Jeremiah 48:28

KJV

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove [that] maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

O ye that dwell {H3427} in Moab {H4124}, leave {H5800} the cities {H5892}, and dwell {H7931} in the rock {H5553}, and be like the dove {H3123} that maketh her nest {H7077} in the sides {H5676} of the hole's {H6354} mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You who live in Mo'av, leave the cities, and live on the rocks; be like the dove who makes her nest in a hole in the rock at the mouth of a cave.

Berean Standard Bible

Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave.

American Standard Version

O ye inhabitants of Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock; and be like the dove that maketh her nest over the mouth of the abyss.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:28 delivers a stark prophetic warning to the inhabitants of Moab, commanding them to abandon their fortified cities and seek refuge in the desolate, craggy wilderness, likening their desperate flight to a dove building its nest in the precarious crevices of a rock face. This vivid imagery underscores the totality and inescapability of God's impending judgment against Moab, forcing them from their proud, urban centers into a state of vulnerable, almost helpless, survival in the natural strongholds of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is entirely dedicated to the oracle against Moab, forming part of a larger section in the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) that pronounces divine judgment upon various surrounding nations. This chapter meticulously details Moab's impending destruction, listing cities that will fall and lamenting the nation's pride and idolatry (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")). Verse 28 serves as a direct, imperative call within this broader lament and judgment, shifting from descriptive prophecy to an urgent command for the Moabites to flee. It immediately precedes further declarations of Moab's shame and the breaking of their pride ([Jeremiah 48:29-30](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29-30 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance")). The command to "leave the cities" is a grim confirmation of the widespread devastation already foretold for Moab's urban centers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, frequently in conflict with Israel. They were known for their agricultural wealth, fortified cities, and their national god, Chemosh (cf. [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Worshippers of Chemosh")). Their land was characterized by both fertile plains and rugged, mountainous terrain, particularly the high plateau of Transjordan. Historically, Moab had often displayed pride and arrogance, particularly towards Judah, rejoicing in their misfortunes (cf. [Ezekiel 25:8-11](/ezekiel/25-8 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Prophecy Against Moab")). The judgment foretold in Jeremiah 48 was likely executed by the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, which swept through the Levant in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, subduing or destroying nations that resisted, including Judah, Ammon, Edom, and Moab. The command to flee to the "rock" reflects the reality of ancient warfare, where urban centers were vulnerable to siege, while natural strongholds offered temporary, albeit harsh, refuge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty and Inescapable Judgment** of God over all nations, demonstrating that no human fortification or national pride can withstand His decree. The command to abandon cities underscores the futility of relying on earthly security when facing divine wrath. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Urgency of Repentance and Seeking True Refuge**. While the immediate context is physical flight, the underlying spiritual principle is the need to abandon false securities and seek a true, albeit often humbling, haven. This resonates with broader biblical calls to find refuge in God amidst times of distress, as seen in the psalmist's cries for deliverance (e.g., [Psalm 61:2](/psalms/61-2 "Psalm 61:2 - Lead Me to the Rock")). Thirdly, the **Symbolism of Vulnerability and Humility** is prominent. The proud Moabites, accustomed to their strong cities, are reduced to the state of a timid dove, forced to hide in the most desolate and precarious places, a stark contrast to their former arrogance. This imagery foreshadows the humbling of all who resist God's will, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Haughtiness of Man Shall Be Humbled").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_ H3427):** This primitive root primarily means "to sit down," but broadly implies "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In the initial phrase "O ye that dwell in Moab," it describes the established, settled existence of the Moabites in their cities. Its use here contrasts sharply with the subsequent command to "leave" and "dwell" (H7931) elsewhere, highlighting the disruption of their settled life.
* **rock (Hebrew, _çelaʻ'_ H5553):** This term refers to a craggy, prominent rock or cliff, often signifying a natural stronghold or a desolate, rugged terrain. Unlike _tzur_ (צוּר), which can carry theological connotations of God as a refuge, _çelaʻ_ here emphasizes the physical, often harsh, natural environment where one might find literal, albeit temporary and difficult, shelter. It represents a stark contrast to the comfortable, fortified cities.
* **dove (Hebrew, _yôwnâh'_ H3123):** This word specifically denotes a dove or pigeon, often associated with gentleness, innocence, or vulnerability in biblical literature. In this context, the dove's characteristic of building nests in the "sides of the hole's mouth" (i.e., precarious cliff crevices) vividly illustrates the desperate, exposed, and almost helpless state to which the proud Moabites would be reduced, forced to seek the most secluded and difficult-to-reach places for survival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities,"**: This is a direct, urgent imperative addressing the settled inhabitants of Moab. The command to "leave the cities" signifies the utter futility of their urban fortifications in the face of the impending judgment. It implies that their traditional places of security will become places of destruction.
* **"and dwell in the rock,"**: This clause provides the alternative to remaining in the doomed cities. The "rock" (Hebrew _çelaʻ_) refers to the rugged, mountainous, and often desolate terrain characteristic of Moab. It is a command to seek refuge in natural, albeit harsh, strongholds, emphasizing a desperate flight for survival rather than a strategic retreat.
* **"and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth."**: This striking simile illustrates the manner of their dwelling in the rock. The dove, a creature typically associated with gentleness and vulnerability, builds its nest in precarious, difficult-to-reach crevices of cliffs or "holes." This imagery conveys the extreme desperation, the forced humility, and the exposed, yet hidden, state of the Moabites. They will be reduced to a timid, vulnerable existence, seeking any available, however uncomfortable, shelter from the overwhelming threat.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is the **Imperative** command ("leave," "dwell," "be like"), which lends urgency and directness to the warning. A powerful **Simile** is employed in "and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth," comparing the Moabites' desperate flight and precarious refuge to the nesting habits of a vulnerable bird. This **Imagery** of the dove in a rock crevice evokes a sense of both fragility and a forced, almost pathetic, seeking of safety in the most unlikely and uncomfortable places. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the initial state of "dwell[ing] in Moab" (implying settled, secure urban life) and the commanded state of "dwell[ing] in the rock" like a dove (implying desperate, vulnerable, and hidden survival). This contrast underscores the radical shift in Moab's fortunes due to divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:28 powerfully illustrates the principle that no earthly stronghold or human pride can ultimately withstand the sovereign judgment of God. The command to abandon the cities and flee to the rock signifies a forced relinquishment of false securities and a descent into a state of profound vulnerability. This serves as a timeless theological reminder that true security is found not in material possessions, national strength, or human ingenuity, but in humble submission to the divine will. The imagery of the dove, usually a symbol of peace or innocence, here represents a forced humility and desperation, highlighting the consequences of unrepentant pride and idolatry. God's judgment is not merely punitive but aims to humble the haughty and demonstrate His ultimate authority over all nations and their perceived invincibility.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my fortress")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [Isaiah 2:10](/isaiah/2-10 "Isaiah 2:10 - Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from before the terror of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:28, though addressed to ancient Moab, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. Are we, like Moab, building our lives and finding our confidence in "cities" – be they financial stability, career success, social status, or even personal abilities – that are ultimately vulnerable and temporary? The command to "leave the cities" serves as a spiritual call to detach from anything that gives us a false sense of security apart from God. The subsequent instruction to "dwell in the rock" and "be like the dove" is a poignant invitation to embrace humility and find our true refuge in the Lord, even if it means abandoning comfort and embracing a posture of dependence and vulnerability before Him. This passage urges us to heed divine warnings, whether through Scripture, conscience, or circumstances, and to proactively seek God's shelter before the inevitable "judgment" (whether personal or societal) makes our false securities crumble. It reminds us that true safety is found not in our fortifications, but in our relationship with the One who is our eternal Rock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" (sources of false security or pride) might I be clinging to in my own life that God is calling me to abandon?**
* **In what ways am I resistant to embracing a posture of humility and vulnerability, like the dove seeking refuge in the rock?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to find my ultimate refuge and security in God alone, rather than in worldly provisions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moab singled out for such a severe prophecy of judgment?**

