Jeremiah 48:42

And Moab shall be destroyed from [being] a people, because he hath magnified [himself] against the LORD.

And Moab {H4124} shall be destroyed {H8045} from being a people {H5971}, because he hath magnified {H1431} himself against the LORD {H3068}.

Mo'av will be destroyed as a people, because he boasted against ADONAI.

Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted himself against the LORD.

And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against Jehovah.

Commentary

Jeremiah 48:42 pronounces a severe judgment against Moab, declaring their complete destruction as a people because of their profound arrogance and rebellion against the Lord. This verse encapsulates the climax of a lengthy prophecy detailing Moab's downfall.

Context

Chapter 48 of the book of Jeremiah is entirely dedicated to a prophetic oracle against Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The prophet Jeremiah details their impending devastation, highlighting the destruction of their cities, the wailing of their people, and the loss of their national identity. Moab was known for its deep-seated pride and its idolatrous worship of the god Chemosh, factors that contributed to their spiritual rebellion against the one true God. This prophecy serves as a powerful testament to God's judgment on nations that oppose His will and exalt themselves.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment for Pride: The central reason for Moab's destruction is explicitly stated: they "magnified himself against the LORD." This highlights the destructive nature of pride and self-exaltation in the eyes of God. Throughout Scripture, pride is consistently identified as a precursor to downfall. Moab's arrogance was not merely human failing but a direct affront to divine authority.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This verse, like many other prophecies against foreign nations in Jeremiah and other prophetic books, underscores God's ultimate control and authority over all earthly kingdoms. Even powerful nations like Moab are subject to His divine justice and His plans.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The consequence of Moab's rebellion is severe: "destroyed from being a people." This signifies a loss of national identity, sovereignty, and existence, serving as a stark warning about the long-term repercussions of defying the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "magnified himself against the LORD" translates the Hebrew verb gadal (Χ’ΦΈΦΌΧ“Φ·Χœ), which means to be or become great, to make great, or to be arrogant. In this context, it speaks to Moab's self-exaltation, boastfulness, and defiant opposition to God. Their pride was not just an internal attitude but manifested in actions and attitudes that challenged God's supreme position. The phrase "destroyed from being a people" emphasizes the complete national obliteration, signifying that Moab would cease to exist as a distinct entity, losing its name and heritage.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:42 offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. When we "magnify ourselves" against God, we place ourselves in opposition to the very source of life and truth. This verse encourages:

  • Humility Before God: Recognizing God's supreme authority and our dependence on Him is crucial for spiritual health. True strength comes not from self-exaltation but from humble submission to God's will.
  • Avoiding Spiritual Arrogance: Whether in personal life, community, or even within religious contexts, spiritual pride can be a subtle yet destructive force. This verse warns against any attitude that elevates human achievement or wisdom above divine revelation.
  • Trusting God's Justice: Understanding that God is just and sovereign, even when evil seems to prevail, can bring comfort. He will ultimately deal with all forms of rebellion and pride, ensuring that His righteousness prevails.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 48:2

    [There shall be] no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from [being] a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.

  • Isaiah 7:8

    For the head of Syria [is] Damascus, and the head of Damascus [is] Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

  • Isaiah 37:23

    Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Proverbs 16:18

    ΒΆ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

  • Daniel 11:36

    And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

  • Jeremiah 30:11

    For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4

    Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
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