Jeremiah 48:32

KJV

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.

KJV (with Strong's)

O vine {H1612} of Sibmah {H7643}, I will weep {H1058} for thee with the weeping {H1065} of Jazer {H3270}: thy plants {H5189} are gone over {H5674} the sea {H3220}, they reach {H5060} even to the sea {H3220} of Jazer {H3270}: the spoiler {H7703} is fallen {H5307} upon thy summer fruits {H7019} and upon thy vintage {H1210}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will weep for you, vineyard of Sivmah, more than I wept for Ya'zer. Your branches spread to the sea, reaching as far as the sea of Ya'zer. On your summer fruits and on your vintage the destroyer has fallen.

Berean Standard Bible

I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your tendrils have extended to the sea; they reach even to Jazer. The destroyer has descended on your summer fruit and grape harvest.

American Standard Version

With more than the weeping of Jazer will I weep for thee, O vine of Sibmah: thy branches passed over the sea, they reached even to the sea of Jazer: upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage the destroyer is fallen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:32 is a profound prophetic lament over the impending devastation of Moab, specifically focusing on the cities of Sibmah and Jazer, renowned for their luxuriant vineyards and abundant agricultural produce. The prophet, speaking on behalf of God, expresses deep sorrow over the destruction of Moab's prosperity and national pride, which will be utterly laid waste by an invading "spoiler," signifying the complete and irreversible collapse of their economic and social foundations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's extensive oracle of judgment against Moab, detailed in [Jeremiah chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - The Prophecy Against Moab"). The chapter systematically outlines the downfall of various Moabite cities and the comprehensive nature of their destruction. Following earlier pronouncements against Moab's pride and idolatry, Jeremiah 48:32 shifts from a declarative judgment to a poignant lament, revealing the emotional depth of God (or the prophet) over the impending suffering, even of an enemy nation. This lament foreshadows the complete desolation described in the latter part of the chapter, emphasizing the loss of Moab's most celebrated assets.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, frequently in conflict with Israel, and known for its agricultural wealth, particularly its vineyards and fruit orchards. Cities like Sibmah and Jazer were celebrated for their exceptional produce, so much so that their "vine" and "plants" were proverbial for their abundance and widespread reach. Moab's prosperity often fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and pride, as noted in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Works") and [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Undisturbed Prosperity"). The "spoiler" refers to the Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar, whom God used as an instrument of judgment against nations that opposed Him or were steeped in idolatry and pride. The destruction of their agricultural base was not merely economic ruin but a profound blow to their national identity and a symbol of their complete subjugation.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in this verse and the broader oracle include **Divine Judgment**, which is a direct consequence of Moab's persistent pride and rebellion against God, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Exalted Pride"). Despite the certainty of judgment, there is a profound **Profound Lamentation**, illustrating God's sorrow over the suffering that sin brings, even upon those who oppose Him. This lament underscores a divine compassion that grieves over the loss of life and prosperity. Furthermore, the verse vividly portrays the **Loss of Prosperity and Fruitfulness**, using the imagery of the "vine of Sibmah" and "summer fruits and vintage" to symbolize the complete devastation of Moab's economic and cultural lifeblood. This signifies that all sources of their earthly confidence and pride will be stripped away.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From an unused root meaning "to bend," this term refers to a vine, especially the grape vine. In this context, "vine of Sibmah" is a powerful metaphor for the nation of Moab itself, or specifically the region of Sibmah, known for its exceptional viticulture. It symbolizes the nation's prosperity, fruitfulness, and the source of its pride and wealth. The lament over the "vine" signifies the impending destruction of this very essence of Moabite identity and abundance.
* **Weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to weep" or "to bemoan." The repetition of "I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer" emphasizes the intensity and universality of the sorrow. This is not merely human grief but a divine lament, indicating God's profound sorrow over the desolation He permits as a just consequence of sin. It highlights a compassionate aspect of God's character, even in judgment.
* **Spoiler (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to be burly" or "to ravage," this term refers to a destroyer, oppressor, or robber. In Jeremiah 48:32, the "spoiler" is the instrument of God's judgment, specifically the Babylonian army. The term emphasizes the violent and destructive nature of the invasion, which will utterly lay waste to Moab's prized agricultural assets, leaving nothing behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O vine of Sibmah":** This is a direct address, personifying Sibmah (and by extension, Moab) as a renowned vine. It immediately establishes the focus of the lament on Moab's celebrated agricultural wealth and the impending loss of its glory and fruitfulness.
* **"I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer":** The speaker, likely God through Jeremiah, expresses profound sorrow. The comparison to "the weeping of Jazer" (another city famed for its produce, whose destruction was equally lamentable) underscores the immense scale and depth of the grief, indicating that the devastation of Sibmah will be as catastrophic and sorrowful as that of Jazer.
* **"thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer":** This phrase uses hyperbole to describe the vastness and widespread fame of Sibmah's vineyards. "Gone over the sea" and "reach to the sea of Jazer" could metaphorically imply that the fame of their produce extended far and wide, or literally, that their vineyards were so extensive they seemed to stretch to distant waters. The implication is that despite their vastness and renown, no part of this prosperity will escape the coming destruction.
* **"the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage":** This climactic statement reveals the agent and nature of the destruction. The "spoiler" (the Babylonian invaders) has utterly destroyed the "summer fruits" (early harvest) and the "vintage" (grape harvest). This signifies the complete and comprehensive ruin of Moab's economic foundation, stripping them of their most valuable and defining assets.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:32 is rich with literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. **Personification** is evident in the direct address "O vine of Sibmah," where a city or its produce is given human characteristics, allowing for a lament to be directed towards it. The entire passage functions as a **Lament** or **Elegy**, a poetic expression of grief over loss, which is unusual given that Moab is an enemy nation, highlighting the depth of divine compassion. **Metaphor** is central, as Moab is consistently represented as a "vine" or "vineyard," a common biblical image for a nation's prosperity and spiritual condition. The phrase "thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the legendary extent and fame of Sibmah's vineyards, making the subsequent destruction even more tragic. Finally, the stark contrast between the former abundance and the present desolation creates a powerful sense of **Irony** and tragic loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This poignant lament over Moab's destruction reveals a complex interplay of divine justice and compassion. While Moab's pride and idolatry warranted judgment, God's lament underscores His sorrow over the consequences of sin and the suffering it brings, even to those outside His covenant. It reminds us that earthly prosperity, no matter how vast or celebrated, is transient and ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. The destruction of the "vine" and "vintage" symbolizes the stripping away of all that nations rely upon apart from God, serving as a stark reminder that true security and lasting fruitfulness are found only in Him.

