Jeremiah 48:34

KJV

From the cry of Heshbon [even] unto Elealeh, [and even] unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar [even] unto Horonaim, [as] an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

From the cry {H2201} of Heshbon {H2809} even unto Elealeh {H500}, and even unto Jahaz {H3096}, have they uttered {H5414} their voice {H6963}, from Zoar {H6820} even unto Horonaim {H2773}, as an heifer {H5697} of three years old {H7992}: for the waters {H4325} also of Nimrim {H5249} shall be desolate {H4923}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cries from Heshbon to El'aleh are heard as far away as Yachatz; those from Tzo'ar to Horonayim are heard in 'Eglat-Shlishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have become a desolate waste.

Berean Standard Bible

There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; they raise their voices to Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up.

American Standard Version

From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, even unto Jahaz have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, to Eglath-shelishiyah: for the waters of Nimrim also shall become desolate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:34 powerfully depicts the comprehensive and profound lamentation destined to engulf the land of Moab as a direct consequence of divine judgment. From its northernmost cities to its southern borders, a piercing cry of anguish will resound, likened to the mournful bellowing of a strong, prime heifer brought low. This pervasive desolation will extend even to the once-fertile "waters of Nimrim," symbolizing the utter ruin of Moab's prosperity and the complete devastation of its once-flourishing landscape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 stands as a singular, sustained prophetic oracle specifically targeting Moab, forming a crucial segment within Jeremiah's broader collection of prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). This placement underscores a consistent theological theme: God's sovereign authority extends over all peoples, holding even those outside the covenant accountable for their actions. Immediately preceding [Jeremiah 48:34](/jeremiah/48-34 "Jeremiah 48:34 - The Cry of Moab and Desolation"), verses like [Jeremiah 48:33](/jeremiah/48-33 "Jeremiah 48:33 - End of Joy in Moab") describe the cessation of joy and gladness in Moab, setting the grim stage for the widespread sorrow and desolation detailed in the current verse. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on Moab's humiliation, its shattered pride, and the specific reasons for God's wrath, particularly its arrogance and idolatry, thereby reinforcing the inevitability and totality of the judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, sharing a complex history of kinship, conflict, and cultural exchange with Israel. Their primary national deity was Chemosh, to whom they famously offered human sacrifices, a practice abhorrent to Yahweh. The region itself was renowned for its agricultural fertility, particularly its vineyards, olive groves, and pastures, making the prophecy of widespread desolation, especially of its water sources, profoundly impactful. The cities enumerated—Heshbon, Elealeh, Jahaz (in the north), and Zoar, Horonaim (in the south)—were significant urban and strategic centers, collectively representing the entire breadth of Moabite territory. The vivid imagery of a "heifer of three years old" would have resonated deeply within an agrarian society, symbolizing an animal in its prime, strong and productive, whose sudden, profound distress would be particularly poignant and indicative of a catastrophic loss.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah 48 and the broader prophetic corpus. A central theme is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, illustrating God's unwavering justice in holding nations accountable for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His people, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh") regarding Moab's trust in Chemosh, and [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride") concerning its immense arrogance. Another prominent theme is **Widespread Desolation and Lamentation**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending destruction, where no part of the land or its inhabitants will escape suffering. The graphic imagery employed powerfully underscores the **Humiliation of the Proud**, as Moab, once self-reliant and boastful, is brought to utter ruin, serving as a stark reminder of the futility of placing trust in anything other than the one true God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cry (Hebrew, _zᵉʻâqâh'_):** From H2201, meaning "a shriek or outcry." This word signifies an intense, public, and widespread expression of distress. It is not a quiet, private weeping but a loud, communal lamentation, indicating a profound and pervasive sorrow that echoes across the entire land, signaling deep pain and despair.
