Jeremiah 48:9

KJV

Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H5414} wings {H6731} unto Moab {H4124}, that it may flee {H5323} and get away {H3318}: for the cities {H5892} thereof shall be desolate {H8047}, without any to dwell {H3427} therein {H2004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give Mo'av wings, so it can fly and get away. Its cities will become ruins, with no one to live in them.

Berean Standard Bible

Put salt on Moab, for she will be laid waste; her cities will become desolate, with no one to dwell in them.

American Standard Version

Give wings unto Moab, that she may fly and get her away: and her cities shall become a desolation, without any to dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:9 is a stark prophetic utterance from the Lord concerning the utter and inescapable judgment awaiting Moab. Through vivid, ironic imagery, the prophet commands Moab to acquire wings to flee, highlighting the futility of escape from the impending devastation. The verse culminates in a declaration of complete desolation, emphasizing that Moab's cities will be left utterly uninhabited, a testament to the severity and comprehensive nature of divine retribution for their pride and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is part of a larger section in the book known as the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Jeremiah 46-51), where God pronounces judgment on various foreign peoples who have opposed His will or His people, Israel. Specifically, chapter 48 details a comprehensive and relentless judgment against Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea. This particular verse, Jeremiah 48:9, appears early in the oracle, setting the tone for the absolute nature of the coming destruction. The preceding verses describe the wailing and breaking of Moab, while subsequent verses detail the specific cities and inhabitants that will be destroyed, reinforcing the theme of inescapable doom. The imagery of "wings" here serves as a sarcastic command, underscoring the impossibility of escape from a judgment so severe that only supernatural flight could offer a chance of survival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a long-standing neighbor and often an adversary of Israel, tracing its lineage back to Lot (see [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Lot's Descendants")). Throughout biblical history, Moab was known for its pride, its worship of the idol Chemosh (mentioned in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")), and its frequent hostility towards Israel. The prophecy in Jeremiah is set against the backdrop of the rising Babylonian Empire, which God used as His instrument of judgment against many nations, including Judah and its neighbors. The desolation described for Moab was not merely a military defeat but a comprehensive dismantling of their national identity and habitation, a consequence of their persistent rebellion against God and their arrogant defiance. The cultural context includes the common practice of nations relying on their fortifications and alliances, which are here rendered useless by divine decree.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the broader book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign authority over all nations and His unwavering justice against sin, pride, and idolatry. The imagery of forced flight and utter desolation highlights the **Inevitability of Prophecy**—God's word will be fulfilled, and there is no true escape from His decreed judgment. The phrase "cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein" underscores the theme of **Total Ruin and Desolation**, signifying a complete end to Moab's societal and national existence. This judgment serves as a consequence of Moab's **Pride and Idolatry**, which are explicitly condemned elsewhere in the chapter (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Exceeding Pride")). The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **Futility of Worldly Security**, as Moab's strongholds and perceived safety prove useless in the face of divine wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wings (Hebrew, _tsîyts'_):** This word (H6731) primarily means "glistening," referring to a burnished plate, a flower (as bright-colored), or, as here, a wing (as gleaming in the air). In this context, "wings" conveys the idea of swift, desperate flight, emphasizing the urgency and impossibility of escaping the impending doom. The imagery suggests a sudden, almost miraculous, means of escape that Moab desperately needs but will not find.
* **flee (Hebrew, _nâtsâʼ'_):** This term (H5323), a primitive root, means "to go away" or "flee." It captures the essence of urgent flight, a desperate attempt to escape danger or destruction. Coupled with "wings," it paints a picture of a frantic, almost panicked, exodus, yet one that is ultimately destined to fail, as the judgment is comprehensive.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be stunned" or "to be desolate," this word (H8047) signifies ruin, waste, and by implication, consternation or astonishment. It describes a state of utter destruction and abandonment, emphasizing the complete and shocking nature of the judgment upon Moab's cities. It's not just emptiness, but an emptiness that evokes horror and awe at the extent of the devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give wings unto Moab":** This opening clause is a prophetic command, delivered with a biting irony. It is not a genuine offer of escape but a sarcastic challenge, implying that Moab's only hope of evading the coming judgment would be to sprout wings and fly away, an obvious impossibility. It highlights the absolute certainty and overwhelming nature of the impending destruction, from which there is no terrestrial escape.
* **"that it may flee and get away":** This phrase articulates the purpose of the hypothetical "wings"—to enable flight and escape. It underscores the desperate situation Moab will find itself in, where its very survival depends on a miraculous, swift departure. The repetition of "flee and get away" emphasizes the urgency and the desire for total evasion, even though it is presented as an unattainable fantasy.
* **"for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein":** This final clause reveals the grim reality behind the ironic command. It states the inevitable outcome of the judgment: Moab's urban centers, once symbols of its strength and pride, will be reduced to utter ruin. The phrase "without any to dwell therein" signifies a complete and permanent abandonment, a total cessation of life and habitation, leaving no survivors or residents. This confirms the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly in the command "Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away." This is not a genuine instruction but a sarcastic challenge, highlighting the utter impossibility of escape from God's judgment. It underscores the futility of any attempt by Moab to evade its fate. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by addressing Moab as if it were a living entity capable of receiving wings and fleeing, thereby intensifying the directness and poignancy of the prophetic message. Furthermore, the imagery of "wings" can be seen as a **Metaphor** for a desperate, yet ultimately futile, attempt at escape, while the declaration of cities being "desolate, without any to dwell therein" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and comprehensive nature of the destruction. It paints a picture of total annihilation, leaving no hope for recovery or repopulation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:9 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering justice. It reveals that the Lord's dominion extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, their pride, and their idolatry. The prophecy against Moab underscores the universal principle that persistent rebellion against divine truth and reliance on false gods or human strength inevitably lead to judgment. God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, ensuring that no nation or individual can ultimately escape the consequences of their defiance. This verse, therefore, stands as a solemn warning that worldly security and arrogant self-reliance are ultimately futile in the face of divine wrath.

* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "The Day of the Lord is at Hand")
* [Ezekiel 25:8](/ezekiel/25-8 "Judgment Against Moab")
* [Amos 2:1-3](/amos/2-1 "Judgment on Moab for Transgressions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:9, though a prophecy against an ancient nation, carries timeless truths for all generations. It powerfully reminds us of God's unyielding justice and His sovereignty over all creation. We are called to reflect on the futility of relying on our own strength, wealth, or worldly securities, for like Moab's cities, all human constructs are vulnerable to decay and divine judgment. This verse challenges us to examine areas of pride and idolatry in our own lives, urging us to humble ourselves before the Lord and to place our trust in Him alone. It serves as a somber warning that while God is merciful, He is also righteous, and there are inevitable consequences for persistent rebellion against His will. Ultimately, it calls us to repentance and a proper fear of the Lord, recognizing that true security is found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be prone to the same pride and self-reliance that characterized Moab?**
* **What "wings" or false securities do I sometimes rely on to escape the consequences of my choices, instead of turning to God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on sin inform my understanding of His character and my call to live righteously?**
* **What does "desolation" in this verse teach me about the ultimate end of all things not built upon God's truth?**

### FAQ
**Why did God pronounce such a severe judgment on Moab?**

Answer: God's judgment on Moab, as detailed throughout [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - The Prophecy Against Moab"), stemmed from several factors. Historically, Moab was an enemy of Israel, often oppressing God's people. Theologically, Moab was characterized by profound pride (see [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Exceeding Pride")) and deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh (referenced in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")). They mocked Israel in its distress and showed no compassion. This comprehensive judgment was a righteous response to their persistent rebellion against God's moral order and their consistent antagonism towards His covenant people.

**Does "Give wings unto Moab" mean God wanted them to escape?**

Answer: No, the phrase "Give wings unto Moab" is a powerful example of prophetic irony or sarcasm. It does not imply that God genuinely wished for Moab to escape His judgment. Instead, it underscores the utter impossibility and futility of any attempt to flee the impending doom. The imagery highlights that the destruction would be so pervasive and inescapable that only a miraculous, winged flight could offer a chance of survival, an option that was clearly not available to them. It emphasizes the absolute certainty and comprehensive nature of the divine judgment.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 48:9 focuses on judgment and desolation, it does not contradict God's character of love and mercy. Rather, it reveals the multifaceted nature of God, who is both loving and just. His love is demonstrated in His patience and repeated warnings to nations, including Moab, to turn from their wickedness. However, His justice demands that sin and rebellion eventually face consequences. This judgment, though severe, ultimately serves to uphold God's holiness and righteousness, demonstrating that He is a God who takes sin seriously and will not tolerate unrepentant evil indefinitely. Even within judgment, there is an underlying purpose of revealing God's ultimate authority and the necessity of turning to Him for true salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:9, while a prophecy of judgment against Moab, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The desperate, futile command for Moab to "Give wings... that it may flee and get away" powerfully foreshadows humanity's inherent inability to escape the judgment for sin by its own efforts. We, like Moab, are utterly helpless in the face of divine justice, unable to sprout "wings" of self-righteousness or good works to flee the consequences of our fallen nature. However, the New Testament reveals the ultimate "way of escape" not *from* judgment itself, but *through* judgment, in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of divine wrath on the cross, thus offering true refuge for all who believe (see [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). The desolation pronounced upon Moab's cities, "without any to dwell therein," stands in stark contrast to the new creation and the eternal dwelling place prepared for those in Christ (as described in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides not a temporary flight from destruction, but an eternal dwelling in His presence, transforming the desolate landscape of sin into a vibrant, redeemed reality. He is our ultimate refuge, the one who enables us to "flee" from the wrath to come by taking refuge in His finished work (see [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Hope in Christ")).

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 16:2

For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.

Psalms 11:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?

Jeremiah 48:28

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove [that] maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Revelation 12:14

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Jeremiah 46:19

O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.

Psalms 55:6

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest.