Jeremiah 48:8

KJV

And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the spoiler {H7703} shall come {H935} upon every city {H5892}, and no city {H5892} shall escape {H4422}: the valley {H6010} also shall perish {H6}, and the plain {H4334} shall be destroyed {H8045}, as the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A destroyer will descend on every city, no city will escape. The valley too will perish, the plain will be laid waste, as ADONAI as said.

Berean Standard Bible

The destroyer will move against every city, and not one town will escape. The valley will also be ruined, and the high plain will be destroyed, as the LORD has said.

American Standard Version

And the destroyer shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape; the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed; as Jehovah hath spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:8 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of God's comprehensive and inescapable judgment upon Moab, foretelling that an invading "spoiler" will utterly devastate every city, valley, and plain. This divine pronouncement underscores the absolute nature of God's retribution against a nation characterized by profound pride and persistent idolatry, emphatically stating that no part of their territory or society would be spared, all unfolding precisely "as the LORD hath spoken."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a meticulously detailed oracle of judgment directed specifically against Moab, forming part of a larger collection of "oracles against the nations" found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Oracles Against the Nations"). Within this chapter, the prophet Jeremiah systematically outlines the impending destruction of Moab, starkly contrasting their deeply entrenched pride and deceptive self-sufficiency with the unchallengeable sovereignty and power of God. The verses immediately preceding verse 8 ([Jeremiah 48:1-7](/jeremiah/48-1-7 "Jeremiah 48:1-7 - Moab's Impending Downfall")) introduce the lament over Moab's downfall, describing the shame and ruin of their prominent cities and the humiliation of their national idol, Chemosh. Verse 8 deepens this grim picture, moving beyond specific urban centers to a sweeping declaration of total ruin that encompasses all geographical features—cities, valleys, and plains—thereby reinforcing the absolute and comprehensive nature of the decreed judgment. It serves as a climactic statement of the inescapable devastation, laying the groundwork for further laments and detailed descriptions of Moab's ultimate humiliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation situated to the east of the Dead Sea, tracing its lineage back to Lot, Abraham's nephew ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). Throughout much of Israel's history, Moab frequently acted as an adversary, noted for its pervasive pride ([Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Arrogance")), its deep-seated idolatry (particularly the worship of the abhorrent deity Chemosh, as referenced in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, the Abomination of Moab")), and its occasional oppression of the Israelites. The fertile plains and valleys of Moab contributed significantly to their prosperity, which in turn fostered a strong sense of self-reliance and arrogance, leading them to believe they were impregnable. The "spoiler" mentioned in the prophecy is widely understood by scholars to refer to the formidable Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar, who served as God's divinely appointed instrument of judgment against various defiant nations in the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. This prophecy, delivered by Jeremiah, was set against a backdrop of intense geopolitical upheaval, where the ascendance of Babylon signaled a dramatic shift in regional power and the impending judgment of God upon nations, including Judah and its neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Jeremiah and the broader corpus of prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating unequivocally that God is not merely the covenant God of Israel but the supreme and sovereign ruler over all nations, holding them strictly accountable for their actions, especially their pride, idolatry, and rebellion. Secondly, it highlights the **Inescapable Consequences of Rebellion**, illustrating with stark clarity that persistent and unrepentant sin against God's moral order inevitably leads to severe and comprehensive retribution, leaving no place of refuge or escape. The universality of the destruction—encompassing "every city," "valley," and "plain"—underscores this inescapable reality. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Reliability and Certainty of God's Word**, as the concluding phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" serves as a powerful affirmation that divine prophecies are not mere speculative predictions but authoritative declarations that will unfailingly come to pass. This showcases God's absolute faithfulness to His word, whether it issues a warning of impending judgment or a promise of future blessing, resonating with the assurance found in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoiler (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** From H7703, meaning "to be burly," "powerful," but by implication, "to ravage," "destroy," "oppress," or "spoil." In this context, it refers to a destructive invading force, a "destroyer" or "plunderer" that will violently lay waste to Moab. The active participle emphasizes the relentless, aggressive, and utterly devastating nature of this agent of divine destruction.
* **Escape (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** From H4422, meaning "to be smooth," and by implication, "to escape" (as if by slipperiness), "to release," or "rescue." The phrase "no city shall escape" signifies the utter impossibility of evasion or deliverance from the impending judgment. It conveys a profound sense of being trapped with no viable way out, emphasizing the comprehensive and unavoidable nature of the divine decree.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to the self-Existent or Eternal One, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. The deliberate use of this sacred covenant name here underscores that the judgment is not random, arbitrary, or merely a consequence of geopolitical forces, but is meticulously orchestrated and executed by the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is also the sovereign ruler over all nations. His immutable divine character guarantees the certainty, righteousness, and ultimate fulfillment of the spoken judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the spoiler shall come upon every city":** This opening clause introduces the primary agent of destruction—a "spoiler" or destroyer, most likely the formidable Babylonian army—and immediately establishes the universal reach of its destructive campaign. The phrase "every city" signifies that no urban center within Moab, regardless of its fortifications, strategic importance, or prosperity, will be exempt from the impending, sweeping devastation.
