Jeremiah 48:44

KJV

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that fleeth {H5127}{H5211} from {H6440} the fear {H6343} shall fall {H5307} into the pit {H6354}; and he that getteth up {H5927} out of the pit {H6354} shall be taken {H3920} in the snare {H6341}: for I will bring {H935} upon it, even upon Moab {H4124}, the year {H8141} of their visitation {H6486}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Whoever flees from the terror will fall into the pit; and he who climbs up out of the pit will be caught in the trap. For I will bring on her, on Mo'av, the year for her punishment," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“Whoever flees the panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For I will bring upon Moab the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon him, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:44 delivers a stark and unyielding prophecy concerning Moab, depicting an inescapable sequence of divine judgment. The verse employs vivid, escalating imagery: those attempting to flee from impending terror will inevitably fall into a pit, and even those who manage to escape the pit will find themselves caught in a snare. This relentless progression culminates in the Lord's authoritative declaration that He Himself will bring upon Moab "the year of their visitation," signifying a divinely appointed and unavoidable time of comprehensive reckoning and punishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48:44 is centrally positioned within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Moab, which encompasses the entirety of [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). This chapter is part of a broader collection of prophecies against foreign nations found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46-51 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"), serving to underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. The preceding verses in chapter 48 meticulously detail the impending devastation of Moab, lamenting the destruction of its cities (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:1-6](/jeremiah/48-1-6 "Jeremiah 48:1-6 - Destruction of Moabite Cities")), the suffering of its inhabitants, and the humiliation of its false god, Chemosh. The narrative progressively intensifies, moving from initial widespread destruction to the complete shattering of Moab's national pride and military strength (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:29-30](/jeremiah/48-29-30 "Jeremiah 48:29-30 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance")). Therefore, verse 44 functions as a climactic and definitive statement, emphasizing the utter futility of any attempt to resist or escape the divinely ordained judgment that has been so thoroughly described throughout the chapter, highlighting its comprehensive and inescapable nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, with a historical connection to Israel through Lot, as recorded in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab"). Despite this familial tie, Moab frequently acted as an adversary to Israel, often characterized in biblical texts by its profound pride, material wealth, and reliance on its formidable fortified cities. Culturally, Moab's religious life was deeply rooted in the worship of its national deity, Chemosh, to whom, on occasion, child sacrifices were offered, as tragically illustrated in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Moabite King Sacrifices Son"). The phrase "the year of their visitation" in this prophecy most likely refers to the Babylonian invasion under Nebuchadnezzar, which occurred in the early 6th century BCE. God consistently utilized powerful empires, such as Babylon, as instruments of His judgment against various nations, including His own covenant people, Israel, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). This historical backdrop vividly illustrates how divine prophecies were often fulfilled through significant geopolitical events, thereby demonstrating God's absolute sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:44 powerfully articulates several core themes that are pervasive throughout prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **Inescapable Nature of Divine Judgment**. The vivid imagery of desperate flight leading to a pit, and subsequent escape from the pit leading only to a snare, dramatically illustrates the absolute futility of any human attempt to evade God's determined judgment. This theme is consistently echoed in other prophetic warnings, such as the pronouncements in [Amos 9:1-4](/amos/9-1-4 "Amos 9:1-4 - No Escape from God's Judgment"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Justice**. The definitive declaration, "for I will bring upon it... saith the LORD," unequivocally emphasizes that Moab's impending fate is not a random misfortune but a deliberate, divinely orchestrated act of justice. God, as the supreme ruler of all nations, holds them accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His divine purposes, as extensively detailed throughout the broader context of [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). Finally, the verse implicitly points to the **Consequences of Pride and Idolatry**. While not explicitly detailed within this single verse, the overarching message of the prophecy against Moab is that their catastrophic downfall is a direct consequence of their arrogance and their misplaced trust in false gods and their own inherent strength, rather than in the one true God—a common prophetic indictment found in passages like [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12-17 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the Lord Against Pride").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fleeth (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** From H5127, this verb signifies "to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver); [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard." In this context, it powerfully conveys the desperate, rapid, and often chaotic movement of one attempting to escape an immediate and overwhelming peril. It underscores the urgency and ultimate futility of Moab's efforts to evade the divinely ordained judgment, highlighting a frantic but doomed attempt at self-preservation.
* **taken (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** Derived from H3920, this word means "to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere; [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take." This term vividly describes the inevitable and complete capture, signifying that despite any temporary reprieve or successful evasion of an initial threat, the ultimate outcome for Moab is unavoidable entrapment, defeat, and subjugation. It emphasizes the finality and comprehensiveness of the judgment.
* **visitation (Hebrew, _pᵉquddâh'_):** From H6486, this feminine passive participle means "visitation (in many senses, chiefly official); account, (that have the) charge, custody, that which...laid up, numbers, office(-r), ordering, oversight, [phrase] prison, reckoning, visitation." In a prophetic context like Jeremiah 48:44, "visitation" carries a profound connotation of divine inspection, accountability, and reckoning. It signifies a specific, appointed time when God "settles accounts" with a nation, bringing judgment and punishment for its accumulated sins, rather than a benevolent or casual visit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit;":** This opening clause vividly portrays a scene of desperate flight in the face of overwhelming terror or impending doom. The "fear" represents the immediate and palpable threat of divine judgment or the invading forces acting as its instrument. The act of fleeing, undertaken with the intention of securing safety and escape, paradoxically leads the one fleeing directly into another, equally perilous situation—"the pit." This "pit" symbolizes a hidden, unexpected, and inescapable trap or downfall, illustrating the utter futility of human efforts to circumvent or outmaneuver God's sovereign will.
* **"and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare:":** This second clause intensifies the imagery of inescapable doom, demonstrating the relentless nature of the judgment. Even if an individual or nation manages to overcome the initial peril represented by "the pit," a more subtle, yet equally deadly, danger awaits—"the snare." This progression highlights the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment; there is no ultimate refuge or successful evasion. Any temporary reprieve or perceived escape only leads to a more certain and definitive capture, sealing their fate.
* **"for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.":** This concluding declaration provides the divine rationale and ultimate authority behind the preceding vivid imagery. The conjunction "for" indicates that the inescapable and successive perils faced by Moab are not accidental misfortunes but are the direct and inevitable consequences of God's sovereign decree. The phrase "the year of their visitation" signifies a divinely appointed and specific period of reckoning and punishment, a time when God's justice will be fully and decisively executed upon Moab. The emphatic concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," underscores the absolute certainty, divine origin, and unalterable nature of this prophecy, leaving no doubt that this judgment originates from Yahweh Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:44 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message of inescapable judgment. The most prominent is **Climactic Parallelism** or **Gradation**, where the sequence of events intensifies with each clause: fleeing from fear leads to falling into a pit, and escaping the pit leads to being taken in a snare. This creates a compelling sense of escalating doom and futility, emphasizing that there is no ultimate escape from the divine decree. This progression also functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the comprehensive and relentless nature of divine judgment. The "fear," "pit," and "snare" are not merely literal obstacles but symbolic representations of the various forms of peril, entrapment, and inescapable consequences that will befall Moab. Furthermore, the phrase "the year of their visitation" carries a profound **Irony** or **Euphemism**. While "visitation" can, in other contexts, imply a benevolent inspection or blessing, here it is ironically used to denote a time of severe reckoning and punishment, highlighting the stark and devastating contrast between any false hope and the harsh reality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:44 profoundly illustrates the foundational biblical truth of divine sovereignty over all nations and the absolute certainty of God's justice. It teaches that no human effort, no matter how desperate, cunning, or resourceful, can ultimately thwart the appointed will of the Almighty. This concept of an inescapable "visitation" underscores God's active and decisive involvement in human history, holding all peoples accountable for their moral and spiritual rebellion. It stands as a testament to His unyielding righteousness, which demands a reckoning for pride, idolatry, and injustice. While God is merciful and patient, there comes an appointed time when His patience gives way to the execution of His just decrees, ensuring that all nations, like Moab, must ultimately face the consequences of their actions and the judgment they have incurred.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is known by the judgment he executes")
* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - The Day of the Lord is at hand")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's righteous judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:44 stands as a solemn and profound reminder that attempts to escape the inevitable consequences of sin or to avoid divine accountability are ultimately futile. For individuals, this means recognizing that self-reliance, denial, or superficial efforts to change cannot circumvent the spiritual reality of God's moral order. True peace, security, and lasting freedom are found not in desperately fleeing from God's judgment, but rather in humbly embracing His grace and aligning one's life wholeheartedly with His revealed will. This verse challenges us to critically examine any areas where we might be trusting in our own cunning, resources, or fleeting escapes rather than in God's unfailing provision and sovereign guidance. It encourages a healthy and reverent fear of the Lord, fostering an understanding that while His mercy is boundless and His patience long-suffering, His justice is also absolutely certain and will be executed in His perfect timing. For those who are in Christ, this verse offers profound comfort and assurance, as the "visitation" of judgment has been fully borne by Him on the cross, thereby making a way of true and eternal escape from condemnation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be trying to "flee from the fear" or escape accountability rather than humbly facing truth and seeking God's grace?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of the "pit" and "snare" challenge my sense of self-sufficiency or any false sense of security I might hold apart from God?**
* **What does "the year of their visitation" teach me about God's perfect timing and the unwavering certainty of His justice, both in biblical history and in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What does "the year of their visitation" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 48:44, "the year of their visitation" refers to a divinely appointed and specific time of reckoning and punishment for Moab. While the Hebrew word for "visitation" (_p'quddah_) can indeed sometimes denote a benevolent visit (e.g., God visiting His people with blessings, as in [Ruth 1:6](/ruth/1-6 "Ruth 1:6 - The Lord had visited His people")), in prophetic contexts concerning judgment, it consistently signifies a time of divine inspection, accounting, and the execution of God's righteous justice. For Moab, this "year" was the precise period when God's long-standing patience would reach its end, and the accumulated consequences of their pride, idolatry, and historical opposition to His people would be fully brought to bear, most likely through the invading Babylonian armies serving as instruments of His wrath. It profoundly underscores that God's judgments are not random or arbitrary but are integral parts of His sovereign plan and perfect timing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:44, with its vivid portrayal of inescapable judgment and the utter futility of human attempts to escape divine wrath, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, much like ancient Moab, is inherently ensnared by sin and stands under the righteous judgment of a holy God, possessing no inherent ability to "flee from the fear" of divine wrath or to "get up out of the pit" of spiritual death on its own. Every human effort to escape the pervasive consequences of sin leads only to deeper entanglement, much like the progression from falling into the pit to being caught in the snare. However, Jesus Christ is the divine "escape" and the ultimate "deliverance" from this desperate predicament. He did not flee from the "fear" of God's wrath but willingly and obediently faced it, becoming sin for us on the cross (as profoundly declared in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). He descended into the "pit" of death and the grave, only to rise victoriously on the third day, thereby definitively breaking the "snare" of sin, death, and the power of the grave (as foreshadowed in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon my soul to Sheol") and triumphantly fulfilled in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God raised Jesus from the dead")). His first coming was indeed a "visitation" of unparalleled grace and salvation (as celebrated in [Luke 1:68](/luke/1-68 "Luke 1:68 - God has visited and redeemed His people")), offering a true and lasting way out of the inescapable judgment described in Jeremiah. For all who place their trust in Him, the "year of their visitation" is not one of condemnation, but rather one of redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life (as promised in [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - He who hears My word has everlasting life")), precisely because Christ bore the full weight of the judgment for us.

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 11:23

And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, [even] the year of their visitation.

1 Kings 19:17

And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Amos 5:19

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.

Amos 2:14

Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

Amos 2:15

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

Jeremiah 16:16

Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.