Jeremiah 48:5

KJV

For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

For in the going up {H4608} of Luhith {H3872} continual {H1065} weeping {H1065} shall go up {H5927}; for in the going down {H4174} of Horonaim {H2773} the enemies {H6862} have heard {H8085} a cry {H6818} of destruction {H7667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as they ascend the slopes of Luchit, weeping bitterly as they climb. On the road down to Horonayim shrieks of destruction ring out."

Berean Standard Bible

For on the ascent to Luhith they weep bitterly as they go, and on the descent to Horonaim cries of distress resound over the destruction:

American Standard Version

For by the ascent of Luhith with continual weeping shall they go up; for at the descent of Horonaim they have heard the distress of the cry of destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:5 powerfully depicts the overwhelming and inescapable lamentation that will engulf Moab as divine judgment descends. The verse paints a grim auditory landscape where the "going up of Luhith" and "going down of Horonaim"—key geographical arteries—become conduits for ceaseless weeping and a "cry of destruction." This imagery underscores the comprehensive nature of the calamity, signaling that Moab's pride and rebellion have led to an utter collapse, with the sounds of its demise reaching the ears of its triumphant enemies, fulfilling God's prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a detailed prophetic oracle specifically directed against Moab, forming part of a larger section within Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing pronouncements against various surrounding nations. This chapter follows the typical prophetic judgment pattern: identifying the nation, detailing its sins (primarily pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry of Chemosh), declaring the instrument of judgment (Babylon), and vividly describing the resulting devastation and lamentation. Verse 5 contributes significantly to this vivid imagery of widespread devastation, emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable sorrow that accompanies Moab's fall, which is introduced in [Jeremiah 48:1](/jeremiah/48-1 "Jeremiah 48:1 - Judgment on Moab"). The progression of judgment is often depicted as a sweeping movement across the land, and this verse highlights the emotional and auditory impact of that movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, frequently in conflict with Israel throughout its history, as recorded in various biblical accounts, such as the Moabite rebellion against Israel in [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Moabite Rebellion"). Their national deity was Chemosh, to whom they offered child sacrifices, a practice vehemently condemned by God (see [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Woe to Moab") and [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon Builds Shrines to Chemosh")). Moab was known for its pride and self-sufficiency, often boasting in its wealth and perceived impregnability, which Jeremiah frequently condemns (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance")). The "going up of Luhith" and "going down of Horonaim" refer to specific, well-known geographical routes or passes within Moabite territory. Luhith is generally identified as an ascent leading to a plateau, while Horonaim is a descent, possibly indicating a valley or lower region. These paths were crucial for travel, trade, and military movements, and their mention underscores that the judgment would not be confined to a single city but would sweep across the entire land, causing widespread flight and distress along its major arteries. The historical fulfillment points to the Babylonian invasion under Nebuchadnezzar, which served as God's instrument of judgment against Moab in the early 6th century BCE.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Inevitable Judgment** of God against nations that persist in pride, idolatry, and rebellion against Him, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all peoples and His unwavering justice. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to deep-seated sin, as seen in the broader context of [Jeremiah's prophecies](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Widespread Lamentation and Devastation**, portraying the profound and collective suffering that accompanies divine wrath. The "continual weeping" and "cry of destruction" are not isolated incidents but a pervasive national experience, illustrating the depth of the calamity that consumes an entire populace. Finally, it reinforces the **Consequences of Sin**, showing that Moab's arrogance, self-reliance, and false worship ultimately lead to its undoing. This serves as a stark warning that rebellion against God's righteous standards inevitably results in sorrow, ruin, and ultimately, a loss of national identity and security, a message consistent with other prophetic judgments against nations throughout the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Going up (Hebrew, _maʻăleh'_):** From H4608, this term denotes an elevation, an acclivity, or a rise. In this context, it refers to an ascent, specifically the upward path of Luhith. Its use here emphasizes the physical act of ascending a difficult route, which becomes a place of sorrow, suggesting that even the pathways of escape or movement will be filled with distress.
* **Weeping (Hebrew, _Bᵉkîy'_):** From H1065, this word signifies intense, often audible sorrow, lamentation, or crying. It denotes profound grief and distress, emphasizing the emotional and audible nature of the suffering. The term "continual weeping" underscores the pervasive and unrelenting nature of this sorrow, implying an unending stream of tears and cries rising from the land.
* **Horonaim (Hebrew, _Chôrônayim'_):** From H2773, meaning "double cave-town," this is a specific place in Moab. Its mention alongside Luhith, a place of ascent, creates a geographical scope that encompasses both high and low regions, signifying that the judgment and accompanying lamentation will be comprehensive, affecting the entire territory of Moab from its heights to its depths.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** From H7667, this word refers to a fracture, ruin, or a breaking. It implies a violent and comprehensive collapse, not merely a setback but an utter desolation. The "cry of destruction" suggests the audible sound of things shattering, structures collapsing, and lives being utterly undone, underscoring the severity and irreversible nature of Moab's fall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up;":** This clause describes the ascent of Luhith, a specific geographical path or region in Moab, becoming a scene of intense and unceasing lamentation. The imagery suggests that as people flee or are driven along this route, their cries of distress are so numerous and persistent that the weeping itself seems to ascend from the land, filling the air with sorrow. "Continual weeping" emphasizes the pervasive and unrelenting nature of the grief, indicating that the sorrow is not fleeting but deeply ingrained in the experience of the fleeing Moabites.
* **"for in the going down of Horonaim":** This clause introduces another specific geographical location, Horonaim, a place of descent. It forms a stark parallel with "the going up of Luhith," indicating that the devastation and sorrow are not confined to one area but will permeate the entire landscape of Moab, affecting both its elevated and lower regions. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of the judgment, showing that no part of the land or its inhabitants will escape the impending doom.
* **"the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.":** This final clause reveals the ultimate consequence of the judgment: the sounds of Moab's ruin are audible to its foes. The "cry of destruction" signifies the audible evidence of breaking, shattering, and utter ruin, implying not just a sound but the breaking apart of a nation. The fact that the enemies hear this cry emphasizes their triumph and the completeness of Moab's defeat, as the very sounds of the nation's demise are broadcast to those who have brought it low, a testament to God's sovereign hand in fulfilling His word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Moab's impending doom and the pervasive nature of its suffering. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid soundscape of pervasive sorrow with "continual weeping" and a "cry of destruction." This auditory imagery makes the suffering palpable and immediate for the listener or reader. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the contrasting yet complementary phrases "going up of Luhith" and "going down of Horonaim." This structural balance emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, indicating that the calamity will affect the entire geographical expanse of Moab, from its heights to its depths. The phrase "weeping shall go up" can be seen as a form of **personification** or **hyperbole**, where the weeping itself is given agency to ascend, suggesting an overwhelming volume of lamentation that rises from the land, almost as if it were a physical entity. This hyperbole underscores the immense scale of the national grief and the inescapable nature of the sorrow. The verse also utilizes **metonymy** by using "weeping" and "cry of destruction" to represent the entire experience of suffering, flight, and national collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:5 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering justice and sovereignty of God over all nations. It illustrates that divine judgment is a certain consequence for persistent pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God's righteous standards. Moab's fall serves as a powerful reminder that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength or self-sufficiency, is exempt from accountability before the Almighty. The comprehensive nature of the "weeping" and "destruction" highlights the devastating impact of sin when left unaddressed, underscoring that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His holy character and His commitment to upholding justice in the world. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate ruler of history, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes and to demonstrate His righteousness.