* **"and no city shall escape":** This phrase serves to intensify the preceding declaration, powerfully emphasizing the absolute lack of refuge or possibility of evasion. It highlights the utter futility of any attempt at resistance, flight, or self-preservation, asserting with certainty that the judgment will be inescapable and total for all of Moab's urban populations.
* **"the valley also shall perish":** The scope of destruction dramatically expands beyond the urban centers to encompass the natural landscape, specifically including the "valley" (Hebrew, _ʻêmeq'_). This refers to the fertile lowlands and broad depressions, which were crucial for Moab's agricultural productivity and sustenance. This indicates that even the vital, productive areas of Moab, essential for its economic and social fabric, will be utterly destroyed and rendered desolate.
* **"and the plain shall be destroyed":** Complementing the previous clause, "the plain" (Hebrew, _mîyshôwr'_) refers to the level, often elevated, and highly cultivated regions of Moab. This synonymous parallelism powerfully underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, demonstrating that it will affect both the low-lying and higher, fertile areas, ensuring that no part of the land's territory will remain untouched. The word "destroyed" (Hebrew, _shâmad'_) implies a desolation so profound that it brings to nought, utterly annihilating what was.
* **"as the LORD hath spoken":** This concluding phrase functions as the ultimate validation, authoritative explanation, and divine guarantee for the entire prophecy. It unequivocally declares that the impending, widespread destruction is not a random, unforeseen calamity, but the direct, certain, and unfailing fulfillment of God's authoritative, spoken word. It serves to underscore God's absolute sovereignty over history, human events, and the destiny of nations, affirming the unimpeachable reliability of His divine declarations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:8 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey the overwhelming severity and unwavering certainty of Moab's impending judgment. **Hyperbole** is strikingly evident in the phrases "every city" and "no city shall escape," which, while perhaps not implying the literal destruction of every single dwelling, powerfully communicates the overwhelming, comprehensive, and inescapable nature of the devastation, leaving virtually no place of safety or refuge. **Parallelism** is utilized with great effect in the clause "the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the idea of total destruction, extending the judgment from urban centers to the entire geographical landscape of Moab, emphasizing that no part of its territory, whether low-lying or elevated, would be spared. The "spoiler" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the abstract concept of destruction or the destructive force itself is powerfully represented by the concrete agent carrying it out (the invading army). Finally, the concluding phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" acts as a profound **Divine Fiat**, asserting God's absolute authority, unwavering faithfulness, and the immutable certainty of His prophetic word, serving as the ultimate guarantor of the prophecy's inevitable fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:8 stands as a profound testament to the unyielding justice and absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and human endeavors. It unequivocally reveals that national pride, pervasive idolatry, and persistent hostility towards God's chosen people do not go unpunished. The comprehensive and inescapable nature of Moab's destruction underscores the terrifying severity of divine judgment when a nation defiantly and persistently rebels against the Creator's moral order. This judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but is the direct, righteous consequence of God's spoken word, powerfully affirming His faithfulness and integrity to His declarations, whether they promise blessing or warn of curse. It serves as a stark and timeless reminder that all earthly powers and perceived strengths are ultimately accountable to the Most High, and their self-reliance and arrogance are utterly futile before His omnipotence.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "The Day of the Lord's Judgment")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "The Lord's Vengeance and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:8 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and societies. Firstly, it calls us to a sober and reverent recognition of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, human history, and individual lives. No power, no matter how formidable, self-assured, or seemingly impregnable, stands outside His ultimate authority and scrutiny. This truth should instill in us both profound reverence for His unblemished justice and unwavering confidence in His ultimate control: reverence for the holiness that demands accountability, and confidence that His righteous purposes will unfailingly prevail. Secondly, the prophecy against Moab's pervasive pride and misguided self-sufficiency serves as a potent and timeless warning against these very sins in our own lives, communities, and national policies. When we or our societies rely solely on our own strength, accumulate wealth as our ultimate security, or trust in human wisdom rather than on God's divine guidance and provision, we inevitably set ourselves up for a profound and painful fall. The certainty that "no city shall escape" reminds us that there is no hiding place from God's righteous scrutiny and judgment. This inescapable reality should lead us to cultivate deep humility, genuine repentance, and a profound, unwavering trust in God's word, which is always true and unfailing, whether it promises blessing or warns of judgment. It compels us to diligently examine our own hearts and the foundational values of our societies, ensuring that our security and hope are built not on fleeting earthly securities, but on the enduring and immutable truth of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Moab challenge our own complacency regarding sin, both personally and within our societies?**
* **In what specific ways might we, like ancient Moab, be prone to the sins of pride or self-reliance, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate genuine humility before God?**
* **What profound comfort or solemn warning do you draw from the concluding phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" regarding the unfailing and authoritative nature of God's word in your life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "spoiler" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "spoiler" is widely understood by biblical scholars to refer to the powerful Babylonian army, led by King Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout the Old Testament, God frequently used formidable empires, such as Babylon, as instruments of His divine judgment against nations that had defied Him, including Moab, as extensively detailed throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab").

