Jeremiah 48:25

KJV

The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

The horn {H7161} of Moab {H4124} is cut off {H1438}, and his arm {H2220} is broken {H7665}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Mo'av's strength is cut down, his arm is broken," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The horn of Moab has been cut off, and his arm is broken,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:25 serves as a potent divine declaration against the nation of Moab, announcing the complete and irreversible dismantling of its strength, pride, and capacity for action. Through the vivid metaphors of a "cut off horn" and a "broken arm," the LORD, as the supreme sovereign over all nations, pronounces Moab's utter humiliation and incapacitation, a direct consequence of its long-standing arrogance, defiance, and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a sustained and comprehensive prophetic oracle dedicated exclusively to the judgment of Moab. It is strategically placed within the larger collection of "oracles against the nations" (Jeremiah 46-51), which collectively underscore God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all peoples, not merely Israel. This particular verse, [Jeremiah 48:25](/jeremiah/48-25 "Jeremiah 48:25 - Judgment on Moab's Strength"), functions as a concise, climactic summary statement of the widespread destruction and humiliation detailed throughout the chapter. It follows graphic descriptions of Moab's cities being laid waste and its people mourning (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:1-5](/jeremiah/48-1-5 "Jeremiah 48:1-5 - Devastation and Lament over Moab")), and it precedes further indictments of Moab's excessive pride and idolatry, which are central to its downfall (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh") and [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Excessive Pride")). The emphatic repetition of "saith the LORD" throughout the chapter, and specifically in this verse, reinforces the divine origin, certainty, and inevitability of this pronouncement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, a fertile region known for its agricultural prosperity and fortified cities. Its people, the Moabites, were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), yet their relationship with Israel was consistently marked by animosity, including instances of oppression (e.g., [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12-30 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon")) and opposition (e.g., [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak")). Culturally, Moab was deeply proud, often boasting of its strength and wealth, and was devoted to the idolatrous worship of Chemosh, its national deity. The judgment declared in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Oracle Against Moab") is God's righteous response to Moab's arrogance, its trust in false gods, and its consistent defiance of the LORD and His covenant people. The powerful imagery of the "horn" and "arm" would have been immediately understood by an ancient Near Eastern audience as potent and universally recognized symbols of national strength, military might, sovereign authority, and even defiant pride.

* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 48:25](/jeremiah/48-25 "Jeremiah 48:25 - Judgment on Moab's Strength") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, unequivocally declaring that Moab's downfall is orchestrated by the LORD, thereby emphasizing God's sovereign authority over all nations and His righteous response to their wickedness, idolatry, and pride. Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores the **Humiliation of Pride**, as the "horn" and "arm" symbolize Moab's notorious arrogance and military might; their cutting off and breaking signify a total and humiliating loss of power and dignity, directly addressing their self-exaltation as highlighted in [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Excessive Pride"). Thirdly, the concluding phrase "saith the LORD" emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, asserting the absolute certainty and inevitability of God's declared word. Finally, the judgment of Moab serves as a stark illustration of **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating His ultimate control over the rise and fall of kingdoms, ensuring that no nation, no matter how strong or proud, can ultimately defy His will or escape His perfect justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horn (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** This term (H7161) literally refers to an animal's horn, which projects from its head. Figuratively, and most significantly in this context, it is a powerful symbol of strength, dignity, authority, and often, pride or arrogance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the horn of a powerful animal represented its might and ability to dominate. To have one's "horn cut off" signifies a complete, humiliating, and irreversible loss of all these attributes—power, honor, and defiant self-exaltation.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _gâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H1438) means "to fell a tree" or, more broadly, "to destroy anything." It conveys a decisive, violent, and irreversible act of destruction, removal, or severing. When applied to the "horn," it signifies not merely damage or weakening, but a complete and permanent termination, indicating the absolute and final end of Moab's power and pride.
* **Arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This word (H2220), derived from a root meaning "to stretch out," denotes the human arm or an animal's foreleg. Symbolically, it represents strength, military might, the capacity to act, and the ability to execute power, plans, or exert control. A "broken arm" thus implies total incapacitation, the shattering of military capability, and utter helplessness, rendering the entity unable to defend itself or carry out its intentions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The horn of Moab is cut off":** This initial clause pronounces the decisive and humiliating end of Moab's power, dignity, and, most prominently, its notorious pride. The "horn" here is a metaphor for Moab's self-exaltation, its perceived invincibility, and its defiant stance against God and His people. The action of being "cut off" signifies a complete, irreversible, and publicly shaming dismantling of this power, leaving Moab utterly stripped of its former glory, influence, and arrogant boasting.
* **"and his arm is broken":** This second clause powerfully reinforces the first, emphasizing the shattering of Moab's practical strength and military capability. The "arm" symbolizes Moab's active ability to defend itself, wage war, execute its plans, or exert its will. Its "breaking" implies total incapacitation, rendering Moab helpless, unable to resist the divine judgment, or protect its own interests. Together with the "cut off horn," it paints a vivid picture of comprehensive and absolute defeat, both in terms of internal strength and external capacity.
* **"saith the LORD":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine imprimatur, an authoritative seal that affirms the absolute certainty, divine origin, and ultimate authority of the prophecy. It underscores that this is not merely a human prediction or a political analysis, but a direct, infallible declaration from Yahweh (H3068), the self-existent and eternal God (H5002, _nᵉʼum'_). This phrase highlights the inevitability of Moab's downfall and emphatically asserts God's sovereign control over the destiny of all nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:25 is rich in **Metaphor**, employing the "horn" and "arm" to represent abstract concepts of national power, pride, and military might. These are not literal body parts of Moab but symbolic representations of its essence and capabilities. The verse also utilizes **Personification**, attributing human-like body parts (horn, arm) and actions (being cut off, broken) to the nation of Moab, making the judgment feel more visceral, immediate, and impactful, as if a living entity is being utterly incapacitated. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority, certainty, and divine backing to the prophecy, emphasizing that this is God's own infallible word and will, not merely Jeremiah's human observation. The combined imagery creates a vivid and memorable picture of complete and utter devastation and humiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This powerful declaration against Moab serves as a profound theological statement about God's character and His interaction with the world. It underscores that the LORD is not merely the God of Israel but the sovereign ruler over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His purposes. The judgment on Moab illustrates that no human strength, military might, or national arrogance can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty. God's justice is sure, and His word, once declared, will inevitably come to pass, bringing down the proud and exalting His own righteous standard. This passage reminds us that true power resides only in the Creator, and any entity that exalts itself against Him will ultimately be brought low.

