Jeremiah 48:40

KJV

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, he shall fly {H1675} as an eagle {H5404}, and shall spread {H6566} his wings {H3671} over Moab {H4124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what ADONAI says: "Look! Down he swoops like a vulture, spreading his wings against Mo'av

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread out his wings against Moab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:40 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of the swift and overwhelming judgment awaiting the nation of Moab. Through the vivid imagery of an eagle, the Lord reveals His sovereign intent to bring an unstoppable force against Moab, signifying a complete and inescapable devastation that will cover the entire land, leaving no refuge from divine wrath. This pronouncement underscores God's absolute authority over nations and His unwavering commitment to execute justice against pride and rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed oracle against Moab, spanning the entirety of [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - The Oracle Against Moab"). The chapter meticulously describes the impending destruction of Moabite cities, the lamentation of its people, and the desolation of its land. Beginning with the pronouncement of judgment upon Kiriathaim and Misgab (Jeremiah 48:1), the prophecy systematically dismantles Moab's pride and boasts, particularly its reliance on its god Chemosh (Jeremiah 48:7, 13). The preceding verses detail the shame and ruin that will befall Moab, emphasizing that its strength and trust in its own works will prove futile. Verse 40 acts as a climactic depiction of the instrument of this judgment, portraying the invader with a powerful and terrifying metaphor, reinforcing the inevitability and totality of the destruction previously described in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, a long-standing neighbor and often adversary of Israel. Their origins, as described in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - The Birth of Moab"), stemmed from an incestuous relationship between Lot and his elder daughter. Throughout Old Testament history, Moab often displayed hostility towards Israel, notably by hiring Balaam to curse them (Numbers 22-24) and oppressing them during the period of the Judges (Judges 3). Culturally, Moab was known for its pride, its wealth derived from agricultural prosperity, and its fervent worship of the idol Chemosh, to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered. The judgment prophesied by Jeremiah is widely understood to have been executed by the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar, who served as God's instrument of wrath against nations that defied Him and boasted in their own strength, as seen in other oracles against foreign nations in Jeremiah.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:40 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting that the Lord is the ultimate orchestrator of historical events, bringing nations to account for their sins. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" underscores this divine authority. The imagery of the eagle conveys the theme of **Swift and Overwhelming Conquest**, indicating that the impending destruction will be rapid, powerful, and inescapable. This metaphor is often employed in scripture to describe formidable invaders, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:49](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49 - A Nation Like an Eagle") and [Habakkuk 1:8](/habakkuk/1-8 "Habakkuk 1:8 - Babylon's Swiftness"). Furthermore, the broader context of Jeremiah 48 emphasizes the **Consequences of Pride and Idolatry**, as Moab's downfall is directly linked to its arrogance and reliance on false gods, a theme explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride"). The verse also implicitly reinforces the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating that God's spoken word will inevitably come to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Its inclusion here, "For thus saith the LORD," emphasizes that this prophecy is not merely human speculation but a direct, authoritative declaration from the self-existent, eternal God who is sovereign over all nations and history. It underscores the divine origin and certainty of the impending judgment.
* **fly (Hebrew, _dâʼâh'_):** From H1675, a primitive root meaning "to dart, i.e. fly rapidly." This word vividly portrays the speed and suddenness with which the invading force will descend upon Moab. It suggests an unexpected and overwhelming assault, akin to a bird of prey swooping down on its unsuspecting quarry, leaving no time for escape or preparation.
* **eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_):** From H5404, referring to the eagle or other large bird of prey. The _nesher_ is renowned in the ancient Near East for its power, keen eyesight, and predatory nature. As a symbol, it represents a formidable, swift, and destructive force. In this context, it personifies the Babylonian army, depicting them as an unstoppable, high-flying predator that will descend with devastating efficiency upon Moab, leaving no part of the land untouched.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase is a classic prophetic formula, known as a "messenger formula." It immediately establishes the divine authority and origin of the message. It signifies that the subsequent declaration is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or a human forecast, but an direct, undeniable word from God Himself, underscoring the certainty and gravity of the prophecy.
* **"Behold, he shall fly as an eagle,":** The interjection "Behold" (often "Hinnēh" in Hebrew) draws immediate attention to the impending event. The "he" refers to the unspecified but understood instrument of God's judgment, most likely Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. The simile "as an eagle" powerfully conveys the characteristics of this invading force: its speed, its predatory nature, its high vantage point, and its overwhelming power. Like an eagle descending from the sky, the enemy will strike swiftly and decisively.
* **"and shall spread his wings over Moab.":** This clause extends the eagle imagery, depicting the comprehensive nature of the conquest. The act of "spreading wings" suggests an all-encompassing movement, like a bird of prey covering its target completely or extending its shadow over a vast territory. This signifies that the judgment will not be localized but will envelop the entirety of Moab, leaving no city, no region, and no inhabitant untouched by the impending devastation. It speaks to the totality and inescapability of the divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:40 is rich in powerful **Imagery** that vividly portrays the impending judgment. The central literary device employed is a **Simile**, comparing the invading force to an "eagle." This comparison effectively communicates the speed, predatory nature, and overwhelming power of the approaching enemy. The eagle, a creature known for its swift descent and dominant presence, serves as a potent **Metaphor** for the Babylonian army, transforming them from a mere human force into an almost primal, unstoppable agent of divine wrath. The phrase "he shall spread his wings over Moab" further enhances this imagery, creating a sense of total envelopment and inescapable doom, akin to a vast shadow falling over the land. This also incorporates a degree of **Personification**, as the abstract concept of the invading force is given the active, predatory attributes of a living creature. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the audience the terrifying certainty and comprehensive nature of God's decreed judgment against Moab.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The imagery of the eagle, a symbol of swift and overwhelming power, is not merely a descriptive flourish but a theological statement about the irresistible nature of God's judgment when it is unleashed. Moab's downfall, like that of other proud nations, serves as a testament to the truth that no human power, no matter how self-assured or militarily strong, can ultimately withstand the divine decree. God raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His righteous will, demonstrating that He is the true ruler of history, and all earthly powers are but instruments in His hand. This particular judgment on Moab, rooted in their persistent pride and idolatry, highlights the biblical principle that while God is merciful, He is also just, and sin, particularly defiant rebellion against Him, will ultimately incur its deserved consequence.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49 - A Nation Like an Eagle")
* [Habakkuk 1:8](/habakkuk/1-8 "Habakkuk 1:8 - The Swiftness of the Chaldeans")
* [Isaiah 46:11](/isaiah/46-11 "Isaiah 46:11 - God Calls a Bird of Prey from the East")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:40 serves as a profound reminder of the enduring truth of God's justice and sovereignty. In a world where nations and individuals often boast in their own strength, wealth, or ideologies, this prophecy stands as a stark warning against pride and self-sufficiency apart from God. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in fleeting human achievements or in the eternal, unchanging character of the Lord. For believers, it reinforces the reliability of God's Word – if His judgments against rebellious nations were so precisely fulfilled, how much more certain are His promises of salvation and restoration for those who trust in Him? This verse calls us to humility, to acknowledge God's supreme authority over all of life, and to live in reverent submission to His will, knowing that He sees all and will ultimately bring every deed to account. It encourages us to find our security not in worldly power or possessions, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "eagle" challenge our perceptions of security and power in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, exhibit the kind of pride and self-sufficiency that led to Moab's downfall?**
* **What comfort or conviction do you draw from knowing that God is sovereign over all nations and history?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" that shall fly as an eagle over Moab?**

Answer: The "he" in Jeremiah 48:40 refers to the instrument of God's judgment against Moab. While not explicitly named in this specific verse, the broader historical context and other prophecies in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")) strongly indicate that this refers to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, and his formidable army. God used the Babylonian Empire as His chosen instrument to execute judgment upon various nations, including Moab, for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His will. The imagery of the eagle emphasizes the swiftness, power, and comprehensive nature of their conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:40 speaks directly of God's judgment on Moab through an earthly power, it points to a deeper, ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the eagle's swift and comprehensive descent brought inescapable judgment upon Moab, so too does Christ represent the ultimate and inevitable divine judgment against all sin and rebellion. He is the one through whom all things were created, and by whom all things will be judged ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). The "wings" of the eagle spreading over Moab foreshadow the comprehensive reach of Christ's authority, not just in judgment but also in salvation. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering an escape from the judgment that Moab faced. Ultimately, the judgment prophesied here finds its spiritual parallel in Christ's victory over the powers of darkness and sin, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")). For those who are "in Christ," the terrifying judgment symbolized by the eagle's descent has been absorbed by His sacrifice on the cross, offering refuge and redemption under the protective "wings" of His grace ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Gathers His Children Under His Wings")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Ezekiel 17:3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Habakkuk 1:8

Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.

Daniel 7:4

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.