Jeremiah 48:47

KJV

Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet will I bring again {H7725} the captivity {H7622} of Moab {H4124} in the latter {H319} days {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}. Thus far {H2008} is the judgment {H4941} of Moab {H4124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet I will end Mo'av's exile in the acharit-hayamim," says ADONAI. This is the judgment on Mo'av.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet in the latter days I will restore Moab from captivity,” declares the LORD. Here ends the judgment on Moab.

American Standard Version

Yet will I bring back the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith Jehovah. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:47 concludes the extended prophecy of judgment against Moab, a nation historically opposed to Israel, with a surprising and profound promise of future restoration. This divine oracle from the LORD declares that despite the severe and comprehensive judgment detailed throughout the chapter, God's sovereign plan includes a time in the "latter days" when Moab's fortunes will be reversed, signifying a return from desolation and a renewed existence. It stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate mercy and His redemptive purposes that extend beyond immediate punitive actions, hinting at a broader scope of divine grace for all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 presents a sustained and detailed oracle of judgment against Moab, standing as one of the longest and most comprehensive prophecies against a foreign nation within the book of Jeremiah. The preceding verses [Jeremiah 48:1-46](/jeremiah/48-1-46 "Jeremiah 48:1-46 - Judgment Against Moab") meticulously describe the utter devastation, humiliation, and destruction destined to befall Moab, outlining the fall of its cities, the widespread mourning of its people, and the shame of its national idol, Chemosh. This relentless pronouncement of doom makes the concluding verse, Jeremiah 48:47, a striking and unexpected shift in tone. It functions as an epilogue, drawing a definitive close to the specific judgments against Moab ("Thus far is the judgment of Moab") while simultaneously introducing a glimmer of future hope. This pattern—where judgment is often followed by a promise of restoration, even for gentile nations—is a common prophetic device, highlighting the depth of God's sovereignty, which encompasses both severe justice and ultimate mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, tracing its lineage back to Lot, as recorded in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab"). Throughout Israel's history, Moab frequently acted as an adversary, known for its profound pride (as highlighted in [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride")) and its fervent worship of the national god Chemosh, to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered (see [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Moabite King Sacrifices Son")). The Moabites often oppressed Israel, and their territory held significant strategic importance. The prophecy in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Judgment Against Moab") likely reflects the geopolitical turmoil of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the rise and fall of various regional powers, most notably Babylon. The "captivity" mentioned in the verse would have resonated deeply with the common experience of nations being conquered and their populations deported during this era, a fate Israel itself experienced with the Babylonian exile. The promise of restoration for Moab, an enemy nation, is particularly remarkable given this backdrop of historical animosity and divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:47 encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Mercy**, demonstrating that God's dominion extends over all nations, not solely Israel, and that His ultimate purposes include compassion even for those who have been His adversaries. This universal scope of God's authority is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, as seen in passages like [Amos 9:7](/amos/9-7 "Amos 9:7 - God's Sovereignty Over All Nations"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Hope Beyond Judgment**. Despite the severe pronouncements of destruction, God's judgments are not always final; rather, they often serve a redemptive purpose, leading to a future of restoration. This pattern is also evident in God's dealings with Israel, where exile is consistently followed by promises of return (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration for Israel")). Thirdly, the phrase "in the latter days" (Hebrew: _'achărîyth hayyāmîm_) points to a distant, unspecified future, emphasizing God's **Long-Term Redemptive Plan** that transcends immediate historical events and points towards a broader eschatological hope. Finally, the promise to "bring again the captivity" (Hebrew: _shuv shĕbûwth_) highlights God's consistent **Pattern of Restoration**, an idiom frequently used for reversing a nation's fortunes and restoring them from exile or desolation, underscoring the breadth of God's redemptive purposes for all humanity, as also seen in the restoration of other nations like Elam in [Jeremiah 49:39](/jeremiah/49-39 "Jeremiah 49:39 - Restoration of Elam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725. This primitive root signifies "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." When combined with "captivity" (shᵉbûwth), it forms the significant idiomatic phrase, _shuv shᵉbûwth_, which denotes a profound reversal of fortunes, a restoration to a former state of prosperity or well-being, or a return from exile. It implies a direct divine action to undo a state of desolation or ruin.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwth'_):** H7622. This noun refers to "exile," "prisoners," or, figuratively, "a former state of prosperity." In the context of the idiom _shuv shᵉbûwth_, it specifically denotes the state of being exiled or in a desolate condition, from which God promises to bring about restoration. It does not always imply a literal return of captives but rather a general reversal of national misfortune and a return to a more favorable condition.
* **latter (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** H319. Derived from a word meaning "after," this term signifies "the last," "the end," or "the future." When combined with "days" (yôwm), it forms the phrase "latter days," which points to a distant, often unspecified future period. This phrase frequently carries eschatological implications, indicating a time beyond immediate historical events when God's ultimate purposes will unfold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD."**: This clause introduces a radical and unexpected shift from the preceding verses of relentless judgment. The divine speaker, "the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), declares His sovereign intention to reverse Moab's fortunes, employing the idiomatic phrase "bring again the captivity." This signifies a comprehensive restoration from their state of desolation, exile, or national ruin. The timing, "in the latter days," points to a future, perhaps distant, period, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan extends far beyond the immediate historical context of judgment. This is a profound promise of sovereign mercy and renewal, highlighting God's ultimate redemptive character.
* **"Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab."**: This concluding statement serves as a definitive marker, indicating the completion and finality of the specific prophecies of doom and destruction directed against Moab within this chapter. It acts as a summary and a conclusive word on the pronouncements of God's punitive justice for this nation, effectively drawing a line under the immediate prophetic oracle. Its placement immediately after the promise of restoration creates a powerful contrast, emphasizing that even the most severe judgment has a divine boundary and can be followed by an unexpected future.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:47 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, as this verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding 46 verses, which meticulously detail relentless and severe judgment against Moab. This sudden pivot from utter destruction to a promise of future restoration creates a powerful dramatic effect, underscoring the unexpected and sovereign nature of divine mercy. The phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, authenticating the prophecy as a direct, authoritative word from God, thereby emphasizing its certainty and divine origin. Furthermore, the expression "bring again the captivity" (Hebrew: _shuv shĕbûwth_) is a well-known **Idiom** in biblical prophecy. While it literally means to "return the captivity," it is a technical term signifying a profound reversal of fortune, a restoration from desolation or exile, or a return to a former state of prosperity. Its application to Moab, an enemy nation, powerfully underscores the universal and sovereign scope of God's redemptive purposes, extending beyond His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:47 offers a profound theological statement about the character of God and the expansive breadth of His redemptive plan. It reveals a God whose justice, though severe and unwavering against sin and pride, is ultimately tempered by a sovereign capacity for mercy and restoration, even for nations outside of the specific covenant people of Israel. This unexpected promise to Moab demonstrates that God's purposes are not merely punitive but also redemptive, aiming for a future where His glory is revealed through the restoration of all creation. It hints at a universal scope of salvation, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, and underscores the eschatological hope that God's long-term plan extends beyond immediate historical cycles of judgment and blessing, moving towards a grander, all-encompassing redemption.

