Jeremiah 48:31

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; [mine heart] shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

Therefore will I howl {H3213} for Moab {H4124}, and I will cry out {H2199} for all Moab {H4124}; mine heart shall mourn {H1897} for the men {H582} of Kirheres {H7025}.

Therefore I wail for Mo'av; for all Mo'av I cry; for the people of Kir-Heres I lament.

Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.

Therefore will I wail for Moab; yea, I will cry out for all Moab: for the men of Kir-heres shall they mourn.

Jeremiah 48:31 is part of a lengthy prophetic oracle against Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea and a long-standing adversary of Israel. This verse powerfully conveys the Lord's deep sorrow and lament over the impending devastation of Moab, highlighting a profound aspect of divine character.

Historical and Cultural Context

The entire chapter of Jeremiah 48 details God's judgment against Moab, a kingdom that descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37). Moab was known for its pride, idolatry (worshipping Chemosh), and consistent opposition to Israel. The prophecy describes a comprehensive destruction, leaving Moab desolate. Kirheres (also known as Kir Hareseth or Kir of Moab) was a major fortified city, likely the capital or a key stronghold, whose fall symbolized the complete collapse of the Moabite kingdom. The Lord's lament for Moab underscores that even in judgment, there is divine grief over the consequences of sin and the suffering it brings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Lamentation: Perhaps the most striking theme is God's own expression of sorrow. The phrases "I will howl for Moab," "I will cry out for all Moab," and "mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres" reveal that God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). His justice is accompanied by profound compassion.
  • Consequences of Pride and Idolatry: Moab's downfall is repeatedly attributed to its arrogance and trust in false gods and its own strength, rather than the Lord. This serves as a timeless warning against national and individual pride (Proverbs 16:18).
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: The prophecy demonstrates God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations, executing His righteous judgment according to their deeds.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "howl" is yalal (ילל), a powerful onomatopoeic term conveying a loud, mournful cry, often associated with intense grief or lamentation over calamity. Similarly, "cry out" (צער - tsa'ar) and "mourn" (הגה - hagah) denote deep emotional distress and sorrow. The repetition emphasizes the depth of the divine lament, underscoring that this is not a detached or indifferent judgment but one that causes the Creator immense grief.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jeremiah 48:31 offers several profound insights for believers today:

  • It reveals the compassionate heart of God, who grieves even over those who defy Him. This challenges any notion of a cold, indifferent deity.
  • It serves as a solemn reminder of the serious consequences of pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God's will. The judgment on Moab illustrates that spiritual rebellion ultimately leads to destruction.
  • It encourages introspection: are there areas in our own lives or societies where pride and self-reliance have replaced trust in God? Understanding God's sorrow over Moab can inspire us to pursue humility and repentance.

This verse beautifully portrays the complex character of God—just in judgment, yet infinitely compassionate in His heart.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 15:5

    My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

  • 2 Kings 3:25

    And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it.

  • Jeremiah 48:36

    Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches [that] he hath gotten are perished.

  • Isaiah 16:7

    Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.

  • Isaiah 16:11

    Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

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