Jeremiah 48:4

KJV

Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moab {H4124} is destroyed {H7665}; her little ones {H6810} have caused a cry {H2201} to be heard {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mo'av has been shattered; the cries of her young ones are heard,

Berean Standard Bible

Moab will be shattered; her little ones will cry out.

American Standard Version

Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:4 delivers a stark pronouncement of divine judgment against Moab, declaring its utter destruction. The verse vividly portrays the comprehensive nature of this devastation, emphasizing that even the most vulnerable, the "little ones," will be swept up in the calamity, their cries of anguish echoing throughout the land. It serves as a concise yet powerful summary of the widespread suffering and lamentation that would accompany Moab's downfall, underscoring the severity of God's righteous reckoning against a proud and idolatrous nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a distinct prophetic oracle, one of several "burdens" or pronouncements of judgment against surrounding nations (e.g., Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Elam, Babylon) found in chapters [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against Nations"). This chapter focuses exclusively on Moab, detailing its impending destruction. Verse 4, specifically, follows an opening declaration of Moab's shame and ruin (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:1-3](/jeremiah/48-1 "Jeremiah 48:1-3 - Moab's Shame and Ruin")), setting the tone for the comprehensive nature of the judgment. The immediate verses describe the flight of its inhabitants and the wailing from various Moabite cities, establishing a pervasive atmosphere of lamentation and despair that culminates in the specific imagery of the "little ones" crying out. The entire chapter serves as a testament to Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, bordering Israel. Descended from Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), Moab had a long and often contentious relationship with Israel, marked by periods of conflict and subjugation (e.g., [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Moab"), [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Moab"), [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Moabite Rebellion")). Culturally, Moab was known for its pride, its reliance on its wealth and fortifications, and its devotion to the national god Chemosh, whose worship often involved human sacrifice ([2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Moabite Sacrifice")). Jeremiah's prophecy likely occurred during the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval dominated by the rise of Babylon. The impending destruction was a divine consequence for Moab's arrogance, its idolatry, and its historical opposition to God's people, often gloating over Israel's misfortunes ([Jeremiah 48:27](/jeremiah/48-27 "Jeremiah 48:27 - Moab's Scorn for Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** The judgment against Moab in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - The Burden Against Moab") powerfully articulates several overarching themes. First, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's justice extends beyond Israel to all nations, holding them accountable for their pride, idolatry, and wickedness. Moab's downfall serves as a stark example that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength or wealth, is exempt from God's righteous reckoning. Second, the chapter vividly portrays **Total Desolation and Lamentation**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending ruin. The imagery of cities being laid waste, inhabitants fleeing, and the cries of even the "little ones" highlights the widespread anguish and the complete dismantling of Moabite society. Third, it illustrates the **Consequences of Pride and Idolatry**, showing that Moab's reliance on its own strength, its trust in Chemosh, and its arrogant defiance against Yahweh ultimately lead to its undoing. This serves as a universal warning that true security and prosperity come only from humble submission to the one true God, not from worldly power or false gods.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This word (H7665) is a primitive root meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), crush, destroy, hurt." In this context, it conveys a sense of violent, complete breaking or shattering. It's not merely a decline but a forceful, destructive act that leaves the nation in ruins, emphasizing the thoroughness of the devastation.
* **little ones (Hebrew, _tsâʻîyr'_):** This term (H6810) refers to those who are "little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble." Here, it specifically denotes the young children or the most vulnerable and defenseless members of society. Their inclusion in the prophecy of destruction underscores the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the calamity, indicating that no segment of Moabite society, not even the innocent, would be spared from the impending judgment.
* **cry (Hebrew, _zᵉʻâqâh'_):** This noun (H2201) derives from a root meaning "to shriek or outcry." It signifies a strong, urgent cry of distress, anguish, or alarm. It's the sound of people in deep suffering, lamenting their fate, and expressing profound despair. The fact that "her little ones have caused a cry to be heard" amplifies the tragedy, as the cries of the most helpless are often the most poignant and indicative of utter catastrophe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moab is destroyed":** This opening declaration serves as a direct and unequivocal pronouncement of judgment. It signifies a completed action, a definitive state of ruin that has either begun or is so certain in the prophetic vision that it is spoken of as already accomplished. This phrase immediately establishes the central theme of the verse: the utter devastation awaiting the nation of Moab.
* **"her little ones have caused a cry to be heard":** This second clause provides a vivid and heart-wrenching detail of the destruction. The "little ones" refer to the children, the most vulnerable members of society. Their "cry" (a shriek of distress or anguish) is not merely heard but *caused* by the devastation, implying that they are direct victims of the calamity. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive and tragic nature of Moab's ruin, indicating that the suffering will be so widespread and profound that even the innocent and helpless will be engulfed in the lamentation, making their anguish audible throughout the land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of Moab's impending doom. The phrase "Moab is destroyed" uses **Direct Statement** to deliver an unequivocal pronouncement of judgment, leaving no room for ambiguity about the nation's fate. This is immediately followed by powerful **Imagery** and **Pathos** in "her little ones have caused a cry to be heard." The image of children crying out in distress evokes a deep sense of sorrow and pity, highlighting the tragic and indiscriminate nature of the destruction. This specific detail serves as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the suffering of the most vulnerable (the "little ones") represents the collective anguish of the entire nation, emphasizing the totality of the devastation. The prophetic declaration itself functions as **Foreshadowing**, painting a grim picture of the future that awaits Moab, a future marked by widespread lamentation and ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:4 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and righteous judgment over all nations, not just Israel. It reveals that national pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's purposes inevitably lead to divine reckoning. The devastation of Moab, including the suffering of its "little ones," underscores the comprehensive and often tragic consequences of corporate sin. This prophecy serves as a theological warning that God will not tolerate unrepentant rebellion, demonstrating His justice in bringing down those who exalt themselves against Him. Yet, within the broader prophetic tradition, such judgments also serve to clear the way for God's ultimate redemptive plan, reminding humanity of their need for divine grace and humility.

* [Isaiah 15:1](/isaiah/15-1 "Isaiah 15:1 - Prophecy Against Moab")
* [Amos 2:1-3](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1-3 - Judgment on Moab")
* [Lamentations 2:11-12](/lamentations/2-11 "Lamentations 2:11-12 - Lament for Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:4, while a historical prophecy against an ancient nation, carries timeless lessons for individuals and societies today. It reminds us that God is ultimately sovereign over all earthly powers and that pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry—whether of wealth, power, or false ideologies—are ultimately futile and lead to destruction. The "cry" of the "little ones" serves as a poignant reminder of the innocent suffering that often accompanies societal sin and judgment, urging us to cultivate compassion and to advocate for justice. This verse calls us to examine our own lives and allegiances: Are we placing our trust in perishable things or in the eternal God? Do we lament the suffering in the world, or are we indifferent? It encourages humility, repentance, and a deep reliance on God's grace, recognizing that true security and peace are found not in human strength but in divine faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "pride" or "idolatry" in my own life or society might be inviting God's judgment?**
* **How does the suffering of the "little ones" in this verse challenge my understanding of divine justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways can I respond with compassion and action to the "cries" of the vulnerable in my community or the world today?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Moab's primary sins, as highlighted throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - The Burden Against Moab") and other prophetic books, included excessive pride and arrogance (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride")), idolatry (particularly the worship of Chemosh, as seen in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, God of Moab")), and a history of hostility and gloating over Israel's misfortunes (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:27](/jeremiah/48-27 "Jeremiah 48:27 - Moab's Scorn for Israel")). Their self-reliance and defiance against Yahweh, the true God, ultimately brought about their downfall.

**Does "her little ones have caused a cry to be heard" imply that children were specifically targeted?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly state that children were *targeted* in the sense of being the primary focus of the attack, it emphasizes that the destruction would be so comprehensive and devastating that even the most vulnerable members of society—the children—would be caught in its grip. Their cries signify the widespread anguish and the utter lack of refuge or escape for anyone, highlighting the totality of the national calamity. It is a powerful image of the tragic human cost of war and divine judgment.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: While prophecies of judgment like Jeremiah 48:4 might seem to contradict God's love and mercy, they are, in fact, an expression of His justice and holiness. God's love is not sentimental; it is righteous. His judgment against sin and rebellion is necessary to uphold His moral order and ultimately to clear the way for His redemptive purposes. Even in judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance for other nations, demonstrating that God is just and consistent in His dealings with all humanity. Furthermore, the severity of the judgment underscores the gravity of sin, which ultimately paves the way for understanding the depth of God's mercy offered through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:4, with its stark declaration of Moab's destruction and the cries of its "little ones," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel of judgment, but in the profound theological themes it foreshadows and transcends through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment against Moab underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His righteous wrath against sin, pride, and idolatry. This divine justice is fully revealed and satisfied in Christ, who, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, crying out in agony ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")) so that those who believe might escape eternal condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). While Moab's "little ones" cried out in despair from physical destruction, Christ's suffering offers a path to spiritual life and eternal hope, transforming cries of anguish into songs of salvation ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - New Song of Redemption")). Furthermore, the Old Testament judgments often led to physical ruin; in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, the focus shifts to a spiritual kingdom and a salvation that transcends earthly borders, inviting all nations to find refuge and peace in Him ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30-31 - God Commands Repentance")). Thus, the judgment on Moab, while severe, ultimately points to the greater judgment satisfied by Christ, and the greater mercy and redemption offered to all who turn to Him, the true King over all creation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

Numbers 21:27

Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:

Numbers 21:30

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which [reacheth] unto Medeba.

Psalms 137:9

Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Esther 8:11

Wherein the king granted the Jews which [were] in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, [both] little ones and women, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey,