights that no part of Moab, from its origins to its current state, would escape divine judgment, emphasizing the totality of the devastation.
* **Bethmeon (Hebrew, _Bêyth Baʻal Mᵉʻôwn'_):** Derived from "house of Baal of the habitation" or "house of habitation of Baal." This name explicitly links the city to the worship of Baal, a primary Canaanite deity. Its destruction is a direct consequence of Moab's pervasive idolatry and serves as a powerful testament to God's judgment against false worship and the spiritual rebellion it represents. This city is also known as Baal-Meon in other texts (e.g., [Numbers 32:38](/numbers/32-38 "Numbers 32:38 - Baal-Meon Rebuilt")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon Kiriathaim":** This phrase introduces the first of three specific Moabite cities targeted for divine judgment. Kiriathaim, a significant "double city," represents a key urban center whose destruction underscores the totality of the impending devastation upon Moab. The preposition "upon" indicates the direct focus and impact of God's judgment.
* **"and upon Bethgamul":** The inclusion of Bethgamul, meaning "house of the weaned," further emphasizes the widespread nature of the judgment. It indicates that even places of seemingly less prominence or those with more pastoral or domestic associations would not be spared, reinforcing the idea that the entire nation would experience this divine reckoning.
* **"and upon Bethmeon":** The mention of Bethmeon, a city explicitly linked to Baal worship, highlights the theological dimension of Moab's judgment. Its destruction is a direct consequence of Moab's deep-seated idolatry and serves as a powerful symbol of God's righteous wrath against false gods and spiritual apostasy. This final city in the list reinforces the moral and spiritual basis for the divine punishment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:23 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Specificity** as literary devices. By listing three distinct cities—Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon—the prophet uses enumeration to create a sense of comprehensive and inescapable judgment. This is not a vague threat against a nation, but a precise declaration against specific, identifiable locations. The **Specificity** of the names intensifies the impact of the prophecy, lending it credibility and demonstrating the meticulous nature of divine knowledge and judgment. It suggests that God's judgment is not random or generalized but targeted and exact, reaching into every corner of Moabite life and territory. This precision also serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the complete destruction detailed in the rest of the chapter, implying that if even these significant and well-known places are marked for ruin, then the entire nation is doomed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:23, by naming specific cities destined for judgment, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous justice and unwavering sovereignty over all nations. It underscores that no entity, however proud or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. The destruction of cities linked to idolatry, like Bethmeon, highlights God's righteous opposition to false worship and His demand for exclusive devotion. This passage reminds us that God's word is not empty but carries the weight of certain fulfillment, serving as a warning against national or personal hubris and a call to humility before the Lord of all the earth.

* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - Day of the Lord is at Hand")
* [Amos 1:13-15](/amos/1-13 "Amos 1:13-15 - Judgment Against Ammon")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Jeremiah 48:23 describes the ancient judgment upon Moabite cities, its underlying principles resonate deeply with contemporary life. It serves as a profound reminder that God's justice is not limited by geography or time; His moral order applies universally. We are called to recognize that pride, self-sufficiency, and reliance on anything other than God ultimately lead to spiritual and often tangible ruin. The specificity of the prophecy should instill in us a renewed awe for the trustworthiness of God's Word, encouraging us to take His warnings seriously and to trust in His promises wholeheartedly. In an age where nations and individuals often boast in their achievements and disregard divine authority, this verse calls us to cultivate humility, to examine our own hearts for idols, and to align our lives with God's righteous standards, knowing that true security is found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specificity of God's judgment on these cities challenge my own assumptions about accountability, both personally and nationally?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be trusting in "works and treasures" (like Moab) instead of placing full reliance on God?**
* **What "idols" (whether material possessions, achievements, or even ideologies) might need to be torn down in my own life, similar to the judgment on Bethmeon?**

### FAQ

**Why are specific cities named in this prophecy against Moab?**

Answer: The naming of specific cities like Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **comprehensiveness** of God's judgment, indicating that no part of Moabite territory would be spared, from prominent urban centers to more rural settlements. Secondly, it highlights the **precision and certainty** of the prophecy. By identifying actual, known locations, Jeremiah's prophecy gains credibility and demonstrates God's intimate knowledge and direct involvement in human history. It shows that God's word is not a vague threat but a targeted, inevitable reality. Finally, in the case of Bethmeon, the naming of a city explicitly linked to Baal worship underscores the **theological basis** for the judgment—it was a direct consequence of Moab's pervasive idolatry and pride, particularly their trust in their false god Chemosh ([Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:23 speaks of the historical judgment upon Moab, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The specific and comprehensive judgment on Moab's pride and idolatry foreshadows Christ's ultimate and universal judgment against all sin and rebellion. Just as God's wrath descended upon specific cities of Moab, so too will Christ's righteous judgment be meted out with perfect precision against every form of unrighteousness at the end of the age ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Furthermore, the destruction of cities built on human pride and false worship points to the establishment of a new, eternal city, the New Jerusalem, whose foundations are not earthly but divine, and where no idolatry or sin can enter ([Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-27 - The New Jerusalem")). Jesus himself, as the true Lamb of God, bore the judgment for humanity's pride and idolatry, offering salvation from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Thus, the specific judgments in Jeremiah highlight the seriousness of sin, while simultaneously pointing to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfills God's justice and offers a way of escape from ultimate condemnation for those who trust in Him ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")).

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 13:17

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

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.

Numbers 32:38

And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

Joshua 13:19

And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

Genesis 14:5

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,