Answer: Moab was judged for several reasons, primarily its pride, arrogance, and contempt for God's people. [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride") explicitly mentions Moab's "pride" and "haughtiness." They also trusted in their wealth and their idol, Chemosh ([Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")), rather than the one true God. Furthermore, Moab had a history of opposing Israel and even rejoicing in Judah's downfall ([Ezekiel 25:8-11](/ezekiel/25-8 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Prophecy Against Moab")). God, as the sovereign Lord of all nations, holds all accountable for their actions and idolatry.

**What is the significance of the "rock" in this verse, and how does it differ from other biblical uses of "rock"?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 48:28, the "rock" (Hebrew _çelaʻ_) refers to the literal, craggy, and desolate mountainous terrain of Moab. It is a place of physical refuge, albeit a harsh and uncomfortable one, contrasting sharply with the fortified cities. While the Bible often uses "rock" (Hebrew _tzur_ or _çelaʻ_) as a metaphor for God as a secure refuge and fortress (e.g., [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my fortress")), here in Jeremiah, it emphasizes a desperate, physical hiding place for the Moabites, stripped of their former pride and comfort. It highlights their forced humility and the severe consequences of divine judgment, where even natural strongholds offer only a temporary and difficult survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:28 directly addresses the judgment of Moab, its themes resonate deeply with the Christ-centered narrative of the Gospel. The command to "leave the cities" and "dwell in the rock" foreshadows the call for all humanity to abandon the false securities and proud structures of a world alienated from God. Just as Moab's cities represented a reliance on human strength and idolatry, so too does humanity often trust in its own achievements, wealth, and philosophies, which are ultimately destined to crumble under divine scrutiny ([Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")). Christ, in His ministry, continually called people to abandon their self-reliance and worldly allegiances to find true refuge in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He himself became the ultimate "Rock" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock")), not a harsh physical refuge, but a spiritual foundation and an eternal stronghold for all who believe. The imagery of the vulnerable dove seeking refuge in the "hole's mouth" finds its fulfillment in the humility of Christ, who, though God, "made himself nothing" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")) and became the ultimate Lamb of God, vulnerable yet victorious, providing the only true and lasting sanctuary from the judgment to come ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this passage implicitly points to the necessity of finding our ultimate security and salvation not in our own strength or earthly constructs, but solely in the humble, crucified, and resurrected Christ.

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

Judges 6:2

And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: [and] because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which [are] in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.

Psalms 55:6

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest.

Psalms 55:7

Lo, [then] would I wander far off, [and] remain in the wilderness. Selah.

Song Of Solomon 2:14

¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

Isaiah 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Jeremiah 48:9

Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.

Jeremiah 49:16

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.