* **Heifer (Hebrew, _ʻeglâh'_):** From H5697, referring to "a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e. a heifer)." The specific qualification "of three years old" (H7992, _shᵉlîyshîy_) denotes an animal in its prime—strong, healthy, and productive. The comparison highlights that Moab, despite its former robustness and flourishing state, will be reduced to a condition of profound anguish, bellowing like a powerful animal that has been grievously wounded or slaughtered, its strength now transformed into overwhelming sorrow.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _mᵉshammâh'_):** From H4923, meaning "a waste or amazement." This term describes the ultimate state of the "waters of Nimrim" and, by extension, the entire land of Moab. It conveys not merely emptiness but a state of ruin, desolation, and astonishment, reflecting the utter destruction of a once-fertile and prosperous region, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From the cry of Heshbon [even] unto Elealeh, [and even] unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice":** This opening clause establishes the geographical breadth of the impending lamentation. Heshbon, Elealeh, and Jahaz were significant cities located in the northern part of Moab. The combined "cry" (H2201, _zᵉʻâqâh_) and "voice" (H6963, _qôwl_) indicate a loud, pervasive wailing, underscoring that the sorrow will be heard across a vast expanse of the land, signaling the widespread and inescapable nature of the disaster.
* **"from Zoar [even] unto Horonaim, [as] an heifer of three years old":** This extends the geographical scope of the lamentation to the southern regions of Moab, thereby encompassing the entire national territory. Zoar and Horonaim were prominent cities in the south. The powerful simile "[as] an heifer of three years old" (H5697, _ʻeglâh_, and H7992, _shᵉlîyshîy_) vividly portrays the profound nature of Moab's sorrow. A three-year-old heifer is at the peak of its strength and vitality; its cry of distress would be particularly loud, piercing, and mournful, symbolizing Moab's dramatic fall from a state of strength and prosperity to one of utter brokenness and anguish.
* **"for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate":** This concluding clause provides a concrete example of the desolation, focusing on a vital natural resource. The "waters of Nimrim" (H4325, _mayim_, and H5249, _Nimrîym_) likely refer to a well-known, fertile area, perhaps a significant stream or oasis, crucial for agriculture and sustaining life. Its state of being "desolate" (H4923, _mᵉshammâh_) signifies not only the loss of life and livelihood but also the complete destruction of the land's economic vitality and agricultural productivity, underscoring the thoroughness and severity of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:34 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey the overwhelming depth and comprehensive scope of Moab's impending doom. **Merism** is prominently featured in the geographical enumeration, spanning from Heshbon, Elealeh, and Jahaz in the north to Zoar and Horonaim in the south. This technique signifies that the judgment will encompass the entirety of the nation, leaving no region untouched by the widespread lamentation. This comprehensive listing also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the universal and inescapable nature of the calamity. The most striking and evocative device is the **Simile**: "as an heifer of three years old." This comparison is rich with symbolic meaning, portraying Moab as a nation once strong, vibrant, and in its prime—like a healthy, productive young cow—now reduced to a state of profound anguish and distress, bellowing inconsolably in sorrow. This imagery powerfully evokes a sense of pathos, highlighting the dramatic and tragic fall from strength to utter brokenness. Furthermore, the mention of the "waters of Nimrim" becoming desolate serves as **Metonymy**, where the destruction of a vital water source represents the complete economic and agricultural ruin of the entire land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the dire consequences of national pride and idolatry, a recurring and foundational theme throughout prophetic literature. Moab's arrogant reliance on its own strength and its devotion to the false god Chemosh ultimately led to its catastrophic downfall, unequivocally demonstrating God's sovereign authority over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The widespread lamentation and pervasive desolation serve as a stark and sobering reminder that rebellion against God, whether by individuals or entire nations, inevitably culminates in ruin. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just and righteous response to Moab's persistent defiance, its contempt for the Lord, and its opposition to His people, thereby underscoring the timeless biblical principle that "God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

