Jeremiah 48:38

[There shall be] lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure, saith the LORD.

There shall be lamentation {H4553} generally upon all the housetops {H1406} of Moab {H4124}, and in the streets {H7339} thereof: for I have broken {H7665} Moab {H4124} like a vessel {H3627} wherein is no pleasure {H2656}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

On all the housetops of Mo'av and in its open places - lamentation everywhere! "For I have broken Mo'av like a pot that nobody wants," says ADONAI.

On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.

On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets thereof there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein none delighteth, saith Jehovah.

Jeremiah 48:38 vividly portrays the widespread devastation and sorrow that would befall Moab as a result of God’s judgment. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Moab, a nation historically related to Israel but often hostile and proud.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy prophecy in Jeremiah 48, which details the impending destruction of Moab. For generations, Moab had been a neighbor to Israel, but also a source of conflict and idolatry, worshipping gods like Chemosh. The prophecy outlines various cities of Moab that would fall and the utter desolation that would follow. The lamentation described here is not private but public, signifying the complete and undeniable nature of the catastrophe. This judgment was a direct consequence of Moab's persistent pride, arrogance, and defiance against the Lord, as highlighted earlier in the chapter (see Jeremiah 48:29).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores that this destruction is not merely a political or military outcome but a direct decree from God. It demonstrates His absolute authority over nations and their destinies.
  • Utter Desolation and Public Mourning: The imagery of "lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment. Mourning would be inescapable, affecting every household and public space, indicating a total societal collapse.
  • The Metaphor of the Broken Vessel: The powerful simile "I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure" illustrates the complete ruination and worthlessness that would befall Moab. Like a pot that is shattered beyond repair or usefulness, Moab would be rendered useless and discarded in the eyes of God. This imagery communicates a sense of irreversible destruction and divine rejection.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "vessel wherein is no pleasure" is keli ein chephets (כְּלִי אֵין חֵפֶץ). Keli means "vessel" or "utensil," and ein chephets literally means "no desire" or "no delight/pleasure." This isn't just a broken pot; it's a pot that is utterly undesirable and without any purpose, fit only for discard. It powerfully conveys the idea of something completely worthless and beyond redemption for its intended use, reflecting God's ultimate verdict on Moab's arrogance and idolatry.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:38 serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice against pride and rebellion. While Moab's specific judgment is historical, the principles remain relevant:

  • Consequences of Pride: The fate of Moab illustrates that arrogance and self-sufficiency, particularly in defiance of God, ultimately lead to ruin. It calls believers to cultivate humility and acknowledge God's sovereignty in all things, rather than trusting in their own strength or possessions.
  • God's Justice: This verse affirms that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions. His justice is sure, even if delayed, and He will address sin and idolatry.
  • Call to Humility: Just as God can break a vessel, He can humble the proud. This encourages introspection and a turning away from anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, whether it's wealth, status, or self-reliance, echoing warnings found elsewhere in scripture about the dangers of pride (Proverbs 16:18).
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.

  • Jeremiah 22:28

    [Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

  • Jeremiah 25:34

    Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

  • Isaiah 22:1

    ¶ The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

  • Hosea 8:8

    ¶ Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure.

  • 2 Timothy 2:20

    But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

  • 2 Timothy 2:21

    If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

  • Romans 9:21

    Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

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