Jeremiah 48:24

Jeremiah 48:24 is part of an extensive oracle of judgment against Moab, a neighboring kingdom to ancient Israel. This specific verse lists Kerioth and Bozrah, along with "all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near," as targets of God's impending wrath. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the destruction that was prophesied to befall Moab.

Context

Chapter 48 of Jeremiah is dedicated entirely to the prophecy concerning Moab's downfall. Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea, was a long-standing adversary and often an oppressor of Israel. The prophet Jeremiah foretold that Babylon, acting as God's instrument, would bring about this devastation. The judgment was a consequence of Moab's pride, its idolatry (especially the worship of Chemosh, mentioned in Jeremiah 48:7), and its contempt for the Lord and His people. The detailed listing of cities throughout the chapter, including Kerioth and Bozrah here, underscores the certainty and thoroughness of God's judgment upon the entire nation, leaving no place untouched.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over all nations, even those seemingly strong and self-sufficient. The judgment on Moab serves as a testament to God's justice against unrighteousness and defiance.
• Consequences of Pride and Idolatry: Moab's downfall was largely attributed to its haughtiness and reliance on false gods. The destruction of its cities and land was a direct consequence of its spiritual rebellion, highlighting the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The specificity with which cities like Kerioth and Bozrah are named reinforces the idea that God's prophetic word is certain to come to pass. This detailed foresight demonstrates the divine origin of the message.
• Comprehensive Devastation: The phrase "all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near" signifies that no part of Moab would escape the judgment. This complete overthrow is a recurring theme in prophecies against nations that oppose God.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the cities themselves hold significance. Kerioth (Hebrew: קְרִיּוֹת, Qeriyyot) was a prominent Moabite city, likely a center of worship for Chemosh. Bozrah (Hebrew: בָּצְרָה, Botzrah) is more commonly associated with Edom, but it appears here in the context of Moabite cities, suggesting either a specific Moabite town of that name or a broader regional sweep of judgment that included key strongholds bordering Moab. The phrase "far or near" (מֵרָחוֹק וּמִקָּרוֹב, me'rachoq u'miqarov) emphasizes the totality of the judgment, leaving no corner of the land untouched by divine wrath.

Practical Application

While a historical prophecy against an ancient kingdom, Jeremiah 48:24 offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that His word, including warnings of judgment, is always true. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry in any form—whether worshiping physical idols or placing trust in wealth, status, or human achievements above God. Ultimately, this verse encourages humility, repentance, and a recognition of God's ultimate authority, for His word will not return to Him empty.