Jeremiah 48:42

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:42 delivers a definitive divine pronouncement against Moab, declaring its complete national annihilation. This severe and irreversible judgment is explicitly attributed to Moab's profound arrogance and self-exaltation, which manifested as a direct and defiant opposition to the sovereign LORD. The verse encapsulates the climactic summation of a lengthy prophetic oracle, underscoring God's unwavering justice against nations that dare to magnify themselves above His supreme authority and eternal glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48:42 serves as the climactic and concluding statement of a detailed prophetic oracle against Moab, which encompasses the entirety of [Jeremiah chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). This chapter is strategically placed within a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in Jeremiah (chapters 46-51). The preceding verses in chapter 48 vividly describe the widespread devastation of Moab's cities and lands, the shame of its idolaters who trusted in false gods like Chemosh (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:13](/jeremiah/48-13 "Jeremiah 48:13 - Moab Ashamed of Chemosh")), and the profound lamentation of its people as their national identity crumbles. Verse 42 functions as the ultimate theological rationale for the comprehensive judgment detailed throughout the chapter, moving beyond the *how* of destruction to articulate the fundamental *why*, emphasizing the moral and spiritual root of Moab's catastrophic downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation situated east of the Dead Sea, characterized by a complex and often antagonistic relationship with Israel, stemming from their shared ancestry through Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Moab's Origin")). Historically, Moab was notorious for its deep-seated pride and arrogance, a trait frequently highlighted in other prophetic condemnations (e.g., [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")). Their national deity was Chemosh ([Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, the God of Moab")), to whom human sacrifices were sometimes offered. Moab's strategic geographical location positioned it as a significant player in regional politics, often caught between the rising powers of Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt. Their prosperity, derived from fertile agricultural lands and control over vital trade routes, frequently fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and defiance toward the God of Israel. The prophecy in Jeremiah reflects the geopolitical realities of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period when the burgeoning Babylonian Empire served as God's instrument of judgment against nations that defied His sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment for Pride**, explicitly stating that Moab's destruction is a direct and inevitable consequence of its self-exaltation against the LORD. This perfectly aligns with the pervasive biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, as articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Secondly, the passage highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating unequivocally that even seemingly powerful and prosperous nations like Moab are entirely subject to His divine will and ultimate justice. This reinforces the profound theological truth that no earthly kingdom or human endeavor can successfully defy the Almighty with impunity. Finally, the pronouncement of Moab being "destroyed from being a people" emphasizes the severe **Consequences of Rebellion**, illustrating that persistent and unrepentant defiance against God leads to a catastrophic loss of identity, sovereignty, and even national existence, serving as a stark and enduring warning about the ultimate repercussions of spiritual rebellion and idolatry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moab (Hebrew, _Môwʼâb'_):** From a prolonged form of the prepositional prefix m-and אָב; from (her (the mother's)) father; Moab, an incestuous son of Lot; also his territory and descendants; Moab. This word precisely identifies the specific target of God's judgment: a nation with a distinct historical and spiritual identity, known for its consistent antagonism toward Israel and its deep-seated idolatry. The etymological note about its origin from Lot's incestuous relationship subtly hints at a foundational moral corruption.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâmad'_):** A primitive root; to desolate; destroy(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, [idiom] utterly. This term signifies a complete and utter annihilation, far beyond mere defeat or subjugation. It implies the cessation of Moab's national identity and existence as a distinct people group, emphasizing the totality and irreversible nature of God's judgment, leading to its desolation and being brought to nought.
* **magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** A primitive root; properly, to twist; i.e.; to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride); advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. In this context, "magnified himself" carries the strong connotation of self-exaltation, arrogance, and boastful defiance. It describes an attitude of inflated self-importance and a presumptuous claim to greatness that directly challenged the supremacy and unique majesty of the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moab shall be destroyed from [being] a people":** This initial clause declares the ultimate and devastating consequence of God's judgment upon Moab. The phrase "destroyed from being a people" signifies a profound national dissolution, indicating that Moab would cease to exist as a distinct, sovereign entity with its own unique identity, territory, and heritage. It implies a loss of national name, memory, and corporate existence, representing a complete and irreversible obliteration of their standing among nations.
* **"because he hath magnified [himself] against the LORD.":** This second clause provides the explicit and singular reason for Moab's catastrophic downfall. The core offense is Moab's "magnifying himself," which refers to their profound pride, arrogance, and self-exaltation. This pride was not merely an internal attitude but manifested as an active, defiant opposition and challenge to the supreme authority, holiness, and exclusive sovereignty of the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. Their self-aggrandizement was a direct affront to divine majesty, setting themselves up as rivals to the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:42 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, where the LORD's authoritative decree is pronounced, showcasing His ultimate control over the destinies of nations. This is intrinsically linked to a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, as Moab's destruction is presented as the direct, inevitable consequence of its pride and rebellion against the LORD. The phrase "destroyed from [being] a people" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and irreversible nature of the judgment, signifying not merely military defeat but the complete obliteration of national identity. Furthermore, the description of Moab as "he" who "magnified himself" utilizes **Personification**, treating the nation as a singular, willful entity capable of moral agency and defiance, thereby attributing collective guilt and responsibility. Finally, the stark contrast between Moab's self-magnification and the true, incomparable greatness of the LORD creates a powerful **Irony**, as Moab's attempt to elevate itself ultimately leads to its utter abasement and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:42 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the inherent perils of human pride. It starkly reveals God's absolute intolerance for arrogance, particularly when it manifests as a direct challenge to His sovereignty and unique glory. Moab's self-exaltation, deeply rooted in its idolatry and misplaced worldly confidence, positioned it in direct opposition to the LORD, the one true God who alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and worship. This verse powerfully underscores that God is not indifferent to the moral and spiritual state of nations; rather, He holds all peoples accountable for their actions, especially their spiritual rebellion and defiance. The judgment pronounced upon Moab stands as a timeless testament to God's unwavering righteousness and His steadfast commitment to upholding His own name against any who dare to defy Him.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "Daniel 4:37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humility and God's Sovereignty")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:42 offers a timeless and profoundly sobering lesson for individuals and communities in every era. The complete destruction of Moab, stemming directly from its self-magnification against the LORD, serves as a powerful and enduring warning against the insidious nature of pride. In a contemporary world that often celebrates self-reliance, personal achievement, and individual autonomy, this verse issues a radical call to profound humility. True strength, lasting security, and genuine flourishing are found not in exalting ourselves, our accomplishments, our intellect, or our material resources, but in humbly acknowledging God's supreme authority and submitting wholeheartedly to His divine will. When we "magnify ourselves," whether subtly or overtly, we inadvertently set ourselves up as rivals to God, inevitably inviting His opposition and judgment. This passage profoundly encourages us to cultivate a spirit of radical dependence on God, recognizing that all we have and all we are originates from Him. It challenges us to diligently examine our hearts for any subtle or overt forms of arrogance—be they spiritual, intellectual, material, or relational—and to repent of them, choosing instead to walk in deep humility, reverence, and awe before the One who truly is great and alone worthy of all glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "magnifying myself" against the LORD, perhaps subtly or unconsciously, rather than giving Him the glory?**
* **How does cultivating a spirit of humility, as opposed to pride, fundamentally transform my perspective on success, failure, and my intimate relationship with God?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I take this week to actively cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God and a more profound appreciation for His absolute sovereignty in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Moab "magnified himself against the LORD"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that Moab, as a nation, exhibited profound arrogance, self-exaltation, and boastfulness, positioning itself in defiant opposition to the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. It implies that Moab's pride was not merely an internal attitude but manifested in its national policies, its trust in false gods like Chemosh, its perceived military strength, or a general posture that directly challenged God's supreme authority and holiness. Instead of acknowledging God's sovereignty and giving Him due reverence, Moab elevated its own strength, its idols, or its perceived greatness, thereby directly affronting the one true God. This mirrors the pattern of pride seen in other nations and individuals throughout scripture, which consistently leads to downfall, as powerfully illustrated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