* [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - The Cry of Moab")
* [Ezekiel 25:8-11](/ezekiel/25-8-11 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Judgment Against Moab and Seir")
* [Amos 2:1-3](/amos/2-1-3 "Amos 2:1-3 - Judgment Against Moab")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:34, while a specific prophecy against the ancient nation of Moab, carries profound and timeless spiritual truths that resonate deeply with contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the gravity of pride and idolatry, urging us to engage in honest self-examination regarding where our ultimate trust truly lies. Are we, individually or corporately, relying on our own perceived strength, worldly achievements, or material possessions, or is our confidence firmly and exclusively rooted in God alone? The vivid portrayal of widespread lamentation also compels us to cultivate a deep sense of empathy and compassion for those experiencing profound loss, desolation, and anguish, whether these trials stem from their own choices or the pervasive brokenness of a fallen world. Ultimately, this passage issues a compelling call to humility, sincere repentance, and a steadfast, unwavering reliance on the one true God, whose justice is absolutely certain and whose boundless mercy is graciously extended to all who humble themselves and turn to Him in faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly exhibiting pride or inadvertently placing my trust in things other than God?**
* **How does the poignant imagery of a "heifer of three years old" deepen my understanding of the potential consequences of spiritual decline, even for those who appear strong and flourishing?**
* **What enduring lessons does this ancient prophecy against Moab teach me about God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "waters of Nimrim" and why was their desolation particularly impactful?**

Answer: The "waters of Nimrim" (likely referring to a significant stream, oasis, or fertile region) were profoundly significant because they represented a vital source of fertility, sustenance, and economic prosperity for Moab. In ancient economies, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions, reliable water sources were absolutely crucial for sustaining agriculture, livestock, and human populations. The desolation of these waters, as described in [Jeremiah 48:34](/jeremiah/48-34 "Jeremiah 48:34 - The Cry of Moab and Desolation"), symbolized a complete economic and agricultural collapse. It implied not just the loss of life and livelihood but the utter ruin of the land's productivity, transforming a once-lush and vital area into a barren waste. This specific detail underscores the thoroughness, severity, and devastating scope of God's judgment against Moab, striking at the very foundation of their prosperity and existence.

**Why is Moab compared to a "heifer of three years old"?**

Answer: The comparison of Moab to a "heifer of three years old" is a powerful, poignant, and culturally resonant simile. A heifer of this age would be in its prime—strong, healthy, vigorous, and highly productive, ready for breeding or labor. This imagery vividly suggests that Moab, at the time of the prophecy, was a nation in its full strength, prosperity, and perhaps even arrogance, confident in its self-sufficiency and perceived invincibility. The comparison dramatically highlights the tragic and precipitous fall of a once-powerful and vibrant entity. When such a strong, healthy animal cries out in distress, its anguish is particularly profound, loud, and attention-grabbing, signifying a deep, unexpected trauma. Thus, the simile underscores that Moab's lamentation would be loud, widespread, and deeply sorrowful, representing a complete and devastating reversal of its former vitality, pride, and perceived security, a theme also echoed in [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - The Cry of Moab").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:34 vividly describes the judgment of an ancient nation, its underlying principles find profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment. The desolation of Moab, a direct consequence of its deep-seated pride and pervasive idolatry, foreshadows the ultimate and just judgment against all humanity that rejects God's sovereign authority and embraces spiritual idols. Yet, in the person and work of Jesus Christ, we behold God's perfect justice fully satisfied and His boundless mercy gloriously extended. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, willingly became the "heifer of three years old" in a profoundly redemptive sense—in the prime of His earthly life, He was "cut off" ([Daniel 9:26](/daniel/9-26 "Daniel 9:26 - The Messiah Cut Off")), enduring the ultimate desolation of separation from God on the cross. His agonizing cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoes the widespread lamentation of judgment, but it was a cry of substitutionary atonement, bearing the immeasurable weight of humanity's sin. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, the "waters" of life, once desolate due to sin's curse, are made abundantly available again, flowing as "rivers of living water" from those who believe in Him ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). The judgment that justly fell upon Moab for its pride is ultimately absorbed by Christ, offering a path to salvation, spiritual flourishing, and eternal life for all who humble themselves and trust in Him, thereby transforming the cry of desolation into an everlasting song of redemption.

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 15:4

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.

Isaiah 15:6

¶ For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.

Numbers 32:3

Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

Deuteronomy 34:3

And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Jeremiah 48:2

[There shall be] no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from [being] a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.

Jeremiah 48:3

A voice of crying [shall be] from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction.