Jeremiah 48:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:39 vividly depicts the climactic humiliation and utter devastation of Moab, a nation once characterized by its pride and self-sufficiency, now brought low by divine judgment. The verse captures the anguished lamentations of those witnessing Moab's collapse, expressing profound despair over its ruin and the ignominious retreat of its people. Moab's downfall is portrayed as a source of derision and dismay for all surrounding nations, serving as a stark testament to the consequences of defying God and trusting in worldly power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a sustained and comprehensive oracle against Moab, one of several prophecies against foreign nations found in Jeremiah's book (Jeremiah 46-51). This particular chapter details the complete destruction of Moab's cities, its land, and its people, emphasizing the lamentation and shame that will accompany this judgment. Verses preceding Jeremiah 48:39 describe the widespread wailing and sorrow throughout Moab, the destruction of its strongholds, and the flight of its inhabitants (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:3-6](/jeremiah/48-3 "Jeremiah 48:3-6 - Moab's Destruction and Flight")). The immediate verses (Jeremiah 48:34-38) detail the cries from various Moabite cities and the cutting off of their produce, setting the stage for the ultimate expression of their shame and derision in verse 39. The chapter concludes with a promise of Moab's restoration in the latter days ([Jeremiah 48:47](/jeremiah/48-47 "Jeremiah 48:47 - Promise of Moab's Restoration")), providing a glimmer of hope amidst the severe judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, a neighbor and frequent adversary of Israel. Descended from Lot through an incestuous union ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), Moab was known for its pride, wealth, and idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh, their national god. Their historical animosity towards Israel, including their refusal to provide aid during the Exodus ([Deuteronomy 23:3-4](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-4 - Moab's Hostility to Israel")), and their later oppression of Israel ([Judges 3:12-14](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-14 - Moabite Oppression of Israel")), contributed to God's judgment against them. Culturally, the public lamentation and "howling" described in the verse were common expressions of grief and despair in the ancient Near East, often accompanied by tearing clothes and shaving heads, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 48:37](/jeremiah/48-37 "Jeremiah 48:37 - Signs of Mourning"). The idea of "turning the back with shame" reflects the profound dishonor and disgrace associated with military defeat and public exposure in a shame-honor culture.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment** against national pride and idolatry. Moab's downfall is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of its arrogance and reliance on false gods, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 48:29-30](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29-30 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Humiliation and Shame**, depicting the reversal of fortune for a once-proud nation that now becomes an object of scorn. This serves as a warning against self-sufficiency and a reminder that all earthly power is subject to God's ultimate sovereignty ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Finally, it subtly points to the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations, demonstrating His power to execute justice and fulfill His word, even against those who seem impregnable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep, mournful cry, often associated with expressions of great sorrow, lamentation, or despair. It implies a wailing tone, indicating profound grief over tragedy or loss, echoing the sounds of public mourning. In this context, it conveys the intense anguish of those witnessing Moab's utter destruction.
* **broken down (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** Properly, "to prostrate," this word implies not just physical destruction by violence, but also a shattering of spirit and morale. It suggests a complete collapse of a nation's strength, will, and infrastructure, leading to confusion, fear, and dismay. It speaks to a comprehensive ruin that affects both material and psychological well-being.
* **shame (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This root means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed or delayed. In the context of "turned the back with shame," it powerfully conveys ignominious defeat, public disgrace, and a profound loss of honor. It highlights the public exposure of Moab's weakness and failure, leading to deep humiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall howl, [saying], How is it broken down!":** This clause captures the immediate, visceral reaction of observers or the surviving Moabites themselves. The "howling" signifies a guttural, mournful cry, indicative of extreme distress and lamentation. The exclamation "How is it broken down!" expresses shock and despair over the unexpected and comprehensive ruin that has befallen Moab, highlighting the sudden and complete collapse of what was once perceived as strong and secure.
* **"how hath Moab turned the back with shame!":** This phrase vividly describes the ignominious flight and defeat of Moab. "Turned the back" is an idiom for fleeing in battle, indicating a rout. The addition of "with shame" intensifies the disgrace, emphasizing that their retreat is not merely a tactical withdrawal but a humiliating, public acknowledgment of their utter defeat and loss of honor. Moab, once proud, is now exposed in its weakness and cowardice.
* **"so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.":** This final clause pronounces the lasting consequence of Moab's fall. "Derision" (Hebrew, _sᵉchôwq'_) implies mockery and scorn, while "dismaying" (Hebrew, _mᵉchittâh'_) refers to consternation, ruin, or terror. Moab's fate will serve as a public spectacle, a warning, and an object of ridicule for all the surrounding nations ("them about him," i.e., its neighbors). Its downfall will evoke both contempt and a fearful realization of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:39 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Moab's destruction. The use of **Exclamation** ("How is it broken down!") conveys intense emotion—shock, despair, and grief—making the lament palpable. **Personification** is subtly present as Moab is depicted as an entity that "turned the back with shame," giving the nation human-like actions of retreat and humiliation. The phrase "turned the back with shame" is also a potent **Idiom**, vividly illustrating ignominious defeat and public disgrace. The verse utilizes **Parallelism** with the repeated "how" clauses, emphasizing the profound sense of loss and the extent of the catastrophe. Finally, the concluding declaration that Moab will be "a derision and a dismaying" for its neighbors serves as a form of **Prophetic Judgment**, delivering a definitive verdict on its fate and highlighting the public, humiliating nature of its downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:39 powerfully articulates the theological principle that divine judgment inevitably follows national pride, idolatry, and defiance of God. Moab's fall serves as a stark reminder that no nation, however strong or self-assured, is beyond the reach of God's sovereign justice. The shame and derision experienced by Moab underscore the transient nature of worldly power and the ultimate futility of trusting in anything other than the true God. This judgment is not merely punitive but also revelatory, demonstrating God's holiness and His commitment to upholding righteousness among the nations. It calls all peoples to humility and a recognition of God's supreme authority, reminding us that true security and honor are found only in submission to Him.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "The Day of the Lord Against the Proud")
* [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalm/37-35 "The End of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:39, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, holds profound contemporary relevance. It serves as a timeless warning against the perils of national and individual pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry. When societies or individuals place their trust in economic prosperity, military might, technological advancement, or any other created thing rather than in the Creator, they set themselves on a path toward potential humiliation and spiritual ruin. The "howling" and "shame" of Moab remind us that defiance of God's moral order ultimately leads to a profound loss of honor and public disgrace, not just in the eyes of others, but in the ultimate judgment of God. This verse calls us to cultivate humility, to repent of any form of idolatry in our lives, and to continually re-evaluate where our true security and confidence lie. It challenges us to align our values and pursuits with God's righteousness, recognizing that true flourishing comes from dependence on Him, not from our own strength or worldly achievements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my society might pride or self-sufficiency be leading to a potential "fall" or "shame"?**
* **What "idols" (whether material possessions, status, or even personal achievements) might I be trusting in more than God?**
* **How does the ultimate "dismaying" of Moab encourage me to seek true and lasting security in God alone?**
* **What does this passage teach me about God's character and His dealings with nations and individuals?**

### FAQ
**What was Moab's primary sin that led to this judgment?**

Answer: Moab's primary sins were its excessive pride, arrogance, and idolatry, particularly the worship of the false god Chemosh. The prophet Jeremiah explicitly states, "We have heard of the pride of Moab (he is exceeding proud); his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart" ([Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Excessive Pride")). They trusted in their wealth and fortifications rather than in God, leading to their downfall.

**How does Moab's fate relate to other nations mentioned in Jeremiah's prophecies?**

Answer: Jeremiah includes prophecies against several foreign nations (chapters 46-51), demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all peoples, not just Israel. Like Moab, other nations such as Egypt ([Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt")), Philistia ([Jeremiah 47](/jeremiah/47 "Jeremiah 47 - Prophecy Against Philistia")), Ammon ([Jeremiah 49:1-6](/jeremiah/49-1 "Jeremiah 49:1-6 - Prophecy Against Ammon")), Edom ([Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7-22 - Prophecy Against Edom")), and Babylon ([Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon")) also faced judgment for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's purposes. Moab's specific judgment highlights a consistent divine principle: sin, especially pride and idolatry, leads to destruction and shame.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:39 vividly portrays the judgment and shame of Moab, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound contrast between the world's inevitable downfall and the eternal security found in Christ. Moab's "howling" and "shame" represent the ultimate consequence of human rebellion and self-reliance, a universal spiritual truth that finds its ultimate expression in the shame of sin and the judgment it incurs. However, in Christ, humanity finds a reversal of this curse. He bore the ultimate "shame" and "derision" on the cross, becoming a spectacle for the world, that we might receive glory and honor ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross for Joy")). The "broken down" state of Moab foreshadows the brokenness of humanity under sin, but Christ, through His own broken body, offers healing and restoration, making us new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Furthermore, while Moab became a "dismaying" to its neighbors, Christ's victory over sin and death offers hope and courage, transforming fear into faith and despair into joy for all who believe ([Romans 5:1-5](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1-5 - Peace and Hope Through Faith")). Thus, the judgment on Moab serves as a stark backdrop against which the glorious and redemptive work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") shines even brighter, offering freedom from shame and an everlasting kingdom that will never be "broken down" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")).

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

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.