**Why was Moab singled out for such severe judgment by God?**

Answer: Moab was singled out for severe judgment for several deeply rooted reasons, primarily their persistent and arrogant pride ([Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Arrogance and Defiance")), their pervasive idolatry (especially the worship of the detestable god Chemosh), their misplaced self-sufficiency and trust in their own material wealth and perceived strength rather than in God, and their long history of hostility and contempt towards God's chosen people, Israel. Their prolonged prosperity had tragically led them to forget God and elevate themselves in defiance of His sovereignty.

**Does this prophecy imply that God is arbitrary or cruel in His judgments?**

Answer: No, this prophecy does not imply that God is arbitrary or cruel. Instead, it serves as a powerful demonstration of His perfect justice, unwavering holiness, and moral rectitude. God's judgments are never random acts of cruelty; they are always righteous and measured responses to sustained rebellion, unrepentant sin, and defiant rejection of His moral law. The severity of the judgment pronounced upon Moab reflects the profound depth and long-standing nature of their sin, serving as a solemn warning to all nations and individuals that God holds all accountable for their actions. It underscores His absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and justice in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 48:8 speaks of a temporal, earthly judgment executed upon the nation of Moab, its profound theological truths find their ultimate and most significant Christ-centered fulfillment. The "spoiler" that comes upon every city, valley, and plain powerfully foreshadows the universal dominion of sin and death, a pervasive enemy that spares no one and from which no earthly power or human effort can "escape." Yet, in Jesus Christ, we witness the ultimate "spoiler" of sin and death decisively defeated. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His victorious death and glorious resurrection, He "disarmed the powers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), triumphing over the spiritual forces that once held humanity captive in their grip. The inescapable judgment pronounced on Moab points to the equally inescapable spiritual judgment that awaits all who reject God's gracious offer of salvation, yet Christ bore that very judgment on the cross, offering a glorious escape from eternal condemnation for all who believe in Him ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-12 - Life in the Spirit")). Furthermore, the solemn phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" finds its most profound and resounding echo in the perfect fulfillment of all God's promises and prophecies in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). All divine declarations, whether of judgment or of salvation, find their emphatic "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The temporal destruction of earthly kingdoms like Moab ultimately serves to point forward to the establishment of an eternal, unshakable kingdom through Christ, a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" and will endure forever ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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 6:26

O daughter of my people, gird [thee] with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, [as for] an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

Joshua 13:21

And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, [which were] dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

Joshua 13:9

From Aroer, that [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

Joshua 13:17

Heshbon, and all her cities that [are] in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Ezekiel 25:9

Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities [which are] on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

Jeremiah 48:18

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from [thy] glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, [and] he shall destroy thy strong holds.