Jeremiah 48:39

They shall howl, [saying], How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.

They shall howl {H3213}, saying, How is it broken down {H2865}! how hath Moab {H4124} turned {H6437} the back {H6203} with shame {H954}! so shall Moab {H4124} be a derision {H7814} and a dismaying {H4288} to all them about {H5439} him.

Wail, "How shattered is Mo'av! How shamefully in retreat!" Thus will Mo'av become an object of ridicule and distress to all its neighbors.

“How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.”

How is it broken down! how do they wail! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all that are round about him.

Jeremiah 48:39 vividly portrays the utter devastation and humiliation awaiting the nation of Moab as a result of God's judgment. This verse is part of a longer prophecy in Jeremiah 48 detailing Moab's downfall.

Context of Jeremiah 48:39

The entire chapter of Jeremiah 48 is dedicated to a detailed prophecy against Moab, a nation historically hostile to Israel and known for its pride and idolatry. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was characterized by its self-reliance, wealth, and worship of the idol Chemosh, leading to their condemnation. Jeremiah’s prophecy predicts a comprehensive destruction of their cities, land, and people, leading to profound shame and lamentation. This particular verse describes the reaction of those witnessing Moab's collapse: a cry of despair and recognition of their humiliating defeat.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores God's righteous judgment against nations that oppose Him, particularly those characterized by pride and idolatry, like Moab. It is a clear demonstration of how Moab's excessive pride led to its inevitable fall.
  • Humiliation and Shame: The phrase "turned the back with shame" powerfully conveys utter defeat and disgrace. Moab, once proud and secure, is now exposed to ridicule and contempt from surrounding nations, becoming "a derision and a dismaying." This reversal of fortune highlights the transient nature of worldly power.
  • Sovereignty of God: This prophecy, like many others against nations, highlights God's absolute control over the destinies of kingdoms and peoples. He raises up and casts down according to His will and justice, as seen in Daniel 4:17.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "howl" (Hebrew: yelil) signifies a deep, mournful cry, often associated with expressions of great sorrow and lamentation over tragedy or loss, echoing the sounds of public mourning.
  • "Broken down" (Hebrew: chathath) suggests not just physical destruction of fortifications and infrastructure, but also a shattering of spirit and morale—a complete collapse of a nation's strength and will.
  • "Turned the back with shame" is a vivid idiom (Hebrew: boosh panim, literally 'shamed face') illustrating the ignominious flight of a defeated army or nation. It speaks of a profound loss of honor and public disgrace.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:39 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of national and individual pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry. When nations or individuals trust in their own strength, wealth, or false gods rather than the true God, they set themselves up for a fall. The shame and derision experienced by Moab illustrate that defiance of God ultimately leads to humiliation. This verse calls us to humility, repentance, and a recognition of God's supreme authority, reminding us that true security is found only in Him, not in worldly achievements or possessions.

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.

  • Lamentations 1:1

    ¶ How doth the city sit solitary, [that was] full of people! [how] is she become as a widow! she [that was] great among the nations, [and] princess among the provinces, [how] is she become tributary!

  • Revelation 18:9

    ¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

  • Revelation 18:10

    Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

  • Revelation 18:15

    The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

  • Revelation 18:16

    And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

  • Jeremiah 48:26

    Make ye him drunken: for he magnified [himself] against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision.

  • Jeremiah 48:27

    For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy.

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