* [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - Weeping Over Moab")
* [Ezekiel 25:8-11](/ezekiel/25-8-11 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Prophecy Against Moab and Ammon")
* [Amos 2:1-3](/amos/2-1-3 "Amos 2:1-3 - Judgment on Moab for Desecrating Edomite King's Bones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:5, though a prophecy of judgment against an ancient nation, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It serves as a sobering reminder that God is just and that sin, particularly pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry (whether of material wealth, power, or self), inevitably leads to destructive consequences. We are called to humility before God, recognizing His supreme authority and wisdom, and to repent of any areas where we have placed our trust in anything other than Him. The vivid depiction of widespread lamentation should also cultivate empathy within us for those who suffer, even when their suffering is a result of their own choices or societal rebellion. It prompts us to consider the tragic outcomes of rejecting God's ways and to earnestly pray for repentance and revival, both individually and corporately, so that the "cry of destruction" might be replaced by sounds of praise and restoration. This verse reminds us that true security and lasting peace are found not in human strength or material possessions, but in faithful obedience and humble reliance on the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "continual weeping" described in the verse challenge my own tendency towards self-sufficiency or pride in my life?**
* **In what ways might my own life or society be exhibiting "a cry of destruction" due to unaddressed sin or idolatry?**
* **How can understanding God's justice against Moab deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace offered in Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God in my daily life, acknowledging His sovereignty?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Luhith and Horonaim in this verse?**

Answer: Luhith and Horonaim are specific geographical locations within Moabite territory, likely well-known routes or passes. Their mention is significant because it emphasizes the widespread and inescapable nature of the judgment. The "going up of Luhith" and "going down of Horonaim" suggest that the lamentation and destruction will affect the entire land, from its higher elevations to its lower valleys, indicating that no part of Moab will be spared from the impending calamity. It paints a picture of pervasive sorrow along the very pathways people would use for travel or escape, highlighting that the judgment is comprehensive and inescapable across the entire nation, as detailed throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab").

**Why did God judge Moab so harshly?**

Answer: God's judgment on Moab, as detailed throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"), was primarily due to its persistent pride, arrogance, and idolatry, particularly its worship of the god Chemosh. Moab also showed contempt for the Lord and His people (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:26](/jeremiah/48-26 "Jeremiah 48:26 - Moab's Drunkenness and Contempt")). Their long-standing animosity towards Israel and their boastful defiance against God's authority incurred divine wrath. God, as the sovereign ruler of all nations, holds them accountable for their moral and spiritual rebellion. The severity of the judgment underscores the seriousness of their defiance against the one true God and their cruelty towards His covenant people, demonstrating that God's justice extends to all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:5 describes a specific historical judgment on Moab, its themes of pervasive weeping, destruction, and the consequences of sin find their ultimate resolution and transformation in Christ. The "continual weeping" of a nation under judgment foreshadows the profound sorrow that sin brings upon humanity, a sorrow that Jesus himself experienced and bore. He wept over Jerusalem's rejection of God's ways, lamenting its impending destruction (see [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). More profoundly, Christ became the ultimate recipient of the "cry of destruction" on the cross, where he bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin. The curse of the law and the wages of sin, which are death and separation from God, were poured out upon Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His sacrifice, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")), transforming the path of destruction into a way of salvation. Thus, for those in Christ, the future holds not "continual weeping" but the glorious promise that God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Weeping in the New Jerusalem")). He is the one who brings true comfort and eternal peace in place of the world's sorrows.

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

Isaiah 15:5

My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.