Jeremiah 48:35

KJV

Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I will cause to cease {H7673} in Moab {H4124}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, him that offereth {H5927} in the high places {H1116}, and him that burneth incense {H6999} to his gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Moreover," says ADONAI, "in Mo'av I will put an end to anyone sacrificing on a high place or offering incense to his gods."

Berean Standard Bible

In Moab, declares the LORD, I will bring an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods.

American Standard Version

Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith Jehovah, him that offereth in the high place, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:35 serves as a potent divine declaration of impending judgment against the nation of Moab, specifically targeting their deeply entrenched and pervasive idolatrous practices. The Lord emphatically states His resolve to bring an absolute end to the pagan worship rituals, including sacrifices offered in illicit sanctuaries and the burning of incense to false deities, thereby dismantling a core aspect of Moab's cultural and religious identity and asserting His exclusive sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive prophecy against Moab found in [Jeremiah chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"), a detailed oracle of judgment that spans the entire chapter. Preceding verses describe the widespread devastation and lamentation that will engulf Moab, affecting its cities, people, and even its national deity, Chemosh (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:1-20](/jeremiah/48-1-20 "Jeremiah 48:1-20 - Moab's Destruction and Shame")). Following this verse, Jeremiah continues to elaborate on Moab's humiliation and the reasons for God's wrath, including their pride and security in their own works, which led to their spiritual arrogance and rebellion against Yahweh ([Jeremiah 48:29-30](/jeremiah/48-29-30 "Jeremiah 48:29-30 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance")). The immediate context emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine judgment, affecting not only their land and people but also their religious practices, which are seen as a direct affront to the one true God. The cessation of worship on high places is presented as a direct, inevitable consequence of the broader desolation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a Transjordanian nation, historically descended from Lot through an incestuous union with his elder daughter, establishing a long-standing, often contentious, relationship with Israel ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). They were frequently adversaries of Israel, engaging in conflict and exerting influence over various periods of Israelite history (e.g., [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12-30 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon of Moab")). Moab was notoriously devoted to its national god, Chemosh, to whom human sacrifices were sometimes offered, as dramatically illustrated in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Moabite Human Sacrifice"). The "high places" (Hebrew: *bamot*) were elevated sites, often natural hills or constructed platforms, used for pagan worship, sacrifices, and various illicit rituals. Incense burning was a common ancient religious practice, but when directed towards false gods, it represented a grave act of idolatry in the eyes of Yahweh, who demanded exclusive worship from His people and condemned such practices among other nations as an abomination.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in human history, holding nations accountable for their actions, particularly their rebellion and idolatry ([Isaiah 14:26](/isaiah/14-26 "Isaiah 14:26 - God's Universal Purpose")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Cessation of Idolatry** as a direct, divinely orchestrated outcome of divine wrath. God declares His intention to "cause to cease" the very acts of worship that defined Moab's spiritual rebellion, signifying not just military defeat but the dismantling of their entire religious and cultural identity centered on false worship. This emphasizes the **Futility and Consequences of False Worship**, illustrating that devotion to anything other than the Lord ultimately leads to destruction and the inability to continue such practices, bringing divine retribution rather than protection or blessing ([Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Futility of Idolatry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to repose" or "desist from exertion." In this context, it signifies God's active and decisive intervention to bring about a complete cessation or termination of Moab's idolatrous practices. It implies a forceful and definitive end, not merely a decline, demonstrating God's sovereign power to halt human activity that opposes His will.
* **high places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to be high," referring to an elevation, height, or platform. These were notorious sites, often hilltops, where pagan worship and sacrifices were conducted throughout the ancient Near East. Their specific mention here identifies the illicit and offensive nature of Moab's worship, which was an abomination to Yahweh, who commanded His people to destroy such sites.
* **burneth incense (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to smoke," or "to turn into fragrance by fire," especially as an act of worship. This word specifically denotes the ritual burning of aromatic substances, a common practice in ancient worship. When directed to "his gods," it highlights another specific form of Moabite idolatry that God will eradicate, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment against their false religious system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and the target of judgment. "I will cause to cease" signifies God's direct, sovereign action to bring an end to something, emphasizing His absolute control over the destiny of nations. "In Moab" clearly identifies the recipient of this judgment, linking it to the broader prophecy against this nation and highlighting the specificity of God's wrath.
* **"saith the LORD":** This parenthetical phrase serves as a divine imprimatur, authenticating the prophecy as a direct word from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh). It underscores the authority, certainty, and unchangeable nature of the declaration, leaving no doubt that this is God's decree, not merely a human prediction or wish.
* **"him that offereth in the high places":** This specifies the first group whose activities will cease. "Him that offereth" refers to those who perform sacrifices or offerings, a central act of worship. The location, "in the high places," pinpoints the illicit and offensive nature of their worship, as these elevated sites were commonly associated with pagan rituals and were an abomination to God, representing a direct affront to His holiness.
* **"and him that burneth incense to his gods":** This identifies the second group and their specific idolatrous practice. "Him that burneth incense" refers to those engaged in the ritual burning of aromatic substances, another common form of worship. The crucial phrase "to his gods," referring to Moab's false deities like Chemosh, highlights the idolatrous object of their worship, which is the ultimate offense against the Lord, demonstrating their spiritual rebellion and misplaced devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:35 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Pronouncement**, signaled by the authoritative phrase "saith the LORD," which frames the entire declaration as an unchallengeable decree from the sovereign God. This device imbues the prophecy with absolute certainty and weight, emphasizing God's ultimate control. **Metonymy** is also present, where "him that offereth" and "him that burneth incense" stand for the entire system of Moabite idolatry and the people who participate in it, representing the collective spiritual rebellion of the nation. The "high places" serve as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just physical locations but the deep-seated paganism and spiritual rebellion of Moab, embodying their rejection of Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship. The verse's direct and declarative tone also contributes to its **Forcefulness**, leaving no ambiguity about the impending and comprehensive nature of God's judgment against false worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:35 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and His intolerance of idolatry. It reveals that the Lord is not only sovereign over nations and their political destinies but also deeply concerned with their spiritual allegiances. The cessation of Moab's worship on high places signifies a divine cleansing, an act of judgment that purges the land of its spiritual defilement. This reflects a broader biblical principle that false worship, no matter how deeply ingrained in a culture, ultimately leads to divine retribution and spiritual desolation. God's judgment here is a demonstration of His justice, upholding His unique claim as the only true God worthy of worship and revealing the emptiness of devotion to anything other than Him.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Command to Destroy Idolatrous Sites")
* [Isaiah 2:18](/isaiah/2-18 "Idols Utterly Abolished")
* [Zephaniah 1:4-5](/zephaniah/1-4-5 "Judgment Against Idolatry and False Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:35, though directed at ancient Moab, carries profound and timeless implications for us today. It serves as a stark reminder that God's character is unchanging: He is holy, just, and will not tolerate anything that usurps His rightful place in our lives. While we may not burn incense to physical idols on literal "high places," modern idolatry takes more subtle forms—anything that captures our ultimate affection, trust, or allegiance apart from God. This could include wealth, career, relationships, comfort, self-image, or even spiritual practices that become ends in themselves rather than means to worship God. The verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and dismantle any "high places" in our own hearts where allegiance is given to anything other than the one true God. It challenges us to pursue exclusive worship, recognizing that true freedom, flourishing, and spiritual vitality come only when God is enthroned as Lord of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or subtle forms of idolatry might exist in my own life today, competing for the ultimate allegiance that belongs to God alone?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against idolatry in Jeremiah 48:35 motivate me to examine my own heart and priorities?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure that my worship, time, and resources are directed exclusively towards the one true God, rather than fragmented among competing allegiances?**

