Jeremiah 48:35

Jeremiah 48:35 is a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment against Moab, specifically targeting their deeply entrenched idolatrous practices. This verse highlights the Lord's determination to put an end to the pagan worship that characterized the Moabite nation.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy prophecy in Jeremiah chapter 48, which details the comprehensive destruction and desolation that would befall Moab. Moab, a nation descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37), was a long-standing neighbor and often an adversary of Israel. Known for its pride (Jeremiah 48:29) and its devotion to pagan deities like Chemosh (Numbers 21:29), Moab had provoked God's wrath through its opposition to His people and its pervasive idolatry. The prophecy foretells the cessation of their religious rituals as a direct consequence of divine judgment.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores that this is not merely a political or military outcome, but a direct act of God's sovereign will. He holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their rebellion and idolatry (Isaiah 14:26).
• Cessation of Idolatry: The core message is the termination of Moab's pagan worship. God declares He will "cause to cease" the offerings and incense burning to "his gods." This signifies not just military defeat, but the dismantling of their religious system and cultural identity centered on false worship.
• Consequences of False Worship: The verse illustrates that devotion to false gods ultimately leads to destruction and the inability to continue such practices. Idolatry is shown to be a futile and condemned path, bringing about divine retribution rather than protection.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods" points to specific aspects of Moabite idolatry:

• "High places" (Hebrew: bamot, בָּמוֹת): These were elevated sites, often hilltops or constructed platforms, where pagan worship, sacrifices, and rituals were performed. While sometimes used by Israelites for legitimate worship before the central sanctuary was established, they became notorious symbols of idolatry and syncretism throughout Israel's history (1 Kings 11:7). God commanded their destruction (Deuteronomy 12:2).
• "Burneth incense to his gods": Incense was a common element in ancient worship, symbolizing prayer or devotion. However, when offered to "his gods" (referring to Moab's pagan deities like Chemosh), it became an act of grave offense to the Lord, who alone is worthy of worship.

Practical Application

While specific to ancient Moab, Jeremiah 48:35 carries timeless relevance:

• God's Unchanging Character: It reminds us that God is holy and will not tolerate idolatry. Though the forms of idolatry may change, anything that takes the place of God in our lives—be it wealth, power, pleasure, or self—becomes a "god" and will ultimately lead to spiritual barrenness and judgment (Romans 1:25).
• Call to Exclusive Worship: The verse implicitly calls believers to worship the one true God exclusively. Our devotion, time, and resources should be directed towards Him alone, not towards fleeting earthly pursuits.
• Hope in God's Sovereignty: For those who trust in the Lord, this passage offers comfort in knowing that God is ultimately in control. He will bring an end to all forms of rebellion and false worship, establishing His righteous kingdom.