Jeremiah 48:7

For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity [with] his priests and his princes together.

For because thou hast trusted {H982} in thy works {H4639} and in thy treasures {H214}, thou shalt also be taken {H3920}: and Chemosh {H3645} shall go forth {H3318} into captivity {H1473} with his priests {H3548} and his princes {H8269} together {H3162}.

Because you trust in your deeds and your wealth, you too will be captured. Together with his priests and princes, K'mosh will go into exile.

Because you trust in your works and treasures, you too will be captured, and Chemosh will go into exile with his priests and officials.

For, because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou also shalt be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, his priests and his princes together.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 48 contains a detailed prophecy concerning the judgment of Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea and a frequent adversary of Israel. This particular verse highlights the core reason for Moab's impending destruction: their misplaced trust. Historically, Moab was known for its pride (Jeremiah 48:29) and their devotion to their national god, Chemosh. The prophecy foretells their capture by the Babylonian forces, serving as God's instrument of judgment against them.

Key Themes

  • Misplaced Trust: The central accusation against Moab is their reliance on "thy works and in thy treasures." This refers to their material wealth, military strength, fortifications, and perhaps even their own efforts and rituals, rather than acknowledging and fearing the true God. This theme powerfully contrasts human self-sufficiency with divine sovereignty.
  • The Futility of Idolatry: The verse explicitly states that "Chemosh shall go forth into captivity [with] his priests and his princes together." Chemosh was the national deity of Moab (Numbers 21:29, 1 Kings 11:7). The humiliation of a nation's god being taken captive signifies the utter powerlessness of false idols against the true God of Israel, demonstrating that they cannot protect their worshippers or even themselves.
  • Divine Judgment: God's righteous judgment is pronounced against Moab for their pride, idolatry, and consistent opposition to His people. This serves as a reminder that God holds nations accountable for their actions and their spiritual allegiances.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trusted" here is batach (Χ‘ΦΈΦΌΧ˜Φ·Χ—), which implies a sense of confidence, security, or reliance. Moab's batach was placed in their material possessions and their false god, Chemosh, rather than in the Lord. The name Chemosh (Χ›Φ°ΦΌΧžΧ•ΦΉΧ©Χ) itself is significant, representing a pagan deity whose worship often involved human sacrifice, further highlighting the depravity of Moab's spiritual path and the justness of God's judgment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:7 offers a timeless warning: where do we place our trust? This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and identify what we rely on for security, happiness, and significance. Is it our financial stability, our accomplishments, our social status, or even our own abilities? Like Moab, we are prone to trusting in "works and treasures" – modern equivalents of wealth, career, or self-reliance – instead of putting our ultimate confidence in God.

The fate of Chemosh reminds us that anything we elevate above God will ultimately prove powerless and lead to disappointment or destruction. True security and peace are found only in placing our faith and reliance on the sovereign God who is able to deliver and sustain (Psalm 20:7, Proverbs 11:28). This verse calls us to repent of any misplaced trust and to turn our hearts fully to the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 21:29

    Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.

  • Jeremiah 49:3

    Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, [and] his priests and his princes together.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    ΒΆ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Psalms 52:7

    Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

  • Hosea 10:13

    Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Jeremiah 48:46

    Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.
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