Jeremiah 48:24

KJV

And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

KJV (with Strong's)

And upon Kerioth {H7152}, and upon Bozrah {H1224}, and upon all the cities {H5892} of the land {H776} of Moab {H4124}, far {H7350} or near {H7138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

K'riot, Botzrah and all the cities in the land of Mo'av, far and near.

Berean Standard Bible

upon Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the towns of Moab, those far and near.

American Standard Version

and upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:24 is a precise declaration within a broader prophetic oracle against Moab, detailing the comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment. It specifically names the prominent cities of Kerioth and Bozrah, then extends the scope of destruction to "all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near," emphasizing that no part of the nation, regardless of its location or perceived security, would escape the divine wrath orchestrated through the Babylonian invasion. This verse underscores the certainty and totality of God's sovereign judgment against a proud and idolatrous nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is an extensive and detailed oracle of judgment, spanning the entire chapter, dedicated solely to the nation of Moab. This chapter is part of a larger section in Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all peoples. Within chapter 48, verses 1-20 describe the initial shock and devastation of Moab, lamenting its fall. Verses 21-25 then provide a specific list of cities upon which judgment would fall, with Jeremiah 48:24 serving as a culminating statement of this comprehensive destruction, ensuring that no place is overlooked. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on Moab's humiliation and the reasons for its downfall, primarily its pride and idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, bordering Israel. Throughout biblical history, Moab often stood in opposition to Israel, sometimes oppressing them (e.g., [Judges 3:12-14](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-14 - Eglon of Moab Oppresses Israel")) and engaging in idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh (mentioned in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Reliance on Chemosh")). The prophecy in Jeremiah was delivered during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, as the Babylonian Empire rose to dominance, becoming God's instrument of judgment against many nations, including Judah and its neighbors. The destruction of cities, including key strongholds like Kerioth and Bozrah, signified the complete dismantling of a nation's power, economy, and cultural identity, a common outcome of ancient warfare and a powerful symbol of divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, nestled within the broader oracle against Moab, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes. It highlights God's **Divine Sovereignty** over all nations, demonstrating His absolute control over human history and the destinies of kingdoms, even those that seem self-sufficient or hostile to His people. The judgment itself underscores the **Consequences of Pride and Idolatry**, as Moab's downfall is explicitly linked to its haughtiness and reliance on false gods, echoing the principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Furthermore, the specificity of the named cities and the comprehensive declaration of judgment ("far or near") reinforce the theme of **Certainty and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, assuring the audience that God's word is precise and will inevitably come to pass, leaving no stone unturned in His righteous decrees.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kerioth (Hebrew, _Qᵉrîyôwth'_):** From H7152, meaning "buildings." Kerioth was a significant city in Moab, possibly a center of Chemosh worship, as implied by its mention alongside other important Moabite locales. Its inclusion signifies the judgment reaching the heart of Moabite religious and political life.
* **Bozrah (Hebrew, _Botsrâh'_):** From H1224, a place in Edom, though here listed among Moabite cities. This suggests either a specific Moabite town of the same name or, more likely, indicates the expansive reach of the judgment, encompassing key strongholds in the broader region that might have been under Moabite influence or served as border defenses. Its name can be associated with a "fortress" or "sheepfold," implying a place of strength or economic importance.
* **Moab (Hebrew, _Môwʼâb'_):** From H4124, meaning "from (her (the mother's)) father." This refers to the incestuous son of Lot, and subsequently, his descendants and the territory they inhabited. The use of the national name emphasizes that the judgment is not merely on individual cities but on the entire nation, encompassing its people, history, and identity, rooted in its origins and ongoing rebellion against God.
* **Far (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** From H7350, meaning "remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time." In this context, it refers to cities geographically distant or on the outskirts of Moabite territory. Its inclusion signifies that no corner of the land, however remote or seemingly insignificant, would be spared.
* **Near (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_):** From H7138, meaning "near (in place, kindred or time)." This refers to cities geographically close or central within Moabite territory. Paired with "far," it forms a merism, emphasizing the absolute totality and comprehensiveness of the judgment, leaving no place untouched by the divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon Kerioth,"**: This clause initiates the enumeration of specific targets for God's judgment. Kerioth, a significant Moabite city, is singled out, highlighting its importance as a center of Moabite life and potentially its idolatrous practices. Its inclusion signifies that even the most prominent strongholds would not escape.
* **"and upon Bozrah,"**: The listing continues with Bozrah, another key city. While often associated with Edom, its mention here either points to a Moabite city of the same name or, more broadly, to the far-reaching nature of the judgment that would impact the entire region under Moabite influence, including its border defenses or allied strongholds.
* **"and upon all the cities of the land of Moab,"**: This broad declaration expands the scope beyond the named cities to encompass every urban center within Moabite territory. It emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment, indicating that the entire national infrastructure and population centers would be affected.
* **"far or near."**: This concluding phrase acts as a powerful merism, signifying totality. It explicitly states that whether a city was centrally located and well-known ("near") or remote and less prominent ("far"), none would be exempt from the impending destruction. This underscores the absolute certainty and thoroughness of God's judgment upon the entirety of Moab.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive judgment. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse explicitly lists Kerioth and Bozrah, drawing attention to specific, significant targets. This naming adds a sense of precision and certainty to the prophecy. Following this, the phrase "all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near" utilizes **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole. "Far or near" functions as a **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute totality and universality of the impending destruction; no part of Moab, no matter how remote or central, would escape. This serves to underscore the **Prophetic Oracle**'s authority and the inescapable nature of divine judgment, leaving no room for doubt about the extent of Moab's impending desolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:24 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His absolute sovereignty over all nations. The judgment on Moab, a nation characterized by pride and idolatry, serves as a stark reminder that God holds all peoples accountable for their actions and spiritual rebellion. It demonstrates that no nation, however strong or self-sufficient it may seem, can ultimately defy the Lord without facing consequences. This divine reckoning is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to sin, pride, and the rejection of God's ways, affirming His moral governance of the world. The specificity of the prophecy also highlights the reliability of God's word—what He declares will surely come to pass.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon")
* [Amos 1:13-15](/amos/1-13 "Amos 1:13-15 - Judgment on Ammon")
* [Zephaniah 2:8-11](/zephaniah/2-8 "Zephaniah 2:8-11 - Judgment on Moab and Ammon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:24, though a historical prophecy against an ancient kingdom, resonates with timeless spiritual truths applicable to all generations. It powerfully reminds us that God's authority extends over every earthly power and that His word, including warnings of judgment, is eternally true and reliable. This verse compels us to consider the dangers of national or personal pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry in any form. Whether we place our ultimate trust in wealth, status, political power, or even our own achievements, anything that displaces God from His rightful place in our lives becomes an idol. The comprehensive destruction prophesied for Moab serves as a sobering call to humility, repentance, and a recognition of God's ultimate authority, for He is the one who "brings princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness" ([Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God's Sovereignty Over Rulers")). Our security and hope must be found in Him alone, not in the fleeting powers or possessions of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-sufficiency, similar to Moab's posture before God?**
* **What "idols" (things I trust in more than God) might I need to identify and dismantle in my own heart or in my community?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Moab strengthen my faith in the reliability of His promises and warnings in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Why are specific cities like Kerioth and Bozrah named in this prophecy?**