* [Isaiah 16:8-9](/isaiah/16-8 "Isaiah 16:8-9 - Similar Lament Over Moab's Vines")
* [Psalm 126:5-6](/psalm/126-5 "Psalm 126:5-6 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy")
* [Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel as a Luxuriant Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:32 offers profound insights into the nature of divine judgment and compassion, urging us to examine our own lives and priorities. The lament over Moab's lost prosperity serves as a powerful cautionary tale against placing our trust in material wealth, national strength, or human achievements. It challenges us to consider what truly constitutes lasting "fruit" in our lives. Just as God grieved over Moab's downfall, we are called to cultivate a heart of empathy, lamenting the brokenness and suffering in the world, even among those who seem far from God. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to pursue a life of humility, recognizing that all blessings flow from God, and to invest in spiritual fruitfulness that endures beyond the transient nature of earthly gains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vines" or sources of pride and security might I be trusting in, apart from God?**
* **How does God's lament over Moab's destruction challenge my understanding of divine justice and compassion?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate "spiritual fruit" that cannot be "spoiled" by worldly circumstances?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to lament over the suffering of others, even those I might consider adversaries?**

### FAQ

**Why does God lament over Moab, an enemy nation?**

Answer: God's lament over Moab, an enemy nation, reveals a profound aspect of His character: His compassion and sorrow over the consequences of sin, even when those consequences are justly deserved. While Moab was proud and idolatrous, leading to their judgment, God does not delight in the destruction of the wicked ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Repentance, Not Death")). His lament demonstrates that His justice is always tempered with sorrow over human suffering, reflecting His desire for all people to turn to Him and live. It underscores that all humanity, regardless of their relationship with Him, is His creation.

**What is the significance of the "vine of Sibmah" and "sea of Jazer"?**

Answer: The "vine of Sibmah" is a powerful metaphor for Moab's renowned agricultural prosperity, specifically its vineyards, which were a source of immense wealth and national pride. Sibmah was famous for its exceptional grapes and wine. The phrase "sea of Jazer" likely refers to a large body of water near Jazer, another city known for its rich produce, or it could be a hyperbolic expression indicating the vast extent of Moab's vineyards, implying they stretched so far they reached distant waters. The significance lies in the fact that these symbols of Moab's greatest earthly glory and abundance are precisely what will be utterly destroyed by the "spoiler," highlighting the completeness of their downfall.

**Who is the "spoiler" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "spoiler" (Hebrew: *shâdad*) in Jeremiah 48:32 refers to the invading forces, specifically the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout the prophetic books, God often uses foreign nations as instruments of His judgment against disobedient nations, including His own people and their adversaries. The term "spoiler" emphasizes the destructive, plundering nature of their invasion, which would strip Moab of its wealth, resources, and very identity, particularly its prized agricultural produce.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's lament over the "vine of Sibmah" finds its ultimate echo and transformation in Christ. While Moab's vine represented earthly prosperity and pride destined for destruction, Jesus declares Himself to be the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine") in [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - Jesus the True Vine and the Branches"), calling His followers to abide in Him to bear lasting spiritual fruit. The "spoiler" who fell upon Moab's vintage foreshadows the ultimate enemy, Satan, who seeks to spoil and destroy humanity's spiritual fruitfulness. However, Christ, through His death and resurrection, has [triumphed over cosmic powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), disarming the true "spoiler" and securing an eternal harvest for those who believe. Furthermore, the divine lament over Moab's suffering finds its deepest expression in Jesus' own weeping over Jerusalem, seeing its impending destruction due to its rejection of God's grace ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). This demonstrates that God's heart, fully revealed in Christ, grieves over sin and its devastating consequences, even as His righteous judgment is enacted. Ultimately, the transient nature of Moab's "summer fruits and vintage" points to the enduring, imperishable fruit of the Spirit that believers bear when they are grafted into Christ, the eternal source of life and true abundance ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

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

Isaiah 16:8

For the fields of Heshbon languish, [and] the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come [even] unto Jazer, they wandered [through] the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

Isaiah 16:9

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

Numbers 21:32

And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that [were] there.

Joshua 13:19

And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

Jeremiah 40:10

As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans, which will come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and put [them] in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.

Jeremiah 48:15

Moab is spoiled, and gone up [out of] her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

Numbers 32:35

And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,