### FAQ
**Why was God so determined to stop Moab's worship practices?**

Answer: God was determined to stop Moab's worship practices because they were idolatrous, offered to false gods like Chemosh, and often involved abhorrent rituals, including child sacrifice. As the one true God, Yahweh demands exclusive worship from all nations and considers the veneration of other deities a direct affront to His holiness and sovereignty. The cessation of these practices was a severe judgment against Moab's spiritual rebellion and a powerful demonstration of God's justice and power over all false gods ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me")). It also served as a stark warning to other nations, including Israel, about the severe consequences of idolatry and spiritual infidelity.

**What does "high places" mean in this context, and why were they significant?**

Answer: In this context, "high places" (Hebrew: *bâmâh*) refers to elevated sites, often natural hilltops or constructed platforms, that served as centers for pagan worship, sacrifices, and various religious rituals. They were significant because they were deeply embedded in the religious landscape and cultural identity of nations like Moab, representing their spiritual devotion to false deities. For the Israelites, God explicitly commanded the destruction of all high places ([Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Destroying Idolatrous Sites")), as they represented a persistent temptation to syncretism and idolatry, even for God's own people ([1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's High Places")). God's declaration to cease worship on these sites in Moab underscored the comprehensive nature of His judgment against their entire false religious system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:35, with its declaration of God's decisive end to idolatrous worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophecies against idolatrous nations like Moab foreshadow God's righteous judgment against all forms of rebellion, Christ's coming ushers in a new era where the power of sin and idolatry is definitively broken. Jesus, as the true Temple and the perfect High Priest, offered the one, complete, and final sacrifice, rendering all other offerings—especially those to false gods—obsolete and without merit ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), which fundamentally includes the sin of idolatry. The Holy Spirit, given through Christ, empowers believers to turn from idols to serve the living and true God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to God")). Thus, the cessation of false worship is not merely a punitive act but a redemptive one, made possible by Christ, who cleanses hearts and establishes a new covenant of true worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). In Christ, the "high places" of human rebellion are dismantled, and the exclusive worship of the Triune God is established in the hearts of His redeemed people, leading to eternal life.

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 16:12

And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

Numbers 28:14

And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third [part] of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth [part] of an hin unto a lamb: this [is] the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

Numbers 28:28

And their meat offering of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram,

Numbers 28:30

[And] one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.

Numbers 22:40

And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that [were] with him.

Numbers 22:41

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost [part] of the people.