**Why was Moab's destruction so complete ("destroyed from being a people")?**

Answer: The complete destruction of Moab, to the point of ceasing to be a distinct people, signifies the extreme severity and comprehensive nature of God's judgment against their persistent and profound pride and rebellion. It indicates that their national identity, sovereignty, and very existence were to be obliterated as a direct consequence of their defiance. This level of judgment underscores that God's justice is absolute and that consistent, unrepentant defiance against His ultimate authority carries the gravest consequences. It also serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His own glory and His intolerance for those who consistently oppose Him, as seen in other prophecies against nations like Edom, which faced similar desolation for its pride and actions against Israel, as described in [Obadiah 1:10](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10 - Edom's Shame for Violence Against Jacob").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:42 pronounces a severe judgment on Moab for its pride, it ultimately points with profound clarity to the divine humility embodied by Christ and the nature of God's everlasting kingdom. Moab's self-magnification stands in stark, illuminating contrast to the unparalleled humility of Jesus. Rather than magnifying Himself or clinging to His divine prerogatives, Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Moab's destruction highlights the catastrophic consequence of rejecting God's authority, whereas Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection provide the only path to reconciliation and eternal life for all who humble themselves and believe. In the New Covenant, the true "people" of God are no longer defined by national or ethnic boundaries, but by faith in Christ, as beautifully prophesied in [Hosea 1:10](/hosea/1-10 "Hosea 1:10 - You Are My People") and powerfully fulfilled in [Romans 9:25-26](/romans/9-25-26 "Romans 9:25-26 - Gentiles Called God's People"). The ultimate "destruction" of the proud is found not in national obliteration, but in eternal separation from God, while those who humble themselves and believe in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") are granted eternal life and become part of God's everlasting kingdom, a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). Thus, Moab's judgment serves as a prophetic shadow, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of Christ over all pride and rebellion, establishing a kingdom founded on profound humility, divine grace, and eternal righteousness.

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

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

¶ 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.