Answer: The naming of specific cities like Kerioth and Bozrah serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it adds a layer of authenticity and precision to the prophecy, demonstrating that the prophet's message is not vague but divinely informed with specific details. This specificity would have been particularly impactful for the original audience, who would have known these prominent locations. Secondly, it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment. Kerioth was a significant Moabite city, possibly a religious center for Chemosh worship, while Bozrah, though often associated with Edom, likely represented a key stronghold or border region under Moabite influence. By naming these, the prophecy underscores that no major center of Moabite power, culture, or religion would escape the impending destruction, reinforcing the theme of total devastation.

**What is the significance of the phrase "far or near" in describing the cities of Moab?**

Answer: The phrase "far or near" (Hebrew: _râchôwq_ and _qârôwb_) is a powerful literary device known as a merism. It signifies totality by combining two opposing extremes to represent the whole. In this context, it means that every single city and settlement within the land of Moab, regardless of its geographical location—whether it was a central, well-known urban hub ("near") or a remote, less prominent outpost on the periphery ("far")—would be subject to God's judgment. This emphasizes the absolute comprehensiveness and inescapable nature of the divine wrath against Moab, leaving no place untouched or able to escape the decreed destruction. It underscores God's complete sovereignty over the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:24 details a historical judgment against an ancient nation, its theological undercurrents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The prophecy against Moab, rooted in God's righteous judgment against pride and idolatry, foreshadows the ultimate and universal judgment that awaits all humanity. However, in Christ, this terrifying prospect is transformed for those who believe. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment on the cross, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are spared the comprehensive divine wrath that will one day fall upon all who reject God's sovereignty and persist in rebellion ([Romans 2:5-8](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5-8 - God's Righteous Judgment")). The "far or near" totality of judgment on Moab points to the universal scope of sin, yet it also highlights the universal reach of Christ's salvation, offered to "whoever believes in him" from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"); [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the destruction of Moab stands as a stark warning of God's justice, but ultimately directs our gaze to the cross, where that justice was satisfied for us, and to Christ, who is the only refuge from the coming judgment ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers Us from Wrath")).

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

Amos 2:2

But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, [and] with the sound of the trumpet:

Jeremiah 48:41

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Zephaniah 2:8

¶ I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.

Zephaniah 2:10

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

Joshua 21:36

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