* [Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23-25 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - Blessing for Egypt and Assyria")
* [Ezekiel 16:53-55](/ezekiel/16-53-55 "Ezekiel 16:53-55 - Restoration of Sodom and Samaria")
* [Zephaniah 3:20](/zephaniah/3-20 "Zephaniah 3:20 - God Gathers His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:47 provides a powerful lens through which to view God's character and His dealings with humanity. For believers, it serves as a profound reminder that even in the midst of severe judgment or personal desolation, God's ultimate plan is often one of restoration and hope. Just as Moab, a long-standing adversary, was promised a future beyond its immediate destruction, so too can individuals and communities find solace in the assurance that God's grace extends to all, offering new beginnings even after periods of profound brokenness or consequence. This verse encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's long-term, redemptive purposes, which are often far more expansive and merciful than we can initially perceive. It challenges us to embrace a hopeful perspective, recognizing that God's judgments are not always final and can serve as a prelude to His restorative work, inviting us to participate in His mission of reconciliation and renewal for all peoples and in all aspects of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of restoration for Moab, an enemy nation, challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust in God's "latter days" restoration, even amidst current judgment or desolation?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, and how might that influence our approach to evangelism or missions?**
* **How does the unexpected hope in this verse encourage you to persevere when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or consequences?**

### FAQ
**Does "bring again the captivity" mean Moab will literally be restored to its former glory?**

Answer: While the phrase "bring again the captivity" (Hebrew: _shuv shᵉbûwth_) often implies a literal return from exile and restoration of national fortunes, its primary meaning in prophetic literature is a reversal of a nation's desolate state and a return to a state of well-being or prosperity. For Moab, it signifies that despite the severe judgment detailed in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Judgment Against Moab"), God's long-term plan includes a future where the nation would not be utterly annihilated but would experience a form of renewal or re-establishment, even if not to its exact historical prominence. This promise is more about God's sovereign mercy and redemptive purpose than a precise geopolitical prediction of Moab's future borders or power.

**When are the "latter days" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "latter days" (Hebrew: _'achărîyth hayyāmîm_) in biblical prophecy refers to a distant, often unspecified future period. While it can sometimes carry eschatological significance, pointing to the end times or the Messianic era (e.g., [Daniel 10:14](/daniel/10-14 "Daniel 10:14 - Latter Days Prophecy")), in contexts like Jeremiah 48:47, it primarily emphasizes a time beyond the immediate historical judgment. It suggests that God's redemptive purposes for Moab would unfold long after the immediate devastation, perhaps in the broader sweep of history leading up to the coming of Christ or even in the ultimate new creation. The exact timing is left open, highlighting the sovereign and long-term nature of God's plan, which transcends immediate historical horizons.

**Why would God promise restoration to Moab, an enemy of Israel?**

Answer: God's promise of restoration to Moab, an historical adversary of Israel, profoundly underscores the universal scope of His sovereignty and grace. It demonstrates that God's redemptive plan is not limited to one nation but extends to all peoples. While God's covenant with Israel is unique, His compassion and ultimate authority encompass all humanity. This promise hints at a broader theological truth: that God's judgments, though severe, are often intended to bring about repentance and ultimately lead to restoration, even for those who have opposed Him. It foreshadows the New Testament inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through Christ, showing that God's mercy is not confined by human divisions or historical animosities, but is expansive and all-encompassing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:47, with its surprising promise of restoration for Moab, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context refers to a historical or future restoration of a physical nation, the theological trajectory points directly to the radical inclusion of all nations into God's redemptive plan through the Gospel. Just as God declared His intention to "bring again the captivity of Moab," so too has Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, broken the spiritual captivity of sin and death for all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or national origin. The "latter days" of Moab's restoration prefigure the "last days" inaugurated by Christ's first coming, where the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile was torn down and peace was proclaimed (as declared in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Through Christ, the "judgment of Moab" and indeed the judgment upon all humanity for sin, was borne on the cross, allowing for a new covenant of grace and a universal invitation to reconciliation with God. The restoration of Moab, a nation characterized by pride and idolatry, becomes a powerful Old Testament echo of the New Testament truth that God's grace extends to the chief of sinners and to every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (as envisioned in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation Worships God")). In Christ, the hope for Moab's renewal expands to encompass the spiritual renewal of all humanity, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where all things are made new (as promised in [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")), and the Lamb of God reigns over a redeemed people from every corner of the earth.

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 49:6

And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:39

But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 46:26

And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 19:18

¶ In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

Isaiah 19:23

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Numbers 24:14

And now, behold, I go unto my people: come [therefore, and] I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.