* [Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - The Horns of the Wicked Cut Off")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [Psalm 10:15](/psalms/10-15 "Psalm 10:15 - Breaking the Arm of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:25 offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities today. The fall of Moab, brought about by its pride and self-reliance, serves as a stark warning against placing our ultimate trust in human strength, earthly achievements, or arrogant self-sufficiency. God consistently opposes the proud, but He extends abundant grace to the humble. This verse calls us to deeply examine our own lives: are we relying on our "horn"—our accomplishments, status, reputation, or self-importance—or our "arm"—our abilities, resources, or perceived control—rather than on the unfailing power, wisdom, and provision of God? True security, lasting strength, and genuine peace are found not in human might or self-exaltation, but in humble dependence on the LORD, whose word is certain, whose justice is perfect, and whose power is absolute. It reminds us that all authority and power ultimately belong to Him, and He will inevitably bring down anything that exalts itself against His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moab's fate challenge our own tendencies toward pride, self-reliance, or trust in worldly power structures?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be relying on your "horn" (your reputation, achievements) or your "arm" (your skills, resources) rather than on God's strength and provision?**
* **What does the phrase "saith the LORD" mean for your confidence in God's promises and warnings as revealed in the Bible today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moab singled out for such a severe judgment in Jeremiah?**

Answer: Moab was singled out for severe judgment primarily due to its persistent pride, its idolatrous worship of Chemosh, and its historical animosity and opposition toward God's people, Israel. Throughout its history, Moab had often acted as an adversary, even attempting to curse Israel through Balaam ([Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak")) and later oppressing them under King Eglon ([Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12-30 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon")). Jeremiah 48 specifically highlights Moab's excessive pride and arrogance (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Excessive Pride")), which was a direct affront to God's sovereignty. This judgment demonstrates God's righteous indignation against nations that defy Him, trust in false gods, and oppress His chosen people, affirming His universal justice.

**Is the imagery of the "horn" and "arm" literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The imagery of the "horn" and "arm" in [Jeremiah 48:25](/jeremiah/48-25 "Jeremiah 48:25 - Judgment on Moab's Strength") is primarily symbolic, though the devastating destruction it represents was very literal for the nation of Moab. The "horn" is a common biblical metaphor for power, strength, dignity, and often, pride or arrogant self-exaltation. To have one's horn "cut off" signifies a complete and humiliating loss of these attributes. Similarly, the "arm" symbolizes military might, the ability to act, and physical strength or capacity. To have one's arm "broken" means total incapacitation and the shattering of one's capacity to resist or defend. These vivid metaphors effectively convey the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment upon Moab, stripping it of all its perceived might and glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:25, with its pronouncement of judgment on Moab's pride and earthly power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "horn" of Moab, representing its self-exaltation and reliance on human strength, is ultimately shattered before the true and eternal power of God, which is perfectly embodied in Christ. While Moab sought to establish its own kingdom through military might and nationalistic pride, Jesus ushered in a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), founded not on the "arm" of human strength but on divine humility, sacrificial love, and spiritual authority. The very pride that led to Moab's downfall is precisely what Christ came to conquer, demonstrating the path to true exaltation through humble submission and obedience unto death ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He is the true "horn of salvation" ([Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - Horn of Salvation")) raised up by God, whose power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). The judgment on Moab foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all human pride and rebellion against God, while simultaneously pointing to Christ as the one who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and offers salvation and true strength to all who humble themselves and trust in His divine, yet humbly manifested, power.

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

Psalms 75:10

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; [but] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Psalms 10:15

Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil [man]: seek out his wickedness [till] thou find none.

Job 22:9

Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Zechariah 1:19

And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

Zechariah 1:21

Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

Daniel 8:7

And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

Daniel 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].